{"id":235761,"date":"2026-04-17T15:48:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/235761\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T15:48:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:48:09","slug":"weekend-digest-tampa-april-18-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/235761\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekend Digest Tampa April 18 &#038; 19"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here&#8217;s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.<\/p>\n<p>This weekend will continue sunny and warm, but with a shift in the winds late weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Saturday will be mostly sunny and warm with highs near 90 inland, but cooler in the 80s in coastal areas.<\/p>\n<p>Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the 60s.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs in the 80s. Winds will increase from the northwest late in the day.<\/p>\n<p>Beach and boating<\/p>\n<p>Beach conditions will be great this weekend with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Boating conditions will also be good this weekend. The best boating day will be Saturday. Winds will increase Sunday afternoon from the northwest.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WEEKEND_Digital.jpg\" class=\"hashed-image\" img-data-alignment=\"center\" img-data-width=\"percent-hundred\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/weather\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Your Hour-by-Hour Forecast<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/weather\/radar\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check Klystron 9 Radar<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/weather\/2025\/04\/28\/tracking-the-tropics-2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Latest on the Tropics<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/tropical\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tropical Weather Graphics<\/a><\/p>\n<p>PINELLAS<\/p>\n<p>Women of Jazz XIX | Sunday, 4 p.m. &#8211; 6 p.m. | $10 &#8211; $55:\u00a0In celebration of the rich and lasting contributions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aldowningjazz.com\/events\/women-of-jazz-xix\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">women have made to our history<\/a> and culture,\u00a0Valerie Gillespie\u00a0leads this year\u2019s Women of Jazz XIX concert, featuring an exceptional ensemble of artists.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/G1aJUuxsvGmtWFB47\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Palladium Hough Hall |\u00a0253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ceramic Exhibitions | Sunday, 10 a.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.:\u00a0Alexia Benavent-Rivera shares her ceramic dominos, relief photo tiles, and colorful banana bunches in a celebration of connecting with home and identity. Jenny Day displays an army of whimsical clay creatures surrounding an imaginary birthday party, using the fantastic and mystical to edge worry away.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/7MP6av8hgYZ6EBP98\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Morean Center for Clay |\u00a0420 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712<\/a><\/p>\n<p>4th Annual Tampa Bay Empanada Festival\u00a0| Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. &#8211; 8 p.m. | $5:\u00a0Whether you&#8217;re a foodie, a family looking for a fun outing, or just someone who loves a good time, this festival has something for everyone. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventliveus.com\/event\/10363\/tamapa-bay-empanada-festival-2024?utm_source=tampabay.com&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Explore 50+ empanada varieties<\/a> from 15+ local and regional vendors, sip on craft beers and curated cocktails, and groove to live music from great local DJs.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/pCqcr1o6TBddXGwA6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Win! Derby at Historic Derby Lane St Petersburg |\u00a010490 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702<\/a><\/p>\n<p>HILLSBOROUGH<\/p>\n<p>Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. &#8211; 3 p.m.:\u00a0This family and pet friendly event will feature <a href=\"https:\/\/www.keelfarms.com\/festivals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">U-pick blueberries<\/a>, local crafts and food, kids zone, petting zoo, camel rides and more! Parking is $10.<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/hgVwyeBhkaRHGQh28\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Keel Farms |\u00a05202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Breakaway Music Festival Tampa 2026 | Saturday, 4 p.m. &#8211; 12 a.m. | $136+: The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breakawayfestival.com\/festival\/tampa-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">electronic music festival<\/a> returns for its third year, featuring artists such as Dom Dolla and KETTAMA.<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/2uLGQTejK3pnCciF9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Raymond James Stadium |\u00a04201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tampa Bay Downs Corgi Derby | Saturday, 6 p.m. &#8211; 8 p.m. | $13: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/general-admission-2026-corgi-derby-tampa-bay-downs-registration-1978551661280?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View adorable Corgis<\/a> racing down the track in spirited heats. Join us for laughter, community, and stubby-leg speed while supporting CorgiAid, helping Corgis in need.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/VFnoVPF3CRmbhxxLA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tampa Bay Downs |\u00a011225 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626<\/a><\/p>\n<p>POLK<\/p>\n<p>Sun &#8216;n Fun Aerospace Expo | Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. | $20+:\u00a0Mark your calendars for aviation\u2019s season opener during the 52nd Annual\u00a0Sun &#8216;n Fun Aerospace Expo.\u00a0Spend time reviewing the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/flysnf.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">event website<\/a>\u00a0for the airshow schedule, workshop and forum schedules, evening entertainment, etc. Plan indoor activities like the Exhibit Halls early in the day when it\u2019s cooler.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TFFKx4J1wkWdokFC8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aerospace Center for Excellence |\u00a04075 James C. Ray Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811<\/a><\/p>\n<p>World of Reading | Saturday, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.:\u00a0At the World of Reading Festival, you\u2019ll find crafts, kids activities, balloon artists, face painters, snacks and drinks. The event will also include local family friendly singer and entertainer, Jack Hartmann.\u00a0Each child that attends the event will also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jlgl.org\/events\/world-of-reading-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">receive free books<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/STaa5XPmepB8ZPne7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Barnett Family Park |\u00a0730 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lakeland Foodie Fest | Saturday, 12 p.m. &#8211; 7 p.m.: Bring your stretchy pants! Enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/1584715412808857\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">food trucks lined up<\/a> and loaded, dessert tables that&#8217;ll make you forget your diet, live music keeping the vibes right, and local vendors bringing the heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/CQM8vb4ajn1ZsNFp8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Lakeland Square Mall |\u00a03800 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809<\/a><\/p>\n<p>PASCO<\/p>\n<p>2nd Annual Land O&#8217; Lakes Seafood Festival | Saturday, 12 p.m. &#8211; 6 p.m. | $10 &#8211; $15: There will be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2nd-annual-land-o-lakes-seafood-festival-tickets-1964560777169?aff=oddtdtcreator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">fresh seafood<\/a>, cold drinks, and three live bands that will keep the island vibes going all day long.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1kt86BzJv4HDgosVA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Land O&#8217; Lakes Heritage Park |\u00a05401 Land O&#8217; Lakes Blvd, Land O&#8217; Lakes, FL 34639<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Concert in the Park: The Caribbean Chillers | Saturday, 7 p.m. &#8211; 9 p.m.:\u00a0Florida\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportrichey.org\/Events-directory\/Concert-in-the-Park-The-Caribbean-Chillers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">favorite tribute to Jimmy Buffett<\/a> returns to the stage at Sims Park. Parrot Heads are invited to soak in the sights, sounds, and laid-back spirit of a live Jimmy Buffett experience.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ZDSMC3MGj6trR9Ff9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sims Park |\u00a0Grand Blvd &amp;, Bank St, New Port Richey, FL 34652<\/a><\/p>\n<p>HERNANDO<\/p>\n<p>MANATEE<\/p>\n<p>Palmetto Chalk Art Festival | Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.:\u00a0This free, family-friendly event features artists transforming the streets into <a href=\"https:\/\/discoverbradenton.com\/bradentonevents\/palmetto-chalk-art-festival-at-sutton-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">vibrant chalk masterpieces<\/a> throughout the weekend. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and a variety of craft vendors, along with a dedicated free chalk area for kids to create their own designs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/trtC88hrD5oxf4GeA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sutton Park |\u00a01036 6th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Friendly City Art Festival | Sunday, 12 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.:\u00a0Buy art from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bradentongulfislands.com\/event\/friendly-city-art-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">real life human artists<\/a> and support Bradenton&#8217;s local creative economy.<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/4qqSCAoApa3azYZb6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Oscura |\u00a0816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Earth Day Manatee | Saturday, 9 a.m.: Join Keep Manatee Beautiful\u00a0for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/cc\/earth-day-manatee-4826740\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">countywide day of action<\/a> in Bradenton and Palmetto. Help plant trees, beautify public spaces, install planters, and remove litter to protect wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/cc\/earth-day-manatee-4826740\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bradenton and Palmetto<\/a><\/p>\n<p>CITRUS<\/p>\n<p>SARASOTA<\/p>\n<p>Big Truck Day | Saturday, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.:\u00a0Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the Atlanta Braves present Big Truck Day! Pull the levers, honk the horns and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escape-to-sarasota.com\/april-sarasota-events.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">explore over 50 trucks<\/a>\u00a0with hands-on learning and crafting activities.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/j72cs46SsXnJPSXm7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CoolToday Park |\u00a018800 W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293<\/a><\/p>\n<p>North Port Collector Con | Saturday, 9 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.:\u00a0There will be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northportcollectorcon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">diverse range of collectibles<\/a>, from vintage toys, comics, coins, and cards to rare memorabilia.\u00a0It&#8217;s a free event with proceeds benefitting Suncoast Technical College.<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LDEPwHmzZXGR3YgY7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Suncoast Technical College |\u00a04445 Career Ln, North Port, FL 34289<\/a><\/p>\n<p>5th Annual Fire and Police Public Safety Day | Saturday, 10 a.m. &#8211; 2 p.m.:\u00a0Fun for the whole family, the free event will include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/veniceflfiredept\/posts\/%EF%B8%8F-the-city-of-venice-will-present-its-5th-fire-and-police-public-safety-day-even\/1278085994474512\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">first responder vehicles and big trucks<\/a> that children can sit in and learn about, demonstrations every half-hour, photo ID cards for kids, free food, face painting and more.<\/p>\n<p>Location: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/9fc3hW2kPH5YYrW66\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Venice Community Center |\u00a0326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285<\/a><br \/>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">For more events going on in your area, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/calendar\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Community Calendar &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/15\/desantis-issues-new-proclamation-for-redistricting-special-session\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DeSantis issues new proclamation for redistricting special session<\/a><br \/>\n2.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/11\/tampa-woman-becomes-homeowner-at-59-after-years-of-renting\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa woman becomes homeowner at 59 after years of renting<\/a><br \/>\n3.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/15\/fort-meade-data-center-approved-despite-residents-concerns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fort Meade commissioners pass development agreement for data center, despite pushback from residents<\/a><br \/>\n4.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/15\/sickle-cell-law-for-doctors\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New law will require training for doctors treating sickle cell patients<\/a><br \/>\n5.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/13\/clearwater-neighbor-raises-safety-concerns-at-countryside-boulevard-and-belcher-road-\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Clearwater neighbor raises safety concerns at Countryside Boulevard and Belcher Road<\/a><br \/>\n6.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\/2026\/04\/13\/keystone-hotel-heritage-site-\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">St. Pete Beach hotel declared a Florida heritage site<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/fl\/tampa\/news\" style=\"text-decoration: none;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tap\/Click here for more headlines &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/downtown_st_pete_skyline.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"hashed-image image\" img-data-alignment=\"center\" img-data-width=\"percent-hundred\" loading=\"lazy\" img-data-caption=\"Location: Downtown St. Petersburg  Courtesy: Carol Hollenbeck\" img-data-wrap-text=\"true\" img-data-editing=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Location: Downtown St. Petersburg | Courtesy: Carol Hollenbeck<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/baynews9.com\/weatherphotos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Share your weather photos with us!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here&#8217;s a look at the news and what events are going on&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":234085,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[115,275,135,137,136,9593],"class_list":["post-235761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tampa","tag-news","tag-spectrum-news-staff","tag-tampa","tag-tampa-headlines","tag-tampa-news","tag-weekend-briefing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/234085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}