Tampa Today News: Holiday events coming to Water Street Tampa + Cigar factory hotel coming soon
A number of holiday-themed events are coming to town soon.
Good morning and welcome to Tampa Today News. I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining everything you need to know about what’s happening in Tampa including local news, events, and happenings. Has anyone else been noticing the sun going down quicker and enjoying this cool weather? It’s finally fall in Tampa.
Here’s what you need to know about what is happening in town:
Holiday celebration returning to Water Street Tampa: Season Spectacular is a new event coming to Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa on Nov. 17. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Children’s Dream Fund. The Holiday Promenade is returning on Dec. 7 and a Night of Lights Chanukah celebration on Dec. 14. (thatssotampa.com)
Historic cigar factory converting into hotel: The Balbin Brothers Cigar Factory, originally built in 1904, is being converted into a 70-room hotel. The news comes as a number of old cigar factories are currently under renovation for tourism throughout the Tampa area. The factory was originally built for Samuel I. Davis & Company and abandoned in 2005. The project is expected to reach completion by the end of 2024. (baynews9.com, abandonedfl.com)
Authorities seek suspect in Maryland judge homicide with ties to Tampa: The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect believe to be involved in a deadly shooting of a Maryland judge after a divorce ruling. The suspect is believed to have ties to Tampa, Clearwater, and a number of other cities in the country. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities. (wfla.com)
The 13th annual Empty Bowls Project will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum in Plant City. Hunger is rising in the Tampa Bay area due to inflation and an affordable housing crisis. Nineteen Hillsborough County schools are participating in the charity event this year so far. Guests can pay $10 for a bowl and a choice of soup options. All proceeds directly benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City in the fight against hunger. (ospreyobserver.com, wtsp.com)
New cocktail lounge coming to Water Street from award-winning restaurant group: Alter Ego is a new cocktail lounge coming to Water Street Tampa from the same group behind Rooster & the Till, Proper House. It will be located inside Asher at 1050 Water St. It will the first bar headed up by the restaurant group. An opening is planned for early 2024. (tbbwmag.com, patch.com)
Grabbed some fish and chips at Strandhill Public in Brandon on Saturday. The fries are delicious and it was a pretty good meal. If you haven’t eaten there before the burgers are also delicious and they have brunch. Don’t miss their cocktails.
Happening in Tampa today (Oct. 22)
The Heights District's Annual Fall Fest at Armature Works. (all day)
Festival de Bomba y Plena Tampa at Water Works Park. (11 a.m.)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. (1 p.m.)
A Night at the Museum at Tampa Bay History Center. (4 p.m.)
Interview With The Vampire (1994) at Tampa Theatre. (6 p.m.)
Nick Carter at Straz Center. (7:30 p.m.)
Notes:
The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a humiliating defeat in overtime to Toronto last night at home. (tampabay.com)
Sylvan-Ramble Lights is returning to South Tampa for its final year. Proceeds from the light show will be donated to non-profit, Clothes to Kids, through Christmas. (fox13news.com)
Omnom is performing at The Patio at Carmine's Ybor on Oct. 27 to kick off Halloween weekend. (eventbrite.com)
Dabin is coming to The Ritz Ybor on Oct. 28 for Halloween weekend. (seetickets.us)
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is reminding travelers that pre-booking parking is the only way to guarantee a spot at TPA during Thanksgiving week. (tampaairport.com)
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If you have a news tip, I am all ears. My e-mail is carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.