Tampa Should Reopen Rays Ballpark Talks: Mayor

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https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/10/09/tampa-should-reopen-rays-ballpark-talks-mayor/

Tampa Should Reopen Rays Ballpark Talks: Mayor

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says representatives from throughout the region should meet with the team in an effort to restart new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark talks, as the team’s success in the playoffs may revive stalled discussions.

The effort to replace St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field was previously focused on Tampa’s Ybor City, where a proposal for a new $892-million ballpark (rendering above) was discussed throughout much of last year. The Rays ultimately walked away from negotiations in December, believing that the plan was financially unfeasible. Since then it’s been all quiet on the new-ballpark front–in Tampa, at least.

But with new details emerging on a Montreal ballpark and the realization that the team could walk away at the end of its Tropicana Field lease, there’s apparently the feeling that it’s time to revive ballpark talks on a regional level. There are an abundance of options here: besides bringing the Ybor City proposal back for consideration, there’s also the potential of building a new ballpark at the Tropicana Field site, and there’s also the potential of looking elsewhere in Tampa–say, near Raymond James Stadium–for a site that would combine development and a new facility. Castor’s point is that the talks need to occur in more than just on a city or county level. Tampa is a hot market right now, and the right development / ballpark proposal could keep the team in Tampa Bay. From the Tampa Bay Times:

“I really feel like we should probably maybe just start over again,” Castor said as she greeted people behind home plate at Tropicana Field on Tuesday. “Everybody just come back to the table and start over again. Finding out what the Rays want and need, and then which community can best fulfill those needs.”…

Castor confirmed there are not any active talks to bring a stadium and the Rays to Tampa or Hillsborough County. She said the Rays’ playoff run reminds the community of the need to work together to keep the team in Tampa Bay.

“We need to support that as a region and show the Rays we want them here,” Castor said. “I just want to sit down and have those discussions with the Rays. If it’s in conjunction with St. Pete, with Pinellas, with Hillsborough, with Tampa, just bring everybody together and figure out what’s best for the region.”

Currently there’s little appetite for tax dollars going for a new Rays ballpark, as Castor stressed. But the rules might change a little if there’s a proposal for a development that financially supports a Rays ballpark.

Rendering courtesy Tampa Bay Rays.

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https://www.abcactionnews.com/sports/mayor-castor-talks-for-where-rays-should-call-home-should-go-back-to-the-beginning

Mayor Castor: Talks for where Rays should call home should go back to the beginning

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tropicana Field was filled with more than 30,000 loud, screaming fans for Tuesday’s game against the Astros.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was front and center at Tuesday’s game, tweeting out support before the game.

Jane Castor
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@JaneCastor
 The only thing the @astros are going to be able to say when @RaysBaseball are done with them is ,“Houston, we’ve got a problem.” #RaysUp #StayHungry

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Castor said she believes all the key players on the future of the Rays should go back to the beginning.

“Maybe we just start over, with some of the talks, and bringing in the entire region, making sure we make a decision as a Tampa Bay area of where the best location may be for a stadium ,” she said.

Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan have been strong supporters for moving the Rays across the bay.

However, Mayor Rick Kriseman, will not be commenting on any other ideas.

He has stated publicly that there will be no Rays talks during the playoffs.

Full Circle: The uncertain future of the Tampa Bay Rays
ABC Action News anchor Paul Lagrone did a special Full Circle report on the future of the Rays.

There’s been plenty of criticism and questions about Rays owner Stuart Sternberg’s plan to share the team with Montreal but few answers.

But all the other major players who shape the Rays' future did go on record and had a lot to say, including Kriseman, who sat down with LaGrone just days before he would meet with the Rays owner for the third time since the team announced in June that it wants to split its season between here and Canada.

"If we were to get to a point where we allowed the Rays to explore the split season, I believe and I may be wrong on this, but I believe it would end up showing that the challenges are too great," Kriseman told LaGrone in September.

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https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/rays-excitement-grows-tampa-mayor-says-focus-playoffs-not-ballpark-talks

As Rays' Excitement Grows, Tampa Mayor Says Focus Is On Playoffs, Not Ballpark Talks

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is arm in arm with Rays Mascot Raymond at a watch party

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor roots on the Tampa Bay Rays with mascot Raymond at a watch party earlier in the Rays-Astros playoff series. She said talks for a new ballpark will have to wait. CREDIT: JANE CASTOR/CITY OF TAMPA VIA TWITTER

The Tampa Bay Rays are heading to Houston for a deciding Game 5 Thursday night with the Astros as watch parties around the region gear up.

The Rays revealed their official watch locations on Wednesday afternoon: Sparkman Wharf in downtown Tampa and North Straub Park and Park & Rec in St. Petersburg.

Listen Listening...1:07 As the Rays keep winning, the issue of a new ballpark remains.
The team’s playoff run also renewed questions about a new ballpark after St. Pete officials gave the green light for talks to resume across the bay.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was exuberant on the day after the Rays victory. She says the crowd and excitement for Game 4 shows that the region can support the team.

Like the Rays, however, she says she is taking negotiations one game at a time.

"The only thing that we're focused on right now is getting to the World Series,” Castor said Wednesday. “And once we bring home that trophy, we'll find out where the best location is to store it."

A proposal to move the Rays to Ybor City failed last year. No other relocation sites have surfaced since.

Rays fans spent Wednesday on Twitter awaiting word about the watch party locations and hoping -- to no avail -- that the team would open the Trop to TV viewers.

#RaysUp
@TBwinningtheWS
 How could I forget about the Trop. How about a @RaysBaseball watch party there?!? https://twitter.com/tbwinningthews/status/1181908609187360769 …

#RaysUp
@TBwinningtheWS
Sooooo @RaysBaseball watch party at Al Lang Stadium again?

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11:21 AM - Oct 9, 2019
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Marybeth
@marybeth_f37
 Me waiting for Game 5 watch party details @RaysBaseball

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The official Rays parties are set for:

Straub Park - North Downtown Waterfront Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg. The site is off Beach Drive between 4th and 5th Avenues NE. Live music from George Pennington starts at 5:30. The party will feature food and beverage vendors but Rays fan can also bring their own food.  Bring a low lawn chair and/or blankets, pets allowed, door prizes, DJ Kitty and the Rays Street Team will be present.

Park & Rec, 100 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg.  The Rays Street Team will be on hand, along with drink specials such as $3 Budweiser tallboys and $4 cowbell shots. The event gets started at 5 p.m.

Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. The party starts at 5 p.m., with the Rays Street Team and pictures with Rays mascot Raymond.

Other watch party sites announced on social media include:

Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. The iconic bar across from Tropicana Field boasts 84 television screens inside and will have a large-screen TV truck outside. Watch party doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game.

The Lure, 661 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. The party starts at 7 p.m.

World of Beer Westchase, 9524 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa. The watch party is co-hosted by Blend Lounge.

Linksters Tap Room, 1911 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon.

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/expansion/miami/mls-expansion-inter-miami-cf-usl-league-one-2020-mcdonough-lauderdale/

Inter Miami CF to field USL League One team in 2020

The USL League One side will play all of its games in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami CF owners Jorge Mas, left, and David Beckham introduce the club's plan to play at Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium for 2020 and 2021 MLS Seasons. (Photo courtesy Inter Miami)

When Inter Miami CF takes the pitch in 2020, it won’t just be on Major League Soccer fields.

The MLS expansion club will also field a USL League One team next year. League One is the third tier of professional men’s soccer in the United States and will have 13 teams next season.

The USL League One side will bridge the gap between Inter Miami’s MLS team and academy, the club said Wednesday in a statement. The new team’s name, branding, schedule and ticket information will be released at a later date.

“We are proud to close this deal and join a competitive league where our youth players can compete against quality opponents,” Paul McDonough, the sporting director for Inter Miami CF, said in the statement. “USL League One will provide more opportunities for players from South Florida as well as elite international prospects.”

The MLS, USL League One and academy sides will all train at a 64-acre complex in Fort Lauderdale, which is currently being renovated to feature a 50,000-square-foot training facility with seven fields and an 18,000-capacity stadium. Both teams will play games at that stadium, which is scheduled to open in February, until the MLS team’s Miami Freedom Park stadium is constructed.

USL League One featured 10 teams this season, it’s first year competing in the newly-organized tier system. Above League One is the Championship, which features 36 teams, and below it is USL League Two, a development league with 72 teams made up of mostly college players.

