It’s that time again where we look at the good, the bad, and the ugly that happened throughout the year. Given the global pandemic, things still somehow evened out; keep reading to check out the highlights of our annual roller coaster ride.
Super Bowl contenders
This Superbowl season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back as reigning champs and are gearing towards another win to follow in the footsteps of the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004. Seeing as they share quarterback Tom Brady and started off with 10 consecutive wins, their odds seem pretty good.
COVID in Tampa
The coronavirus created both community restrictions and medical advances at lightning speed. In March 2020 the first two cases of COVID-19 were residents from the Bay area. Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees declared a public health emergency. Now restrictions have been lifted but as of December 7, 2021 the first instances of the omicron virus have reached the Tampa Bay area and its effects remain to be seen.
Gasparilla canceled
Gasparilla is an annual event in which legendary pirate Jose Gaspar is celebrated with a mock pirate raid; it’s been hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe since 1904. Due to coronavirus concerns and the large turnout of the event, it was canceled. But if you’re no landlubber, tickets for 2022 are currently on sale for the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest on January 29 and for the children’s parade on January 22.
2021 Best of the Bay
Every year Creative Loafing hosts the Best of the Bay Awards in Tampa. There are both Readers’ and Critics’ choice awards so both the public and the publication choose and vote on their candidates. This year the ceremony was influenced by the pandemic but Creative Loafing ambled onward and finalists were announced to everyone’s satisfaction. To see the list of winners, click here.
2,021 years wiser
When you look back at the end of the year, it’s incredible to see what has been accomplished. Be it less than positive or absolutely wonderful, everything we experience shapes us into the people we are today. This year celebrate the special moments and think of what you’ve learned through the harder moments. And if you want to document those special moments, follow @kristinamaness on Instagram or visit kristinamaness.com to see how to memorialize them.