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Patrick Sidwell

Senior Product Editor

Patrick went to the University of South Florida before working in radio news for iHeartMedia. Now a resident of Portland, Maine, you’ll find him at live events with a plate of good food, browsing the exhibits at a local museum, or exploring New England with his dogs.

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A shot of Airside F at Tampa International Airport at night. There is a brooding sunset in the background, with deep red, purple, and orange tones. Floodlights light the airport and cars drive past the terminal.
Travel and Outdoors
Catch a direct domestic flight from Tampa International Airport
If you just can’t stand the thought of another layover, you’re in the right place.
February 21, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Three fire trucks sit under blue skies and a bright sun. They are labeled "Tampa Fire Rescue" and have red + yellow stripes.
Tampa Fire Rescue unveils new fleet
New resources are intended to increase safety and decrease response times.
February 19, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Flooding in the Coffee Pot Bayou area. There is standing water in the road with trees above and houses lining the street.
City
Prepare for hurricane season with the Pinellas County Special Needs Evacuation Assistance Program
We rounded up info about the program, how to register, and what to expect.
February 19, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
People carrying a long paper dragon. The animal is orange and there are green plants in the background in Water Works Park.
Get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the Tampa Bay area
Water Works Park is ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
February 15, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Crystal River shines blue. It is surrounded by trees.
Culture
Choose a day trip for us
We’ve got wanderlust — where do you want to see us go?
February 13, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A close up shot of a rose with water petals on it. The red rose is surrounded by dark green leaves.
Culture
A sonnet for TBAY
Valentine’s Day has got us in our feelings for the most wonderful place to be.
February 13, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The storefront at Leafy Luv Affair. The owners are stood alongside an array of green plants, as well as two dogs — a small white one and a larger grey one.
Spruce up your home with an indoor plant from this soon-to-close store
Leafy Luv Affair is closing its Hyde Park Village doors for the final time on Thursday, Feb. 29.
February 9, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Preston Rudie is wearing a blue jacket and beanie with his arms spread wide. He is up a mountain and a blanket of clouds is behind him, stretching into the distance like a carpet.
Business
Tampa Bay’s movers and shakers: Preston Rudie
Learn more about the business owner, CEO, storyteller, and adventurer helping to shape our area’s future.
February 9, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The end of Bayshore Boulevard in downtown Tampa. High rises are visible behind the walkway.
Culture
Guinness World Records set in Tampa Bay
We rounded up some world records set in the Tampa Bay area.
February 7, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Murals at Perry Harvey Sr Park depicting Black icons of the Tampa Bay area. The murals are in black and white and apartment complexes are in the background.
Culture
Black History Month events in the Tampa Bay area
Book these events into your calendar, from walks to talks and exhibitions.
February 7, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The exterior of Crisp and Green in Water Street Tampa. There are two couples walking in front of the glass storefront, arm in arm, and another couple sitting to the left at a metal table under a tree.
Sponsored
Try This: A day of self-care in Water Street Tampa
From pilates and salads to spa-like nail salons, Water Street Tampa is positively overflowing with self-care spots.
Sponsored by
Sneakers are being laced in an up-close shot. The shoe is resting against a bench with hands tying the laces.
Culture
Lace up those sneakers for 3 upcoming Tampa Bay area running events
It’s running season, TBAY. Let’s get moving.
February 5, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A shot of highrise buildings in downtwon Tampa. The sun is shining on the towers and there are palm trees in the foreground.
City
Check out 9 lists with high rankings for the Tampa Bay area
Here are some of the lists and rankings which showcase the optimism around and growth within the Tampa Bay area.
February 5, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Two workers pave over a pothole. They have long brushes and the asphalt is darker over the patches they are working on.
City
How to report potholes in the Tampa Bay area
You have the power to fix the roads.
February 1, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is airborne as he attempts to catch a football. There is a Baltimore Ravens player closing him down.
Culture
This St. Pete native is heading to a second straight Super Bowl
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a legend in the Tampa Bay area.
January 30, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A corndog at the Florida State Fair. The words "#FL State Fair" are written on the corndog in ketchup and mustart. There are blue skies in the background above a variety of food trucks and stalls.
Events
Get ready for February with these Tampa Bay area events
There’s a lot coming up in the second month of the year, including an extra day at the end.
January 30, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Colorful beads sit in a truck bed of all different colors, ready to be thrown out into Gasparilla crowds. The small circular objects are piled high.
City
Help clean up after Gasparilla
There are a few different ways to keep our area clean after the Gasparilla festivities.
January 26, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A stack of pancakes. There is caramel syrup drizzing on the top with bananas, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and they are on a white plate and white surface.
Live
50+ brunch spots in Tampa Bay
TBAY restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
January 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
An up-close shot of a Hillsborough County school bus. No one is on board.
Educate yourself with 4 Tampa Bay area schools updates
Here’s a quick roundup of some education news in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
January 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Someone throws beads from a flat at Gasparilla. The beads are in mid-air and the sky is clear.
City
Keep Gasparilla beads out of Tampa Bay with the Florida Aquarium
Check out how to put those Gasparilla beads to good use.
January 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
An up-close shot of a box of donuts from Duck Donuts. There are different types of donut with sprinkles, frosting, chocolate, and other toppings.
Culture
Check out 3 new + upcoming Tampa Bay area restaurant chain locations
You might know the names, but they’re coming to new spots.
January 22, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Children aboard a Gasparilla pirate ship float. They are throwing beads into the crowd, dressed like pirates.
Culture
Children’s Gasparilla Parade preview
Get ready for the Tampa Bay area’s biggest kid-centered event of the year.
January 18, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Crystal River shines blue. It is surrounded by trees.
Culture
10 day trips from the Tampa Bay area
If you want to hit the road, but not go too far, you’re in the right place.
January 18, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Two people clink champagne flutes on a boat. There is water in front of them.
Events
Get ready for the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
If you’re gonna need a bigger boat, you’re in the right place.
January 16, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A school zone sign. There are trees in the background, and the sign says 15 mph when flashing.
City
Drive safe — speed cameras are coming to Hillsborough County schools
The measure was approved by Tampa City Council last week.
January 12, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The front of a luxurious home in Tampa's Westshore neighborhood. The walls are white with red-tiled roofing, and greenery surrounds the home.
City
Hot Homes: 6 waterfront properties for sale
If you’re looking for a waterfront spot to buy, or just feel like some Zillow window shopping, this is the place for you.
January 12, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A green City of Tampa recycling bin. A road with cars is in the background.
City
Learn more about recycling in the Tampa Bay area
We’re here to provide information on recycling practices in the Tampa Bay area, to help protect our home.
January 10, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A mural lines two building's walls. It is blue with clouds, gems, and other bright colors.
Culture
Check out Seminole Heights’ newest mural
The mural was unveiled in early 2024 in the Seminole Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Two people sit by the piano in Ybor. A dog is under the stool and Seventh Ave is in the background.
City
Play a tune on one of Tampa’s 12 upcoming public pianos
A dozen of the instrument will be placed around the city.
January 8, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A helicopter flies over Raymond James Stadium before Super Bowl LV. Tampa's skyline is visible in the background.
Culture
Fire the cannons — the Bucs are heading to the playoffs
Check out how to cheer on the team as they make it to the playoffs for the fourth year in a row
January 8, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
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