Hello, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:
U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Tampa on Feb. 9 to discuss the economy.
Bottlesmith has opened in North Hyde Park next to Willa's.
The Rooster & the Till is looking for a new chef after Chef Brian Lampe announced his retirement.
Looking for a great place to put up guests in Dunedin?
We all know Dunedin is a great place to visit. And we love it when our friends and family come to town. We just don’t always want them to actually stay in our homes. But how do we get that across without sounding, you know, a little rude…?
Here’s an idea: strongly suggest they stay at the Mai Tai Suites. Owners John and Karen Bickford offer fully furnished 850 square foot 2-bed, 1-bath suites for less than the price of a hotel.
Mai Tai Suites is located off the Dunedin Causeway and is surrounded by St. Joseph's Sound. It’s convenient to Clearwater Beach and Downtown Dunedin. It’s also dog-friendly (with no pet fee) and offers a free guest pass to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park.
Invite all your friends and family to visit Dunedin — and tell them to book their rooms at Mai Tai Suites today. Book direct with Mai Tai Suites to save up to 15 percent of typical online booking site fees.
Now, today's weather:
Pleasant with some sun. High: 75 Low: 57.
📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Tampa who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.
I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.
Here are the top stories in Tampa today:
City of Tampa is inviting kids in grades three to 12 to enter the city's 3Rs Art & PoetryContest. The deadline has been extended to Feb. 8. The contest is open to students enrolled in a school within Tampa city limits or those homeschooled in the city as well as clients at MacDonald Training Center's art program. (Tampa Patch)
Chef Brian Lampe is retiring from Rooster & The Till. Lampe previously worked for Mise en Place and is leaving the kitchen for the first time in 25 years. His last day will be March 4 and then Lampe will become the Tampa Bay sales representative for Gourmet Foods International. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
Bottlesmith, a new bottle shop, has opened in North Hyde Park next to Willa's and Rome & Fig. The shop claims to have an "elevated offering of beer, wine, and gourmet food options." The shop also sells non-alcoholic drinks and charcuterie board items. (That's So Tampa)
Polk County pro athlete Dazeran Jones found a role with NBA 2K as a motion capture actor after suffering an injury. His former minor league basketball team, the Jacksonville Giants, won the American Basketball Association Championship before his injury. Jones said he is staying strong amid the struggle from his injury. (Bay News 9)
U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Tampa on Feb. 9 to discuss the economy. The President will discuss his "commitment to lowering healthcare costs and protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare," according to a release. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WTSP)
Today in Tampa:
Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park. (9 AM)
Moving At The Museum at Tampa Museum of Art (10:30 AM)
Makerspace Orientation at John F. Germany Public Library (10:30 AM)
Ovations Dance Repertory Company Presents "Frozen Jr." at Countryside High School. (2:00 PM)
ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "We're thrilled to join forces with Land Rover Tampa of Morgan Auto Group as the official presenting sponsor of Expedition Wild Africa." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
Tampa Bay Rays shared: "As we celebrate Black History Month, we'll be showcasing the stories of our Black employees and how they got their start in baseball. Meet Karen Jones, who has worked for over 25 years with the Tampa Bay Rays." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Muller Elementary Magnet School held its 11th annual Recycled Fashion Show. ♻️👗👕 The creative designs and costumes featured in the show were made with old clothes and recycled materials." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
Midtown Tampa shared: "Get ready, get set, and mark your calendars for the Corsa American Rally on Feb. 9! 🏎️ Be prepared to be impressed by over 30 luxurious cars taking the streets from 7 to 10 p.m." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)
More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!
Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!
— Carlos Hernandez
About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com