Tampa Today News: First Friday Returns + Epicurean Hotel Expansion Opens
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
TGIF! 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 75. Low 65. Mostly sunny.
Featured sponsor: Kanji Sushi & Ramen
Kanji Sushi & Ramen located at 910 Providence Rd. in Brandon is launching a new late night happy hour from 8:30 p.m. to close from Monday to Friday which includes yakitori, sushi, sake and more. Their regular happy hour at Kanji Sushi & Ramen is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Visit them online at kanjirestaurant.com.
Enjoy 10 percent off at Kanji Sushi & Ramen when you show this online offer at the restaurant and mention “Tampa Today News.” Expires 1/31/24.
Featured sponsor: The Left Bank Bistro
The Left Bank Bistro is 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.
This week's Chef's Special now until Saturday - Flounder Meunière, Truffle Fingerling Potatoes, and Haricot Verts.
Top local news in town:
First Friday returns tonight to St. Pete after hiatus: First Friday St. Pete is returning after being sponsored by local businesses in downtown St. Petersburg. The popular block party was abruptly canceled indefinitely in November after hitting a funding wall. The event is happening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Central Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets. There will be live music, food trucks, and more. (wtsp.com)
Tampa Epicurean Hotel expansion now open in South Tampa: The Epicurean Hotel has opened its $21 million expansion in Tampa's Hyde Park neighborhood. The new addition across the street to the original hotel includes 51 guest rooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting space and rooftop terrace. New apartment buildings are also planned to open this spring. (thatssotampa.com)
Tampa Bay Lightning defeat Wild in Thursday night game: The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-1 on Thursday night. The Wild were suffering from a number of injuries during the game. Next the Bolts will be at Boston on Saturday night. (abcactionnews.com)
Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival returns this weekend to Pinellas County: The 27th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival returns to town this weekend on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy the free festival with tons of local artists with work for sale for all types of buyers. The festival is located at 271 Main St., Dunedin. (cltampa.com)
Moffitt billed $19 million by feds for improper billing: Moffitt Cancer Center is being billed over $19 million in a settlement for improperly billing Medicare and other federal health care programs, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The issue was over the billing of clinical trial research services. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida said Moffitt “self-reported its improper claims, cooperated with government investigators and took action to remediate its billing systems.” (wfla.com)
Top events in town:
First Friday Happy Hour at The Italian Club. (5 p.m.)
The Market Elaine at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. (5:30 p.m.)
1st Fridays "Rhythm on the River" at Straz Center for the Performing Arts. (5:30 p.m.)
First Friday St. Pete at Downtown St. Pete. (6 p.m.)
Jay Phillips at Funny Bone Comedy Club. (7:30 p.m.)
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Send news tip: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez