Tampa Today News: 6th Annual Tampa Taco Fest + 2024 Rays Fan Fest
Everything to know happening in town.
Welcome back to Tampa Today News. I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining all things about what’s happening in the Tampa area including local news, events, and more.
Today’s weather: High 67 and low 46. Cloudy.
Featured Business: Mitchell & Sons Roofing
Networking while learning something new — join Mitchell & Sons Roofing at a free Real Estate Agent networking event! This event will start with an educational moment about contract law with Michael Heath, Real Estate Attorney, and then turn into open networking and happy hour at a private location.
Date: February 22 from 3-6:30pm
Location: Tryst, Downtown St. Petersburg, FL
Enjoy complimentary drinks for realtors and a special rate for non-realtors. Click here to secure your place now and connect with industry leaders!
Featured business: The Left Bank Bistro
The Left Bank Bistro is wonderful French restaurant and gathering place for friends and meeting new ones, for sipping coffee and cocktails on the patio while enjoying great conversations; or dining in the house on one of their chef's delicious creations. The restaurant is located at 1225 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Call to make reservations at (727) 256-1691.
Visit them online at theleftbankbistro.com.
Crabs are contagious - and these soft shell crabs are no exception! This week's Chef Jermaine special at The Left Bank Bistro is (drum roll please) Fried Soft Shell Crab, Cucumber Dill Salad, Smoked Tomato Coulis & Burnt Leek Powder - Delicious flavor in every lightly, crunchy bite!
Are you interested in sponsoring Tampa Today News and promoting your business, events, or products? Reach out at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com and I will be happy to discuss rates.
Top local stories:
Tampa Taco Fest returns Feb. 24 at Al Lopez: The 6th Annual Tampa Taco Fest is coming on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Al Lopez Park at 4810 N. Himes Ave. Tickets are now available and are required to attend. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and include an exclusive VIP bar, as well as private seating and bathrooms. Expect crowds at the event as this one usually sells out. (thatssotampa.com)
South Florida Men’s Basketball beats East Carolina 71-60: South Florida Men’s Basketball enjoyed 71-60 win against East Carolina on Wednesday night. It was the 6th straight win for the team. Chris Youngblood scores a game-high 20 points in the game. The Bulls are now 14-5 overall and 7-1 in AAC play. (abcactionnews.com, gousfbulls.com)
Tampa Bay Times shuts downtown Tampa office: The Tampa Bay Times has shut its downtown Tampa office, according to Creative Loafing. The Times signage will also be removed from the building it currently occupies. The paper of record said the company has moved to a hybrid model and no longer needs its office. (cltampa.com, tampabay.com)
Polk County city targets food trucks, drawing pushback: Haines City in Polk County is planning to ban food trucks, drawing pushback from the Institute for Justice (IJ). The food truck agency alleges that the new ordinance is “illegal and unconstitutional” and violates a state law the agency helped pass that blocks cities from banning “mobile food dispensing vehicles … from operating within the entirety of the entity’s jurisdiction.” (businessobserverfl.com, ij.org)
Tickets now available to Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest: The Tampa Bay Rays will host the 2024 Fan Fest at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available. The event is free to attend but registration is required. The Rays are partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay to host a food drive during the event and offering Two (2) Lower Reserved tickets to a 2024 regular season home game in exchange for nonperishable food items. (baynews9.com, mlb.com)
Top local events today:
Art on the House at Tampa Museum of Art. (4 p.m.)
Sunset Market at Midtown Tampa. (6 p.m.)
Thursdays Ladies Night at La Vid Wine Bar. (6 p.m.)
Rock The Park Tampa at Curtis Hixon Park. (6:30 p.m.)
Cowboy Bebop Live! at Tampa Theatre. (8 p.m.)
Notes:
St. Pete City Council Member Richie Floyd said he is planning to introduce a resolution today in St. Petersburg calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to an announcement made on social media. (x.com)
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority has earned LEED Gold Status for sustainability efforts for its interior finishes and makeup. (tampaairport.com)
Longtime NFL special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong has informed the Bucs he is retiring. (x.com)
South Tampa Chamber: "CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 to Bekins Moving Solutions on their Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening. We are so excited to have your new location join the South Tampa Community." (x.com)
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Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez