The Best Thing You Can Do Today: See Mr. Smith Goes to Washington in St. Pete’s Straub Park

Given the current political climate, the plot may sound like a fantasy — young idealist stands up for what’s right in a corrupt U.S. Senate — but the Oscar-winning 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is surprisingly prescient in its portrayal of dirty politics and the tricky business of manipulating a public image. Plus, it’s got Jimmy Stewart in the role that made him a star. It’s a timely season opener for St. Pete Preservation’s Movies in the Park, now beginning its 9th year. As always, the al fresco screening is preceded by live music from a local band (tonight: Este Loves & Friends), there are food trucks for your picnicking pleasure (or you can bring your own refreshments along with blankets and chairs), and admission is free — a perfect recipe for an early autumn-but-feels-like-summer evening.  Music at 6 p.m., screening at dark. North Straub Park, Beach Drive, St. Petersburg.

With so much going on in Tampa Bay these days, how do you decide what to do? Your trusty guide to the best things in life, duPont Registry Tampa Bay, is here to help. Each day, check out dupontregistrytampabay.com for dR Daily — our daily recommendation for The Best Thing You Can Do Today. And if you’d like to suggest something that you think should be considered for dR Daily, drop me a note at dwarner@dupontregistry.com