Tampa Today News: Lunar Asian Coffee Shop Now Open + Victorian Christmas Strolls
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
Welcome back 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.
In this issue we’ll cover:
The return of Victorian Christmas Strolls to Tampa.
A new coffee shop in Temple Terrace selling Asian-inspired coffee and beverages.
The groundbreaking for the Ritz-Carlton Residences Tower in South Tampa.
Now, let’s get started!
Today’s weather: The high is 79 and the low is 56 with scattered thunderstorms. The chance of rain is 60 percent.
A word from our sponsor: Rene’s Mexican Kitchen
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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 stories in Tampa today:
Lunar Coffee now open in Temple Terrace and serving Asian-inspired beverages: Lunar Coffee, a new craft coffee shop emphasizing Asian flavors, has recently opened in Temple Terrace not far from Fowler Avenue. Owned by University of South Florida alumni Jenny Yang, the shop sources its coffee beans from Parlor Coffee in New York City. Menu items include Cafe Sua Da (Vietnamese Coffee), Injolmi Latte (Korean roasted soybean), Hojicha and Matcha. (carloseats.com)
Enjoy Victorian Christmas Strolls at historic museum: The Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa has kicked off its 42nd annual Victorian Christmas Strolls which will run with select hours through Dec. 23. Guests can enjoy complimentary cider and cookies on the veranda during their visit. Tickets can be purchased online to attend. The museum is located at 401 W Kennedy Blvd. (thatssotampa.com)
New craft beer and wine bar opening in Ybor: A new beer and wine bar called Trellis at Buchman is now in soft opening next to Zydeco Brew Werks and 7th + Grove at 1910 E 7th Ave. The concept is run by Joel Bigham, previously of Fermented Reality in Sparkman Wharf. Guests can expect local beers on tap, 10 wines by the glass, and a wine and craft beer bottle selection. (cltampa.com)
Tampa Ritz-Carlton Residences groundbreaking: The upcoming Ritz-Carlton Residences Tower held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday in South Tampa with city leaders. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor celebrated the investment by developers into Tampa. The tower will host 90 condominium homes and six villas upon completion, with units starting at $1.7 million. The Residences are also known as Tower II with Tower I already sold out. (fox13news.com)
Tampa-area education organizations face discrimination investigations and lawsuits as tensions rise: The U.S. Department of Education has launched discrimination investigations into Hillsborough County schools and the University of Tampa. Investigations are spiking from the U.S. government and law enforcement agencies over alleged antisemitism and Islamophobia. UT told media outlets that the investigation into the university predates the Israel-Hamas war. The University of South Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine is also suing USF and government officials over what they say is a violation of freedom of speech. (abcactionnews.com, wtsp.com)
Events today in Tampa:
1 Million Cups Tampa at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
Cooking Class - Ramen Noodle Bowls From Scratch. Riverview area. (noon)
Wine Wednesday at Cru Cellars. (6 p.m.)
Thanksgiving Eve Party at MacDinton's Irish Pub. (7 p.m.)
DrinksGiving Party 2023 at Circles Waterfront Restaurant. (7 p.m.)
Drinksgiving 2023 at American Social - Tampa. (9 p.m.)
What I’m eating:
Parker House Milk Bread ($6) at Union New American made with Cultured Butter, Honey, Fresh Thyme. The bread was our favorite. My guest has never had milk bread and it isn’t that common in Tampa, although it should be. It was decadent. Flavorful. Sweet and salty.
Read more at CarlosEats.com.
Notes:
There is a new ferry service connecting Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. The ride is 35 minutes and can carry 49 passengers from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria. Businesses are excited for the new connection. (baynews9.com)
The opponent of U.S. Rep Kathy Castor (D-FL), Neelam Taneja Perry, is accused by authorities of illegally prescribing opioid painkillers, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Perry denies the accusation. (tampabay.com)
St. Petersburg’s Oaks on 4th has shuttered, according to a report from CL. (cltampa.com)
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) plans to increase DUI enforcement on “Blackout Wednesday.” Thanksgiving Eve is one of the top day for drinking and partying in the United States. (wtsp.com)
Boulevard Burgers & Tap House in St. Petersburg has partnered up with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to host a toy donation for the holidays. This year is the 33rd Annual Neighbors to Neighbors Christmas Program. (tampabaynewswire.com)
$40,000 has been raised by the community to support two deputies recently injured when they were hit by a car, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. (abcactionnews.com)
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That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow.
-Carlos Hernandez