In 2020, the Inter Miami CF side will be one of three additional teams joining League One. Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution will also field a team, along with a club in Nebraska, Union Omaha CF.

The other MLS sides who field teams in League One include Orlando City SC, Toronto FC and FC Dallas.

“We’re thrilled to have Inter Miami CF join League One,” USL senior vice president Steven Short said. “It’s exciting to watch our league as it continues to grow in both size and intensity and we’re already looking forward to our second year of competition. We know that this club will be a tremendous addition.”

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/afc-ann-arbor-unveiled-as-newest-usl-league-two-expansion-club

AFC Ann Arbor Unveiled as Newest USL League Two Expansion Club

The logo of AFC Ann Arbor

The United Soccer League (USL) announced today that AFC Ann Arbor will become the newest member of USL League Two, with the league excited to see them join the competition in 2020. The club will be added to the Great Lakes Division and play its home matches at Concordia University of Ann Arbor.

“The move to USL League Two is an exciting new chapter for our club,” said AFC Ann Arbor Men’s Head Coach & Sporting Director Eric Rudland. “The competition will present a welcome new challenge for our players and staff in terms of preparing to play new rivals and shifting how we go about building our roster.”

"Just as our city grows, so must our club,” said AFC Ann Arbor Chairman Bilal Saeed. “Joining USL League Two is a thrilling new chapter for AFC Ann Arbor."

In joining USL League Two, AFC Ann Arbor will offer a proven pathway to professional soccer for its players, both those at the elite collegiate level and others who are younger. On top of the valuable experience of playing in the nation’s most competitive pre-professional environment, League Two also provides growth opportunities for its coaches, executives and communities.

“We are honored to have AFC Ann Arbor bring their professionalism and quality to League Two for 2020,” said Vice President of USL League Two Joel Nash. “Their community support and executive leadership have built a foundation that has been coupled with on-field success. Their ambition for what the game can do for Ann Arbor is what sets them apart.”

Founded in 2014, AFC Ann Arbor has begun to demonstrate the ability to develop young players, and the club will have greater opportunities to do so as a member of League Two. In 2017, Lars Eckenrode became the first former AFC Ann Arbor player selected in the MLS SuperDraft, and Joseph Stanley Okumu signed with Real Monarchs of the USL Championship the following year.

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https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/food/2019/10/09/a-guide-to-tampa-bay-food-and-drink-events-this-weekend/

A guide to Tampa Bay food and drink events this weekend

Brews by the Bay samples 100-plus beers, wiener dogs lead Marker 48’s Oktoberfest, seasonal sweets at local restaurants and Mastry’s Brewing celebrates three years.

You can taste more than 100 beers during Brews by the Bay, now in its 11th year at Tampa's Florida Aquarium. [Courtesy of Florida Aquarium]

AFTER HOURS: BREWS BY THE BAY

More than 100 beers invade the Florida Aquarium for Brews by the Bay. Showcasing breweries in town and beyond, the 11th annual late-night sampling sesh pairs its main...

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https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21091440/new-coffee-and-wine-bar-ybor-beverage-co-is-now-open-in-tampa

New coffee and wine bar Ybor Beverage Co. is now open in Tampa

Get ready to connect with fellow Ybor City cuties.

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C/O YBOR BEVERAGE CO.

New food and beverage concept Ybor Beverage Co. is officially open at 1925 6th Ave. The new Ybor City resident is celebrating its grand opening Friday, October 11.

The locally-owned and family-operated joint’s mission is to create a communal space in Ybor City, where customers can connect and form new relationships over a drink.

The space also plans on hosting monthly events like yoga and wine tastings.

“Ybor City is a really special place, and we saw Ybor Beverage Co. as an opportunity to introduce something new to the area with a focus on bringing the community together,” said owner Lauren Mincberg in a statement. “We wanted to create a comfortable gathering place that offered local brews and bites, and we can't wait to open our doors this Friday [for the grand opening].”

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YBOR BEVERAGE COMPANY/ FACEBOOK

The 2,000 square-foot space has a coffee and wine bar built to seat up to 80 people. There's a bar, a couch and table seating, and the room is covered in greenery. Espresso drinks are on the menu along with Coppertail Brewing Co. drafts and wine on tap. These pours make Ybor Beverage Co. prime for a happy hour hangout (happy hour is from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday).

As far as bites go, the concept serves small plates utilizing locally-sourced ingredients, and there's a heavy emphasis on partnering with local companies like Zeal Coffee Roasters, La Segunda Bakery, Natalie's Juices, Gulf Coast Sourdough bread, MADE cold brew coffee, and Alessi pastries.

YBC is also looking to act as a late-night meetup spot by offering up charcuterie boards, great to pair with vino, in the evenings.

Hours from Ybor Beverage Co. are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

DSC1346
C/O YBOR BEVERAGE CO.

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https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/09/tampa-bay-halloween-parties-haunted-houses-and-events-this-week/

Tampa Bay Halloween parties, haunted houses and events this week

As we head into Halloween season there’s lots of both scary and kid-friendly choices to get into the Halloween spirit this week.

For Creatures of the Night, the Halloween event being held weekends at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, there are activities for all ages includes scare zones, nighttime animal encounters and a ghoulish dance party. [Courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park]

Haunted Ape Escape: Stroll the haunted trails after dark to watch the primates monkey around. Ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. $6. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday. Suncoast Primate...

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https://www.cruisehive.com/cruises-out-of-tampa-the-pros-and-cons/35024

Cruises Out of Tampa: The Pros and Cons

Find out the pros and cons on cruises out of Tampa, Florida before you head out on your vacation from the port. Also, plenty of tips and ideas for the city.

Some people love cruises out of Tampa while others prefer to use an alternative cruise port. It’s all about options. If you want a convenient cruise port that is easy to reach from the airport, has free streetcar transportation and parking just steps from the cruise terminal, Tampa is the best port for you.

It is less crowded, offers a scenic departure through Tampa Bay and has plenty of attractions to keep you busy before and after your cruise.

However, if you are keen to hit the casino and duty-free shops, want to avoid the risk of choppy waters in the Gulf of Mexico and prefer a wider choice of cruise options, you should probably consider cruising out of a different port.

Our Cruise Videos

Here’s a full list of 14 pros and 8 cons for cruising out of Tampa. Read them all and then decide for yourself whether cruising out of Tampa is the best choice for you!

14 Pros for Tampa Cruises

Stunning views and photo ops

Cruising out of Tampa Bay provides plenty of interesting scenery as you sail down the channel and out into beautiful Tampa Bay. While other ports have a departure that reaches open waters in less than 30 minutes, when you cruise out of Tampa you get several hours of coastal scenery.

Sail past small islands, tankers, car carriers, pleasure boats, parks, waterfront hotels, Florida Aquarium and MacDill Air Force Base and take photographs of Tampa’s high-rise architecture followed by the skyline of St Petersburg before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Sail beneath Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a majestic landmark with its sail-like supporting cables. It is over 4 miles long and the longest single span is 1200 feet.  The current contemporary cantilever bridge was completed in 1987 and carries 59,000 vehicles and around 100,000 people every day. It makes a great photo op as you sail beneath the four-lane I-275 highway, especially at sunset.

The bridge is 430 feet at its highest point. Currently the largest Oasis-class cruise ships are 236 feet in height, so there’s plenty of room for them to sail comfortably beneath. However, as cruise ships get higher and require a deeper draught, the bridge could limit the size of cruise ships sailing in and out of Tampa port in the future.

Walking distance of downtown and the Riverfront

You don’t need a car to explore the area around Tampa Bay port. Stroll along the Riverwalk enjoying the views of pleasure boats, commercial ships and cruise liners coming and going in the port. This rejuvenated waterfront area is home to the massive Florida Aquarium, voted one of the Top 3 Aquariums in America. It has a plethora of different habitats and marine life including turtles, sharks, reef fish and rays with an emphasis on conservation of the ocean.

You can also walk to Channelside Bay Plaza (shopping and dining), Tampa Bay History Center, Amalie Arena, Glazer Children’s Museum, Center for the Performing Arts and Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. History lovers will enjoy a guided tour of historic Ybor City, once the world’s largest cigar-making area.

Historic Ybor City

Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmarks Districts in the whole of Florida. This Historic Landmark District is just three miles from the Tampa cruise terminal. Formerly the largest cigar-making district in the world, it has brick-paved streets lined with 2,054 historic buildings although the former cigar factories have been repurposed. Take a guided walking tour, enjoy a Cuban sandwich or treat yourself to a hand-rolled Cuban cigar in this charming downtown area. 

Port cruise parking right across the street

Very few cruise ports have cruise parking within walking distance of the cruise terminals, but Tampa does! There’s no need for a shuttle or taxi from your cruise car park, just book self-parking at the cruise port and you can wheel your luggage across the street to cruise check-in.

Prices are $15 per day to park at the port cruise parking lot at 810 Channelside Drive. It is convenient and secure with 3,500 spaces, including half in the covered garage. For other parking options, check out our Tampa cruise parking guide.

Free streetcar transportation

Another excellent benefit of cruises out of Tampa is the free TECO Streetcar System. It runs around downtown Tampa daily from 7 am (8.30 am on weekends) until 11 pm (or 2 am Friday and Saturday nights) with renovated streetcars running every 15 minutes.

Stay on-board for a full tour of the area or hop on and off as you wish for shopping, restaurants, museums and hotels. It even stops right at the cruise port if you don’t want to pay for a taxi or use a hotel shuttle service.

International cuisine in over 2,000 restaurants!

Tampa has over 2,000 restaurants serving international and American cuisine from take-outs to gourmet restaurants in five star hotels on the waterfront. Whether you fancy a juicy steak or fresh seafood before embarking on your cruise out of Tampa, you’ll find plenty of choice close to the port.

Historic Ybor City has many authentic Cuban restaurants and is home to Columbia, the largest Spanish restaurant in the USA which serves delicious seafood paella in a series of historic dining rooms.

Great winter climate for cruises out of Tampa

While other US cities and airports grind to a halt when snow falls, Tampa basks in a sub-tropical climate all year round. The sunny temperatures mean you can sail out of Tampa Bay in January while waving from the deck in your summer gear. The mild winter climate also means that Tampa Airport is never closed due to snow in the busiest cruise months.

Easy to reach by road

Tampa is the northernmost cruise port in Florida, and the only one on Florida’s west coast. Served by the I-75 and I-4, it is about 150 miles closer to the northern states than Port Miami and Port Everglades cruise port so why drive further than you have to?

If you’re driving to Tampa for a cruise, it’s wise to drive down a day or two earlier in case of bad weather further north. Once you get the Sunshine State, you’ll have no more problems with ice and snow, unlike some other cruise ports.

Easy to reach by air

Tampa cruisers have a good choice of flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll probably need to stay overnight at a hotel near Tampa Cruise Port before departing from Tampa on your Caribbean cruise. Most hotels in Tampa offer a free airport shuttle service to pick you up.

Cruises out of Tampa are close to Orlando

Why not combine your cruise out of Tampa with a visit to Orlando? Enjoy visiting your favorite theme parks or head to the Florida Mall, the upscale Mall at Millennia or Orlando International Premium Outlets for some great deals as part of your cruise-and-stay vacation.

Great live entertainment

Book tickets to watch Tampa Bay Lightning ice hockey, see a top UFC fight, watch a Cirque du Soleil performance or get seats to a live concert – all the big names come to Tampa’s Amalie Arena!

Combine cruise with beach

If you want a head start on your suntan before cruising out of Tampa, some of the best beaches in the USA are less than 30 minutes’ drive from Tampa cruise port. Tempted?

Good choice of affordable hotels

Book one of Tampa’s hotels with a free airport shuttle service and transfer right from the airport to your air-conditioned room without paying a penny. From there, if you stay in the downtown district you can explore, dine and sightsee using the free TECO Streetcar. When it’s time to head to the cruise port, most hotels offer a shuttle service for guests and their luggage.

8 Cons against Cruises out of Tampa

Limited choice of cruise lines out of Tampa

The Port of Tampa Bay is currently limited to just three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Celebrity Cruises will be making Tampa the home port for Celebrity Constellation from 2020.

However, this limited choice means Tampa cruise port is much less crowded and busy than Miami, the “cruise capital of the world”. PortMiami is home to over 20 cruise lines and serves at least 60 different passenger ships. If you want choice, consider cruises from Miami, but if you want easy uncrowded access to a smaller port, think about cruising from Tampa.

