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- Tampa’s skyline changed. Your weekend plans might, too.
Tampa’s skyline changed. Your weekend plans might, too.
Pendry tops out, Life Time opens, and Water Street has music and Halloween on the calendar.
Taylor Gangis
October 14, 2026
REAL TAMPA BAY // OCTOBER 14, 2026 // DEVELOPMENT DESK
Pendry has reached the top. Clearwater is weighing a $300 million sports-campus proposal. And the new Life Time could take up your whole Saturday. Here’s what’s changing around Tampa Bay, plus a few plans worth getting out for.
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Here’s what’s happening around Tampa Bay. Did you seeeeeeee this Life Time?
01 / LEAD STORY
The Landings: a $300 million idea, with a decision still ahead
A. WHAT HAPPENED
Clearwater is weighing competing proposals for The Landings Golf Course. Porter Development’s revised sports-campus concept is now roughly $300 million, according to Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
B. THE DETAILS
The proposal includes a 220,000-square-foot fieldhouse, with eight basketball courts convertible into 16 volleyball courts. The broader campus plan also includes 24 indoor pickleball courts and four padel courts.
Porter and Clearwater Golf Associates presented their proposals Monday. Council takes up the discussion again Wednesday, October 14, at 6 p.m. at the Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Avenue.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
This is still a proposal. The next step concerns how Clearwater proceeds, including potential negotiations. Construction and an opening date are not settled.
D. MY TAKE
What would residents get to use, what would the public pay, and what would council actually agree to? Those details are still worth watching.
PARTNER // PRESENTED BY WATER STREET TAMPA
This week is presented by Water Street Tampa
Your next night out might already be planned.
Catch free live music Friday, October 16, with Alicia Crawford near Dwell & Company, and Saturday, October 17, with Bryan Smith near Wagamama. Both run 6–9 p.m.
On Sunday, October 18, The Market returns from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with local food, produce and handcrafted goods. Admission is free.
Then put Whispers After Dark on the calendar: Wednesday, October 28, 6–9:30 p.m. Expect a gothic, New Orleans-inspired evening at Water Street. General admission is free; the 21+ Tasting Quarters is separately ticketed.
Paid partnership with Water Street Tampa.
02 / STORY
West Park’s upgrade is open for feedback
A. WHAT HAPPENED
Hillsborough County wants residents’ input on planned improvements to West Park’s dog park.
B. THE DETAILS
The plan for 6402 Occident Street includes permanent restrooms, replacement pavilions and fencing, refreshed dog amenities, paved parking and drainage improvements. Comments are open through October 19.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
There’s still time to weigh in on details that affect everyday visits, from access to what happens after heavy rain.
D. MY TAKE
Use this park? This is your chance to flag the everyday details: restrooms, parking and drainage.
03 / STORY
St. Pete has another way to get to TPA
A. WHAT HAPPENED
PSTA’s 727 Airport Express began running October 4 between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport.
B. THE DETAILS
The route runs seven days a week and uses the Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes. At the airport, it stops at the Rental Car Center. You take SkyConnect from there to the main terminal.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
It adds another option for an airport trip. Check the timetable and allow for the terminal connection before choosing your departure.
D. MY TAKE
For your next flight, compare the whole trip: getting to the stop, catching the bus and reaching the terminal.
04 / DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS
Development Briefs
Pendry reaches the top
Pendry Tampa has topped out at 38 stories, with a 2027 opening targeted. We got to go to the topping out party.
I thought it was impressive. I can picture this stretch of the Riverwalk filling up with people grabbing coffee, eating, taking photos, heading to events or staying at the hotel. That’s the part I’m excited about: a block with more going on throughout the day. It’s going to be slick.
Life Time is open in Lakewood Ranch
Life Time opened October 12 with pools, waterslides and 14 pickleball courts. I got a sneak peek before it opened.
Life Time is a family affair. I can picture a workout while the kids have fun, some spa time, then picking them up for lunch at the cafe and an afternoon at the pool. With that much in one place, you could make a whole day of it.
K-Bar Ranch: help shape a future park
Tampa is planning a 56-acre park in K-Bar Ranch. Share your ideas Thursday, October 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at Cross Creek Park & Recreation Center, 19019 Basset Creek Drive. That’s the meeting location, not the future park site.
Hotel Cala’s dining plans
Hotel Cala is targeting January 2027 following a renovation of an existing Riverwalk hotel. LAVO and BarOnda are part of the planned dining lineup. Restaurant opening dates are still to come.
Port Tampa Bay: site work first
The port’s October 9 update describes site preparation at the former Metroport property for a new cruise terminal, with a 2029 opening target.
Tarpon Woods: check your route
Drainage repairs and road restoration are underway between Oak Ridge Drive and Bridlewood Boulevard. Work is expected through November, weather permitting. Check the county’s access notice before heading through.
05 / WEEKEND EVENTS
Weekend Events | October 16–18
Creatures of the Night: Saturday, October 17, 4–10 p.m., at ZooTampa. October 17 is a Zoo Fun blockout date, so check the admission or upgrade you need.
The Market at Water Street: Sunday, October 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission, local vendors and an easy reason to spend part of Sunday downtown.
Still making weekend plans? Our events carousel drops every Wednesday. Find it at @realtampabayhq and save a few ideas before you head out.
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06 / GO DEEPER
Go Deeper
THE CLOSE
The Close
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REAL TAMPA BAY // TAMPA, FL