Shipping Containers for Sale in Tampa, FL

Florida is gearing up for a busy spring break season as a number of coastal cities in the Sunshine State ranked high on lists of top travel destinations.

Tampa International Airport is expecting 3.1 million travelers between March 5 and April 13, according to a news release. That averages 75,000 to 80,000 travelers each day during this period.

The peak day is forecast to be March 22, when more than 90,000 passengers are expected to fly in and out of TPA, the airport said.

In South Florida, more than 5.7 million passengers are expected at Miami International Airport from March 6 to April 4 - a 3 percent increase over the same period last year, a news release said.

The season’s busiest week at MIA is projected to be between March 16 and 23. During this time, more than 1.4 million passengers are anticipated to travel in and out of Miami, averaging nearly 180,000 travelers a day, the airport said.

Nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport also anticipates a bustling spring break season, with its busiest travel period expected March 15-17, projecting more than 70,000 passengers a day, NBC 6 reported.

Cities from the Panhandle to the Keys are expecting to welcome spring breakers in droves.

Five Florida cities claimed spots on the top 10 list of trending spring break destinations for this year, according to Google Flights.

While Hilo, Hawaii, nabbed the top spot on the list, followed by Asheville, North Carolina at No. 2, here’s how Sunshine State destinations ranked:

Meanwhile, eight Florida cities landed in the top 20 domestic spring break destinations for 2026, in another ranking.

ACE.com created the list using a data-driven analysis of search demand, affordability, safety, weather, nightlife density and overall things to do.

While South Padre Island, Texas, nabbed the top spot on the ranking, Florida’s coastal cities, and areas with theme parks largely dominated the list.

Here are where Sunshine State cities landed in the ranking:

Four Florida cities also made Spirit Airlines list of Top 10 Searched 2026 Spring Break Beach Destinations.

Fort Lauderdale claimed the No. 1 spot on the list with Miami at No. 3, Fort Myers at No. 4 and Pensacola at No. 10.

The first Bahama Breeze location opened on International Drive in Orlando 1996 and was an instant hit.

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants announced Tuesday it would be closing all of its remaining Bahama Breeze locations nationwide, ending the brand after 30 years.

Half of the 28 Bahama Breeze locations across the country, including the one on Rocky Point Drive in Tampa and another in Lutz, will be converted into Darden’s other restaurant brands over the next 12 to 18 months and are expected to continue operating until any temporary closures are needed to convert them, the company said. The other 14 will be permanently closed as of April 5.

Darden said it doesn’t expect the closures to have a material impact on its financial results.

“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.”

The first Bahama Breeze location opened on International Drive in Orlando 1996 and was an instant hit. Its Caribbean-inflected menu includes such offerings as Yuca Cheese Sticks, Chicken Tostones and Coconut Shrimp, along with a selection of Mai Tais, Mojitos and Margaritas.

“This creative Caribbean restaurant proves that mega-corporations can do good food if they want to,” wrote the Orlando Sentinel’s food critic at the time, Scott Joseph.

Industry analysts in 1998 said Bahama Breeze’s Florida locations averaged sales of at least $6 million a year, twice the average at each of Darden’s more established chains, Red Lobster and Olive Garden.

But the brand has recently been in trouble.

Darden closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations across the eastern United States in May, saying that it would allow the brand to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen its overall performance. But its nine locations in the Orlando metro area had been spared.

John Gordon, a longtime industry analyst based in San Diego, said Bahama Breeze’s fall is in part due to the relatively limited popularity of Caribbean food in the U.S. It was also about balancing real estate costs versus profitably — a major problem for Darden, since the chain is one of the larger brands in its portfolio in terms of square footage per location.

But he said larger industry-wide problems are also to blame, including consumers who make less than $50,000 annually spending less due to inflation. Consumers in their mid-to-late twenties are also not able to financially establish themselves and spend as much as previous generations were able to do at that age.

Gordon said Darden’s priorities right now are taking care of their existing brands and finding new, exciting brands that they can bring on board.