Poor services at the Tampa cruise terminal

Tampa has fewer services at the port when it comes to bars, restaurants and coffee shops. You will find a good choice within walking distance of the port, but the actual terminals only offer seating and restrooms. For this reason, don’t want to arrive too early for cruises out of Tampa and be left hanging around waiting to check in and board.

Personal safety issues

The Port of Tampa Bay is much older than other cruise ports and is in a less desirable area near the downtown district. You should take sensible precautions after dark. Avoid dark streets, leave valuables in your hotel safe and use public transport.

Less time in the casino with cruises out of Tampa

Due to US gaming rules, cruise ship casinos cannot open until they are in international waters. If you are departing from the port of Tampa Bay, that could mean a delay of several hours before the slot machines and gaming tables can open for business. If you’re a cruise gambler, that could be a serious disadvantage to cruising out of Tampa.

Duty-free shopping delays

Cruises generally offer duty-free shopping in their on-board shops. However, they cannot offer duty-free shopping until they are in international waters. If you are sailing out of a cruise port on East Coast USA, international Atlantic waters start just three miles offshore.

You can be hitting the on-board boutiques and duty-free shops before Miami is even out of sight. However, on the Gulf of Mexico, international waters are nine miles offshore. This means a longer delay until the shops are legally allowed to open for business.

Added sales tax

Another issue with the delay in reaching international waters on Tampa cruises is sales tax on drinks. Once the cruise ship is in international waters, sales tax is not added to those pricey cocktails, icy beers and bottles of wine. However, as you set sail from Tampa port you will no doubt want to toast the start of your cruise with a drink or two. Sales tax will be added to drinks until you reach international waters, adding 6-7% to your bar bill.

Hurricane season

Most cruise ships out of Tampa relocate to Alaska or the Mediterranean ports during the summer season. This not only meets the demand for summer cruises from these temperate ports, it also avoids the hurricane season which lasts from June 1st to November 30th each year. The peak months for hurricanes are late August through October. If a hurricane is likely to affect your cruise, you may be delayed or your itinerary may be changed.

Related: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

Choppy seas in the Gulf of Mexico

Once you leave the sheltered waters of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico can have rough seas. If you suffer from seasickness, you may prefer to sail out of one of the cruise ports on Florida’s East Coast and hit the calm Caribbean a little sooner.

FAQs about Cruises out of Tampa

Where should I stay when cruising from Tampa?

There are several hotels just along the Tampa Riverwalk and less than a mile from the cruise port. Other budget hotels in downtown Tampa are served by the free TECO streetcar system. Whatever you budget, you’ll find all you need to know in this comprehensive article 17 Ideal Hotels Near Tampa Cruise Port.

How far is Tampa cruise port from airport?

Tampa International Airport is 9 miles northwest of Tampa Bay cruise port. The journey by taxi takes less than 20 minutes and the flat rate from the airport to the cruise port (or vice versa) is $28.

What’s the best thing to do near the Tampa cruise port?

Tampa cruise port has several top attractions within easy walking distance. Take a tour of historic Ybor City nearby. Learn the history of the cigar-making industry and browse the shops, museums and Cuban restaurants.

You can walk to the incredible Florida Aquarium (2 minutes) or stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to Channelside Bay Plaza (shopping and dining), Tampa Bay History Center, Amalie Arena, Glazer Children’s Museum, Center for the Performing Arts and Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

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https://thatssotampa.com/alessi-and-la-segunda-under-one-roof-at-new-ybor-beverage-co/

Alessi and La Segunda under one roof at new Ybor Beverage Co.

Exterior of a cafe in Ybor City

Coffee, wine, and pastries, a.k.a. our autumn diet. A new hub for tasty treats and strong drinks has officially opened in Ybor City. Ybor Beverage Co. is a locally owned and operated concept that will offer treats from Zeal Coffee Roasters, MADE Coffee, Alessi, La Segunda, Gulf Coast Sour Dough and Natalie’s Juice products.

Ybor Beverage Co.’s menu consists of coffee drinks, six breakfast toasts, Coppertail draft beers, and three different wines on tap, including a rosé, chardonnay and cabernet. In the evenings, charcuterie boards are served to complement the wine selection.

“Ybor City is a really special place, and we saw Ybor Beverage Co. as an opportunity to introduce something new to the area with a focus on bringing the community together,” said Owner Lauren Mincberg. “We wanted to create a comfortable gathering place that offered local brews and bites, and we can’t wait to open our doors this Friday.”

Lauren Mincberg designed the space, and the prolific Boyd Construction handled the buildout.

Seriously though, a new spot to nom on Gulf Coast Sourdough’s sensational sourdough cinnamon rolls is all right by us.

Ybor Beverage Co. is located at 1925 E 6th Avenue. The 2,000-square-foot space can seat up to 80 people.

The coffee and wine bar is open Monday – Thursday from 8am-8pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am-10pm., and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Happy hour is from 3-6pm Monday-Saturday, and the space will also host monthly events such as yoga, wine tastings, and more.

Follow Ybor Beverage Co. on its website, Facebook and Instagram for updates on special events.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83870/back-to-the-future-chicago-fire-returns-to-soldie.html

Back to the future: Chicago Fire returns to Soldier Field

Soccer America

New owner Joe Mansueto was on hand at Soldier Field along with MLS ... Their Major League Soccer teams are bringing their cities together and ...

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https://www.soccerwire.com/news/inter-miami-fc-new-england-revolution-launch-usl-league-one-teams/

Inter Miami FC, New England Revolution launch USL League One teams

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/mls-espn-regular-season-tv-ratings-social-impressions

ESPN’s MLS ratings up 2% for 2019 regular season

North American soccer league also records major growth on social channels.

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/expansion/miami/mls-expansion-inter-miami-cf-usl-league-one-2020-mcdonough-lauderdale/

MIAMI

Inter Miami CF to field USL League One team in 2020

The USL League One side will play all of its games in Fort Lauderdale.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/08/jorge-mas-inter-miamis-stadium-projects-were-time

Jorge Mas on Inter Miami's stadium projects: "We're on time"

NEW YORK — Despite working on two stadium sites, one for the interim and one for the future, Inter Miami aren't worried about either. In fact, according to co-owner Jorge Mas, it's all smooth sailing.

Miami will kick off their MLS existence playing in Fort Lauderdale on the site of a since-demolished Lockhart Stadium next season, where the club is building a stadium and training center. Eventually, the stadium will become home to the club's future USL team. All the while, they're working to get the final go-ahead to begin construction on their permanent home at Miami Freedom Park.

The club will need the first site to be up and running in about five months for their MLS home debut.

“We’re full speed ahead on Fort Lauderdale stadium and the training center, we’re on time," Mas told MLSsoccer.com on Sunday. "That should be ready to go in February or March of next year for opening day.”

“We’re moving along, we’re full speed ahead," sporting director Paul McDonough added succinctly. "We’re on target.”

When asked about contingency plans in case targets are missed, Mas didn't see the necessity.

“We’ll be ready to be home," Mas said without hesitation. "I’m anticipating that maybe our first or second game will be away, I’m anticipating that we’ll be opening in mid-March or the latter parts of March for our home opener. That should give us sufficient time. We’re targeting finishing the Ft. Lauderdale stadium on February 15 so we can have a few events there first so when we have our home opener, it’s smooth.”

As for the club's future home at Miami Freedom Park, Mas is optimistic in the timeline as well.

“With Miami Freedom Park, we’re ongoing. We got a go-ahead from the city of Miami voters in last year’s referendum to negotiate a lease, bypassing the RFP (request for proposal) process," Mas said. "We’re in the final stages of doing that. I’m hopeful in the next 45-60 days that we’ll get a green light from the city. We’re very well advanced on both tracks. The Miami Freedom Park project will be a wonderful project for the city, it’ll be an iconic destination. It’ll put Miami on the global map for soccer in terms of facilities. It’ll be an entertainment destination, a soccer destination, it’ll be a place where Miamians can gather. I’m very optimistic about where we are and what we’ll be able to build there.”

Mas was in New York with McDonough for the Expansion Priority Draft, determining who between Miami and Nashville SC would get the first selection in the MLS SuperDraft and Expansion Draft as well as the first slot in the Allocation Order and more. They won the coin toss and chose the first selection in the Expansion Draft, which will take place in November.

With every milestone, major and minor, Inter Miami is one step closer to making their long-awaited MLS debut.

“It’s been very real, especially when we got the go-ahead on the facilities and that we were a go for 2020," Mas said. "(Sunday's) coin toss was just another step. Good vibes, good karma, great energy in Miami for what we’re going to do. I’ve always said we’re here to make a difference, we’re not here to continue the status quo. What we want to build in Miami is going to be very special, it’s going to be very good for MLS and soccer in the United States. I want people when they think of soccer in the US to think of Inter Miami.”

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2019/10/10/beckhams-inter-miami-new-england-revolution-commit-3rd-tier-usl/

Beckham’s Inter Miami and New England Revolution commit to 3rd tier USL

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/08/chicago-fire-say-move-soldier-field-key-taking-club-next-level

Chicago Fire say move to Soldier Field key to taking club to the next level

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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2019/10/chicagos-forward-progress.html

CHICAGO’S FORWARD PROGRESS

WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 9, 2019) US Soccer Players - The Chicago Fire is making moves. The club is leaving a perfectly good soccer-specific stadium for an oversized American football venue that is, for lack of a better way of saying it, in a better part of town. Which is to say that they're returning to Chicago proper from the village of Bridgeview.

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cb-daywatch-newsletter-october9-20191009-wvzb46g67va4vbkfcvxfmd7rdy-story.html

Daywatch: A huge weed deal fell apart, a new team’s moving to Soldier Field and some neighbors are complaining about sprawling suburban homes

Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly, from left, Mayor Lori
Lightfoot, Fire owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto and MLS Commissioner Don Garber pose at Soldier Field after a news conference Tuesday. (Camille Fine / Chicago Tribune)

It’s official: The Chicago Fire will return to Soldier Field in 2020

At a news conference at the iconic stadium, the Chicago Fire announced an agreement to play at the home of the Bears starting in 2020, ending a 14-season stint in Bridgeview and returning to the 61,500-seat venue in the South Loop. Financial terms of the deal, which runs through the 2022 season with extension options for eight more years, were not disclosed.

The return has been a long time coming. Fire owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto in September told the Tribune he had been working for about a year to move Fire home matches back to the city.

Of all the changes that await the Chicago Fire, this is one of the biggest: Bastian Schweinsteiger is retiring from soccer.

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https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2019/10/08/press-conference-chicago-fire-x-soldier-field

Press Conference | Chicago Fire x Soldier Field

On Tuesday, the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District announced that the soccer team will return to the heart of the city and play its home games at Soldier Field, beginning in 2020. Watch the full press conference from Soldier Field -- featuring Chicago Fire Owner Joe Mansueto, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael P. Kelly and Major League Soccer Coommissioner Don Garber -- in the video player above.

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https://sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/mls/https-wp-me-p81oan-1nhj/

The MLS Columbus Crew Franchise Is Getting A New Stadium

A sports league gets its way.

There is a ground breaking ceremony scheduled in Columbus, Ohio for a new soccer stadium which is a remarkably feat considering that one-time Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt struck out in his bid to get a new Columbus facility. Columbus was supposed to lose its Major League Soccer team but the National Football League’s Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam bought the Crew franchise after some manipulation from MLS Commissioner Don Garber and league pressure applied to local Columbus politicians to find money for a facility. Anthony Precourt decided Austin, Texas offered a much better business opportunity for him and his franchise and decided to leave the Ohio capital for the Texas capital. Within months, the MLS found Haslam who bought Precourt’s Columbus team. That allowed Precourt to take an Austin stadium deal and get an expansion team. Haslam will get what Precourt could not, a new Columbus stadium. The stadium construction had been delayed because the land for the facility was not available as negotiations dragged on with the parcel owner.

In 2018, Columbus city officials vowed to fight to keep the soccer team in town as City Attorney Zach Klein prepared to go to court and force Precourt to remain in the Ohio capital. Precourt had a lease in Columbus through 2023.  That is when the league stepped in and got the Haslam deal done. Ohio has a Modell Law which is named after one-time Cleveland Browns owner, the late Art Modell, who moved in 1995 his business, the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore.  In 1996, Ohio Revised Code 9.6 was put into law. Ohio lawmakers told Ohio sports owners that if the owner’s business is using a tax supported stadium and gets financial assistance that owner cannot move unless he works out a deal to leave. The league brokered a deal. The Modell Law was never tested.