It’s less than a week away from Liberty by the Bay, and organizers are asking for your help!
Thousands are expected to come to Tampa’s Downtown to celebrate Independence Day. Liberty by the Bay will be a full day of live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and waterfront attractions. To make this event a true blast, organizers are hoping for volunteers to join!
People attending are welcome to enjoy the celebration car-free, Tampa Downtown Partnership will offer free bike valet service, making it easy for cyclists to securely park and explore the festivities. Liberty by the Bay takes place Saturday, July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Volunteer Sign-Up
Beginning July 1, the S.S. American Victory will officially become Florida’s first state flagship following the signing of HB 249 by Governor Ron DeSantis. Permanently docked in Tampa’s Downtown, the World War II-era vessel is one of only three fully operational victory-class steamships remaining in the world, making it a treasured landmark and an enduring symbol of the state’s maritime heritage.
Originally built to transport troops and cargo during World War II, the S.S. American Victory also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars before being preserved as a museum and memorial. The new designation recognizes the ship’s historic service and its continued role in honoring American veterans while educating future generations about Florida’s military and maritime legacy.
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A new option for quick bites and late-night cravings is now available in Downtown with the opening of Bodega Bus at 505 N. Franklin Street. The new concept combines a neighborhood convenience store with a made-to-order kitchen, offering a menu designed to serve Downtown workers, residents, and visitors throughout the day and into the evening.
Guests can enjoy favorites like chopped cheese sandwiches, smashburgers, loaded hot dogs, chicken and steak over rice, and other comfort food classics (with a Middle Eastern twist), alongside a selection of convenience items. Located at the former Taco Bus site, Bodega Bus adds another locally owned dining option to Downtown’s growing food scene.
Downtown coffee lovers have something to look forward to this week as Tampa favorite Blind Tiger opens its newest location on the first floor of Rivergate Tower beginning this Wednesday, July 1. Operating from the building’s café space, the local coffee shop will offer its signature coffee drinks alongside breakfast items, sandwiches, pastries, and other grab-and-go favorites.
The opening comes as Moxies transitions out of its Rivergate Tower café location. Guests are encouraged to continue supporting Moxies at its nearby restaurant on W. Kennedy Boulevard.
DASH Driver Ambassadors ensure efficient transportation of individuals between 20+ designated DASH hubs within the Special Services District (SSD) of Tampa’s Downtown while being a friendly and inviting ambassador of Downtown. Driver Ambassadors operate a company-provided four-door EV and utilize app-based software to receive and accept ride requests, navigate hub locations, and track rides.
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July 1 >> Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | Lykes Gaslight Park
July 2 >> Rock The Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
July 9 >> Downtown’s Backyard Market | Poe Plaza
July 17 >> Rhythm & Hues: An Alleyway Art Show | Rialto Theater Alleyway
Sundays at 6pm >> Yoga in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Mondays at 6pm >> HIIT in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Tuesdays at 6pm >> Zumba in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Thursdays at 4-8pm >> Art on the House | Tampa Museum of Art
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