Tampa Today News: Gasparilla Beads Guide + Neon Lunchbox Retro Bar
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.
In this issue we’ll cover:
Where you can find beads for Gasparilla 2024.
A new retro bar coming to St. Pete.
A new bakery now open in historic Ybor City.
Now, let’s get started.
Today’s weather: High of 65 and low of 49. Cloudy.
Featured business: 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.
Featured Business: Mitchell & Sons Roofing
Networking with a personal touch — join Mitchell & Sons Roofing at a free Real Estate Agent networking event! This event is tailored for real estate agents and residential service professionals to make connections and sip wine together.
Date: January 16, 2024 from 5-7 PM
Location: 10&10 Enoteca, Tampa, FL
Enjoy complimentary wine for realtors and a special rate for non-realtors. Click here to secure your place now and connect with industry leaders!
Top local stories in town:
New bakery now open in historic Ybor City: Wicked Sweet Sugar Boutique is a new bakery now open Ybor City at 2209 E 7th Ave. The owners originally operated in Hampton, New Hampshire before deciding to move to Florida. Menu items include cupcakes, decorated cookies, cake pops and French macarons. Wicked Sweet Sugar also makes wedding cakes and specialty cakes. (thatssotampa.com)
Hop over to the The Big Bounce America this weekend in Sarasota: The Big Bounce America is in Sarasota this weekend at Nathan Benderson Park at 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir. The “largest touring inflatable event in the world” is also planning a trip to Tampa in March. It features slides, ball pits, a sports arena, DJs and more. Tickets are available online for children and adults and start at $22. (thebigbounceamerica.com)
Bolts face Ducks tonight: The Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the Anaheim Ducks at Amalie Arena in Water Street Tampa tonight at 7 p.m. The game will be on Bally Sports and also covered on 102.5 MHz-FM and Lightning Radio 24/7. The Bolts had 2-0-0 record vs. ANA last season. (nhl.com)
Retro bar opening in downtown St. Petersburg: The Neon Lunchbox is a retro bar opening with a '80s and '90s theme in St. Pete's Grand Central District at 1756 Central Ave. There will be live bands and DJs on weekends as well as different themed music nights. The bar menu is being curated by local bartender Ben Harris and a food menu is also in the works, according to St. Pete Rising. (stpeterising.com)
Where to buy beads for Gasparilla 2024: If you're looking for beads this Gasparilla there are a few places you can look. Stores selling beads and costumes include Gasparilla Treasures, Beads by the Dozen, Buccaneer Beads, South Tampa Trading Co. and Pirate Fashions. The Gasparilla Children's Parade is Jan. 20 and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest is Jan. 27. (wtsp.com)
Saturday, Jan. 13
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Appearance at Westshore Plaza. (all day)
St. Pete Bacon and BBQ Festival at Vinoy Park. (noon)
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. (noon)
Winter Jam 2024 at Yuengling Center. (6 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Anaheim Ducks at Amalie Arena. (7 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 14
St. Pete Bacon and BBQ Festival at Vinoy Park. (noon)
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. (noon)
The Soul Revival Art Fest and Fundraiser at The Well. (2 p.m.)
Arte y Pasion - Flamenco Guitar at Carrollwood Cultural Center. (2 p.m.)
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. 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