Tampa Today News: Metro Min. Holiday Drive + Pirate Water Taxi Route
Everything 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. I hope you had a great weekend. Grab your cup of coffee and let’s get you updated.
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Top stories in Tampa:
Metropolitan Ministry kicks off Holiday food drive: Metropolitan Ministries is hard at work trying to help local families for the holiday season. Donations have fallen 30 percent as inflation bites, while demand is up by nearly 70 percent amid an affordable housing crisis. There are a number of places to drop off goods for those trying to help others. The Tampa drop-off location is at 2609 North Rome Avenue. Donated items needed: Frozen turkeys and hams, canned yams, stuffing, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, cereal, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, dessert mixes, gift cards, toys/gifts for children ages 4-17. (wfla.com)
Local water taxi changes route: Pirate Water Taxi in downtown Tampa recently expanded its route, while also eliminating a stop at Rick's on the River due to safety concerns The new route features an Island Loop around Harbour Island. The changes come as the company prepares for to introduce new boat fleets as well. (cltampa.com)
Ybor City businesses notice slowdown: Business owners in Ybor City said local businesses experienced lower business after the recent Halloween weekend shooting. Local businesses are working together to come up with a plan to increase safety and risk management, according to Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge. Tampa Police Department increased its presence in the area this past weekend and made 210 traffic stops, 11 felony arrests, and 17 misdemeanor arrests, and recovered one gun. (abcactionnews.com)
Bucs come up short: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell against the Houston Texans on Sunday in a 39-37 game that saw the Bucs blow a lead. Rookie C.J. Stroud from the Texans fought back against the Bucs defense. The Bucs are now 3-5. The Bucs will next face the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 12 at Raymond James Stadium. (wfla.com)
Midtown owners Secure $45 million loan: The owners of Midtown West have obtained a $45 million loan for the building, according to Business Observer. The fully-occupied office building has a number of companies leasing including Nestle and Prudential. Midtown East is currently under construction. (businessobserverfl.com)
Happening today:
WTR Monday Vibes at WTR Grill. (noon)
Ribbon Cutting at Raining Berries South Tampa. (3 p.m.)
Dining in the Dark at Sun City Community Center. (4 p.m.)
Dying Wish at The Orpheum. (6 p.m.)
Salsa On1 & Bachata Classes on Mondays by Amy Cee at Dance Flow Studios. (6 p.m.)
Notes:
University of South Florida: “USF has partnered with Tampa Bay Wave to launch the HealthTech|X Accelerator program in mid-2024. This initiative fosters innovation, supports high-potential health tech startups & promotes entrepreneurship in the Tampa Bay region.” (usf.edu)
Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections: “Today is Election Hero Day and even though we don't have an election tomorrow, I want to thank friends, colleagues and neighbors who take the time and effort to ensure elections run smoothly.” (x.com)
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL): “Tonight! I know there has been a lot going on in Washington and the Tampa Bay Area, that is why I want to hear directly from you. Join my Telephone Town Hall with local leaders today at 5 p.m. I will provide updates and answer your questions. Call 855-962-1128. (x.com)
The University of South Florida is developing a sargassum forecasting system. (foxweather.com)
Tampa Bay Chamber: “Join us tomorrow, Nov. 7, for Work Redefined – Hidden Talent where we will explore how companies could be missing out on hiring talented and qualified individuals needed for unfilled roles. If you are an employer or hiring manager, you will not want to miss out on this session.” (tampabaychamber.com)
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See you tomorrow!