Tampa Today News: Coral Conservation and Research Center Open + Plan To Demolish Westshore Plaza
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 Bay area including local news, events, and more.
Today’s weather: High 79 and 61. Mostly cloudy.
Featured sponsor: The Left Bank Bistro
The Left Bank Bistro is a 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.
Monday Mingle is here: It’s a great way to stop by, chill before the week begins, have an app or enjoy fresh east coast oysters. Every Monday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Chef Jermaine will also have specials available that day as well - so stop in and check it out.
Top local stories:
Westshore Plaza could be demolished in new development plans: Developers have submitted plans to demolish Westshore Plaza and change the area into housing. The plan has yet to be approved by city leaders. The only surviving building would be the Macy’s at the mall and the parking garage near it. (abcactionnews.com)
Caribbean Twist serving up Cuban and Dominican food in West Tampa: Caribbean Twist is a restaurant featuring Cuban and Dominican food at 3328 West Columbus Dr. The menu includes Pollo al Horno, Pollo Guisado, Carne con Papa, Picadillo and Ropa Vieja. Luis S. writes on Google, “Great Spanish food and great people. The food is amazing. Large portions. I recommend to everyone looking for some real home cooking.” (fox13news.com)
The Florida Aquarium opens Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach: The Florida Aquarium has opened its $3.4 million Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach. The center comes as scientists and researchers work to save the coral reefs in Florida and protect the ecosystem in the ocean. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has also pledged $2.1 million to help support the effort from the aquarium. (stpetecatalyst.com)
Lakeland facial recognition cameras alarm residents: Lakeland has installed 13 facial recognition surveillance cameras around the city. Privacy advocates say the cameras are an invasion of citizen privacy. The technology is scanning the faces of everyone in public and saving their information in databases without their consent. The technology has backfired in some cities across the nation with wrongful arrests and lawsuits against police stations. (wtsp.com)
Tampa sports bar named on top bars for March Madness games: North 30th Sports Pub & Grille USF has made the list of top bars to watch March Madness games. The study came from online sportsbook BetUS. The positive reviews of the bar helped it land on the list. (heraldtribune.com)
Top local events:
Scarlet Lotus Cabaret's Graveyard Cabaret at SpookEasy Lounge. (7 p.m.)
Tampa Oratorio Singers Present Mozart's Requiem at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. (7 p.m.)
South Florida Bulls Men's Basketball vs. Virginia Commonwealth Mens Basketball at Yuengling Center. (7:30 p.m.)
Golden Girls at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts. (7:30 p.m.)
Gasparilla International Film Festival: The Invisibles (2024) at Tampa Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
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That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez