Kelly & Mark Return to Tampa Bay for Special Live Episodes

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are set to broadcast four special episodes of "Live with Kelly and Mark" from the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach in Florida. This remote taping holds personal significance for Consuelos, whose roots are deeply embedded in the Tampa Bay area. He attended Bloomingdale High School and the University of South Florida, cherishing memories of growing up there, including attending Buccaneers games. "I've been a fan since, you know, the late '80s," Consuelos shared, recalling his long-standing connection to the team. He also expressed a desire to visit his former high school and the Buccaneers' practice facility. The special episodes are scheduled to feature a lineup of celebrity guests, including St. Petersburg native Patrick Wilson, alongside musicians Katharine McPhee, Jason Derulo, Busta Rhymes, and Common. Ripa also shared her own positive early impressions of the area, remembering meeting Consuelos' parents and being captivated by the local scenery and hospitality. The show's executive producer, Michael Gelman, noted that the Tampa Bay visit has been discussed for a decade, highlighting the team's consistent search for engaging, warm-weather locations for remote tapings, especially as winter approaches in other regions. This initiative also follows the show's recent studio move to a new, expansive 1.2 million square foot headquarters in Hudson Square, New York, which began hosting episodes on April 7, 2025, after more than four decades at their previous Upper West Side location. The new facility boasts modern amenities, including floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city and an outdoor terrace.