“They know that Olive Garden is growing older,” he said of the Italian chain’s aging customer base. “Some of the customers are transitioning when they get older, they don’t go out to eat as much. … So they know that they have to be investing in other hot up-and-coming concepts.”

Here is a list of Bahama Breeze locations planned for closing and conversion. The company has not announced specific plans for the converted restaurants.

CLOSING RESTAURANT LOCATIONS

500 Center Blvd., Newark, DE

3590 Breckenridge Blvd., Duluth, GA

12395 SW 88th St., Miami, FL

10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville, FL

1251 West Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL

11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL

1540 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL

19600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI

2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ

3309 Wake Forest Drive, Raleigh, NC

320 Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia, PA

6100 Robinson Center Drive, Pittsburgh, PA

2714 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA

15700 Southcenter Pkwy., Tukwila, WA

CONVERSION RESTAURANT LOCATIONS

499 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL

805 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon, FL

14701 S Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL

8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL

25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, FL

5620 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, FL

8849 International Drive, Orlando, FL

8735 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL

1200 N Alafaya Drive, Orlando, FL

3045 N Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL

755 Earnest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA

570 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville, NC

7811 Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC

4554 Virginia Beach, Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA

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A sweet treat for your sweet date? Sounds like a plan!

Dessert is always a great way to finish up a night of fun. With so many Tampa Bay dessert spots to choose from, it may be hard to pick just one to visit after your date.

So, here are some of our favorite dessert spots to help you narrow it down.

Tampa Bay's Best Dessert Spots

Team waffles or team pancakes? What about crepes? Or a Chimney Cake? You can add ice cream to all of that! Don't miss the deliciousness at Twisted Rolls Chimney Cake in Tampa with the famous Chimney Cake with ice cream! Flavors include Oreo, hazlenut, almond, pistachio, and more! They also have locations in Wesley Chapel and Temple Terrace.

If you love crepes, this is your spot! This Japanese Crepe spot is serving up savory and sweet crepes that are a MUST-try for any dessert lover. You can also create your own combination if none of their menu crepes suit your sweetness!

The Yard has two locations—one in Carrollwood and one in St. Pete. They're known for their over-the-top milkshakes with toppings like cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and even cake slices. Tip: Check their website before you go to see what's on their “secret menu.”

They also have tons of other sweet treats like loaded cones and edible cookie dough. There are also plenty of vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free variations of their signature treats.

Located in Sparkman Wharf, Hampton Chocolate Factory brings luxury chocolate to Tampa. Not only are the products delicious, but the packaging, gift and holiday offerings are all amazing.

In store, you can experience an amazing custom sundae or dipped soft serve. Before you go, grab some milk chocolate coconut toffee macadamia nuts to snack on, try some Ambrosia Brewed Chocolate, or delight in some of their super cute seasonal gifts.

Two words: Candy Wall. This ultra bright, ultra fun spot has an insane array of delicious junk food on the menu, but obviously dessert is really where the Sugar Factory shines.

Ice cream, over-the-top milkshakes, alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets…the list goes on. Plus, it's located inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which is full of tons of other date night fun.

Anyone who lives in Tampa knows that Bern’s Steak House is one of the area's most romantic eateries. But, did you know they have a private dessert room on the top floor? They offer nearly 50 dessert choices and more than 1,000 dessert wines and spirits.

Guests are seated in their own personal booth equipped with a six-channel stereo sound system, offerings a wide range of music styles including classical, jazz, progressive, contemporary, new age, and even live music played by Bern’s personal pianist. If you’re looking for an intimate, romantic atmosphere to satisfy your sweet tooth, Bern’s is the perfect destination for you.

FYI: a reservation for the dessert room is automatically included with your dinner reservation, and you'll be taken upstairs to your table after dinner.

It doesn't get more Instagram-worthy than Bake'n Babes' over the top desserts, available at two different locations around town. From the unique taiyaki cone (pictured below) to Nutella stuffed chocolate chip cookies, this is the spot to let your sweet tooth go wild.

The Tampa based, woman-owned bakery has two locations, each with unique offerings along with their signature vegan chocolate chip cookies.

