Tampa Today News: 'Craft' Cruise Launches March 8 + New Allegiant Routes
Tampa Today News: 'Craft' Cruise Launches March 8 + New Allegiant Routes
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 area including local news, events, and more.
Today’s weather: High 64 and low 50. Partly cloudy.
Featured business: Chef & The Baker
Chef Rosana and Chef Ricardo have delivered premier catering and dining experiences in the Tampa Bay area for the past 17 years. This duo is the powerhouse behind Tampa’s most popular restaurants in the past 10 years, including Piquant, Xilo, Kofe and now Chef & the Baker. Catch Chef & The Baker at their pop-up Pinellas Park bakery daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4521 107th Circle N Suite 4 Clearwater, FL 33762.
Find more information at chefandthebaker.com.
Top local stories:
Craft cruise experience launches in Tampa March 8: A new cruise experience, called Craft, is launching this spring. The cruise will feature fine dining and cocktails. The menu is being curated by Chef Allison Beasman. Kickoff is March 8. Tickets start at $79.95 and the boat will dock a 603 Channelside Drive in Water Street Tampa. Reservations are now available online. (thatssotampa.com, crafttampa.com)
$6 million upgrade underway at Blake High for Tampa Bay Sun FC soccer team: Tampa Bay Sun FC is investing $6 million to upgrade the riverfront soccer stadium at Blake High School in Tampa. Tampa Bay Sun FC has been approved as a Division One league. Construction is expected to last until August. The team is owned by Ybor City developer Darryl Shaw, David Laxer and Jeff Fox. (businessobserverfl.com, baynews9.com)
Allegiant Air offers 3 new routes from Tampa Bay this summer: Allegiant Air has announced three new nonstop flights from the Tampa Bay area. New destinations include Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), Evansville, Indiana via Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), and McAllen, Texas via McAllen International Airport (MFE). Flights start this summer in June and are available now starting at $49. (wfla.com)
Florida lawmaker proposes crackdown on minors with guns: Florida Rep. Berny Jacques, representing part of Pinellas County, is seeking to increase penalties for gun crimes committed by minors. The bill would increase the penalty for a minor in possession of a firearm from first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has voiced support for the legislation. Opponents say the bill would lead to long-term damage for minors. (wtsp.com)
Tampa falls on list of cities being ranked due to affordable housing crisis: Tampa has slid a number of points to no. 23 on a report of “Best-Performing Cities 2024: Focus on Sustainable Growth and Resilience” from the Milken Institute, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal. The report blames the slide on Tampa’s “relatively poor performance in housing affordability, community resilience and income inequality.” It is one of many lists that Tampa is sliding on after strong gains during the pandemic. (subscription: bizjournals.com, milkeninstitute.org)
Top local events:
Galentine's Skate and Market at United Skates of America. (5:30 p.m.)
Valentine's Day Couples Sound Bath at Hotel Haya. (6:30 p.m.)
OE Book Club February | If Beale Street Could Talk at Oxford Exchange. (6:30 p.m.)
Pre-Valentines Champagne Dinner at Chateau Cellars Ybor. (6:30 p.m.)
Salsa Night at Sorry Not Public. (8 p.m.)
Notes:
If you’re looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day option in Tampa Bay, Axios Tampa Bay has a good list up with suggestions. (axios.com)
Featured business: Due Amici & Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne
Due Amici is a family-run pizza and pasta bar restaurant located in Ybor City at 1724 E 7th Ave. The restaurant takes pride in their gourmet food, handcrafting sauces to compliment the flavors in each dish. Pizza dough is made in-house, hand-spun, topped with the freshest ingredients, and carried to the oven with love.
Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne Bar is the latest hotspot in Ybor City right next door to Due Amici at 1730 E 7th Ave. The bar has a selection of fine wines and champagnes to choose from as well as charcuterie boards and live music and events regularly.
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Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez