Tampa Today News: iHeartRadio Jingle Ball + River Park Tower Renovations
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
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 more.
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Top stories in Tampa:
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Returns to Tampa Nov. 26, Tickets now on-sale: The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour is returning to Tampa on Sunday, Nov. 26 at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. Niall Horan from “The Voice” and previously One Direction is headlining the concert. This year's featured artists also includes Teddy Swims, Zara Larsson, Doechii, Paul Russell, Kaliii and Lawrence. Tampa is one of 10 cities selected to host concerts for the national tour. Tickets are available at iheart.com/jingle-ball. (carloseats.com)
Seminole Tribe relaunches sports betting app: The Seminole Tribe in Tampa has re-launched its sports betting app in Florida for previous users as litigation continues. The tribe is giving “limited access to existing Florida customers to test its Hard Rock Bet platform.” The U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected an attempt to block a deal for sports betting in Florida. In-person sports betting is expected to return to the Hard Rock in Tampa on Friday, Dec. 8. (wfla.com)
Iconic Tampa water tower getting refurbished: The River Park Tower in Sulphur Springs is undergoing renovations for the first time since 1989. The tower was once an important center of Tampa and held 150,000 gallons of water for the city. It was originally constructed by developer Josiah Richardson. "Preserving and protecting our rich history is just as important as paving the way for our future," said City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. (tampagov.com)
Interim CEO fully hired for HART: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) has approved a full-time contract for interm CEO Scott Drainville. The new CEO will be compensated $245,000. The transit agency has suffered through numerous controversies recently as one employee was found to be working for two transit agencies at once. (tampabay.com, bizjournals.com)
The SouthShore and South Hillsborough chambers are merging into the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 15. The new board will consist of members from both boards. Both offices will remain open. (ospreyobserver.com)
Happening today:
Heights Night Market at Armature Works. (5:30 p.m.)
The Honor Table: A Veterans Salute & Social Dinner at Clasico Chophouse & Brewpub - Brandon Mall. (6 p.m.)
Family Glow Skate at Skateworld of Tampa. (6 p.m.)
William Shatner at Straz Center for the Performing Arts. (9:30 p.m.)
Giveaway:
I have two tickets to give away for the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023 concert on Nov. 26. The two tickets are worth a combined $189 value. To enter, you must be signed up for this newsletter and I will also give away more entries to people who invite others to subscribe to Tampa Today News. I will draw a winner on Nov. 15. Simply click this button below to refer a friend and make sure you are signed-up as well:
Product review:
Terra Kafe, a Brooklyn-based coffee technology brand, has a launched its own coffee brand called Classico Coffee. Coffee beans for the blend are sourced from Honduras, Nicaragua, and India. The dark roast coffee is made for automated machines, but also works in other methods. I used it in my moka pot with no problem. Personally, I felt the coffee has a good flavor and good for a daily Cup of Joe. House Blend by Classico Coffee retails at $15 per 12 oz. bag and is available roasted-to-order at terrakaffe.com as a one-time purchase or recurring subscription.
Notes:
Felicitous Coffee in Temple Terrace is hosting a “Taste of Asia” night market pop-up on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature Heritage Dim Sum, Taste of Saigon, Juju Taiyaki, Ngot Bakedgoods, and Donyo’s Signature Lechon. (instagram.com)
Snowcat Ridge has delayed its opening to Dec. 3 due to a restroom upgrade project. (wtsp.com)
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See you tomorrow!