Exclusive to the Armature Works location is “The Works,” an over the top ice cream treat topped with an assortment of sweets (think donuts, oreos, popcorn, candy, etc) that rotates monthly. You can even get a Pup Cup for your favorite four legged friend.

Located in South Tampa, Sucré Table has truly beautiful (and delicious) desserts and custom cakes. Chef Brenda Villacorta is from Tampa, but spent years in Michelin-rated kitchens before coming home to open Sucré Table.

They’re open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., so we recommend picking it up for dessert after date night. Or, visit in the morning for an Italian-inspired date comprised of a cappuccino and a pastry.

The ice cream at Chill Bros. is locally sourced and the baked goods, candies and sauces mixed into every flavor are made in-house. Snag a seasonal scoop, or a staple like Sicilian pistachio or guava pastelito.

For 15 years, Toffee to Go has been spreading their delicious treats nationwide. Now, you can enjoy what they have to offer in their dessert store, The Dessert Spot. Choose from decadent cakes, cupcakes, ice cream and more along with cute dessert trays to go (perfect for a picnic)!

And of course, on your way out you can grab a box of your favorite toffee and take it to go.

From the minds of Mazzaro's comes their authentic Italian Gelato spot, Zagara! This place is at the top of our list when it comes to concluding an Italian inspired date night!

Try their Gelato Panini, a pressed gelato sandwich featuring their home made brioche bun, get an Affogato, which is espresso over gelato, or order your gelato in a cup. We had the Affogato with hazelnut gelato during our visit and were not disappointed, it was perfectly rich and sweet, with hazelnut pieces throughout!

Hyppo’s gourmet popsicles are like no other. Cool down with the assortment of all-natural pops made with fresh fruit, fresh herbs and spices, evaporated cane juice and dairy (select flavors). The menu changes with the seasons, which is how they have created over 450 flavors so far.

Flavors run the gamut from seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake to Strawberry Basil, Blackberry Goat Cheese, Espresso Horchata and so many more.

Don't feel like going out? The Hyppo has a fleet of trucks that make their rounds through local neighborhoods selling prepackaged pops and ice cream.

Part of the Ciccio’s Restaurant Group, Daily Eats is a restaurant staple in the Tampa Bay area. This modern American diner specializes in sandwiches, bowls, and all-day breakfast.

The diner experience is made complete with indulgent retro milkshakes. Sip on all your favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry plus creative specialty shakes. Pair your sweet treat with something decadent from the menu, like Cap'n Crunch French Toast or the famous spicy buffalo mac n' cheese.

This is our absolute favorite spot for fresh Italian gelato. Tack a stop at Gelato-Go on to your next trip to the Channelside District and you will not regret it. Get a scoop (or two) of fresh-made gelato along with a cup of coffee and take home some fresh pastries.

Experience what an authentic macaron is meant to taste like without packing your bags for a spontaneous trip to France. Chocolate Pi is a gourmet bakery in South Tampa that bakes all goods completely from scratch, from whole ingredients, without the use of artificial flavoring or preservatives.

The owner and head chef, Kim Yelvington, spent time studying the art of pastry in France, and created Chocolate Pi so that the world can experience a true pairing of southern sweets with old world tradition. All desserts and flavors change daily so you’ll always have something new and exciting to try!

The name doesn’t lie! Funky Sweets is serving up unique desserts in a funky setting. This spot is a 70’s themed Disco Donut Spot specializing in mini donuts and funnel cake. You’ll dig the locally made ice-cream paired with always delicious fried dough. You get to choose the toppings at this spot.

If you've ever had crepes, you already know how good they are. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? La Creperia Cafe has more than 30 options for a beautiful and delicious dessert. With crepes featuring Nutella, cinnamon, dulce de leche, strawberries, and much more, you and your date will find so many perfect combinations you'll want to go back.

This French bakery has it all if you're looking for a place with cake, pastries, ice cream, macarons and much more. Here you'll find a blend of American classics with French and European influences for any meal. There's even a special holiday menu if you want a little extra cheer.

Jeni’s has made quite an impact in the ice cream industry. The ice cream comes in an array of unique flavors and boasts a smooth, buttercream texture. Their menu includes flavors like Maple-Soaked Pancakes, Gooey Butter Cake, and Brambleberry Crisp. You can share a scoop or two with your significant other at their Sparkman Wharf or Tampa Heights locations.

Feature image credit: Dough

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games officially open Friday. Seven athletes with Florida ties will compete at the winter games.

Seven athletes with ties to Florida will compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, which officially open Friday with a ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium. The games run through Feb. 22.

The opening ceremony is typically the most-viewed event of the game on official broadcasts, and is watched by millions of people worldwide. U.S. pop singer Mariah Carey and crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli are among the performers. The opening ceremony begins at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Eastern).

The ceremony will be re-aired in a primetime broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC.

Olympic athletes from Florida are among 2,900 from 93 countries competing for 116 gold medals across 16 sports.

Dozens of countries will stream or air each day's events, with some of them delaying broadcasts until prime time depending on the time zone. NBC, which has exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for live coverage, will delay coverage until prime time in the United States, where Eastern Time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. It will stream live competition on Peacock.

Peacock doesn’t offer a free trial, but a couple of other streaming services do: DirecTV, whose plans start with a five-day free trial and whose channel lineup includes all of those providing service (NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSN); and Hulu + Live TV, whose plans start with a three-day trial.

This will be the most spread-out Winter Games in history: The two primary competition sites are the city of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the winter resort in the Dolomites that is more than 250 miles away by road. Athletes also will compete in three other mountain clusters besides Cortina, while the closing ceremony will be in Verona, 100 miles east of Milan.

Other key dates to watch are:

Two of the most decorated Alpine skiers in history, 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, opened the World Cup season in dominant form. Vonn still plans to compete despite rupturing her ACL last week.

Eileen Gu is back in freestyle skiing, as is Chloe Kim in snowboarding. NHL players are back on Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, so watch for the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, while skeleton has added a mixed team event, luge has added women’s doubles, and large hill ski jumping added women’s and men’s super team events.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

As colder weather increases energy usage, Tampa Electric offers advice on reducing consumption.

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Electric has tips for customers about managing electric bills during colder winter weather in the Tampa Bay area. Increased use of heating systems and more time spent indoors can lead to higher energy consumption.

Karen Sparkman, vice president of customer experience for Tampa Electric, said in a news release Thursday that cold weather can affect monthly bills.

"Our goal is to help customers understand what drives their energy use and to share tools, offer customer programs and provide resources that can help them manage costs with confidence," Sparkman said.

There are several steps utility customers can take to manage their energy use.

Adjusting thermostats gradually, rather than making large temperature jumps, can prevent supplemental heat strips from activating, which use significant electricity. Using a programmable thermostat to align with daily routines and focusing energy use on occupied areas through zone heating can also help.

Sealing air leaks around doors and windows is another recommended step to retain warm air.

Tampa Electric also suggests customers consider scheduling a free home energy audit. These audits can identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, such as insulation upgrades or addressing leaky ducts, ahead of the summer cooling season.

Further bill relief is anticipated later this year. A storm-related recovery charge, currently included in monthly bills, is scheduled to end in September. This is expected to result in lower utility bills in the fall and provide a savings for customers.

For households facing challenges with higher winter energy use, Tampa Electric said customers struggling to pay their bills are encouraged to contact the company to explore payment options or financial assistance programs.

The Share program, administered by Metropolitan Ministries, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, provides direct relief to help customers with energy bills. This program is funded by employees, customers, community partners, and Tampa Electric shareholders.

Sparkman said in the release, "No one should ever feel alone when they’re worried about their bill."

She encouraged customers facing financial challenges to reach out early, noting that customer service professionals are available to discuss support options and connect customers with resources.

More information on assistance programs can be found at TampaElectric.com/PayAssist.

--Editor's Note: This article was formatted in part by an artificial intelligence summarization tool.