Tampa Today News: Gasparilla Festival Of The Arts This Weekend + Bal Harbour Shops
Everything to know happening near you.
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 78 and low 64. Cloudy.
Featured sponsor: Qdoba Mexican Eats
Qdoba Mexican Eats is hosting its Grand Opening Celebration in New Tampa at Highwoods Preserve, 17509 Preserve Walk Lane on Wednesday, March 6, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m.
Qdoba creates freshly-made, Mexican-inspired food crafted with contemporary flavors that guests crave. Qdoba believes that the most delicious flavors start with quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, taking pride in preparing meals in their kitchens each day.
Follow Qdoba Tampa on Instagram at @qdoba_tampa.
Are you interested in sponsoring Tampa Today News and promoting your business, events, or products? Reach out at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com and I will be happy to discuss rates.
Top local stories:
Bern’s Winefest returns April 13 to 21, tickets on sale March 2: Bern’s Winefest is returning to Tampa from April 13 to April 21. The annual week of events will promise exclusive food and wine experiences for guests to enjoy. Tickets will go on-sale Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. The festival is being held in collaboration with the prestigious James Beard Foundation. (carloseats.com)
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts happening this weekend: Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is this weekend at Julian B. Lane Park on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 with over 250+ artists attending. There will be live music on both days headlined by Durry, according to Creative Loafing. Vendors and food trucks will sell food and refreshments on-site. Admission is free and organizers expect about 30,000 people to attend. (cltampa.com)
St. Pete breaks ground on ‘The Central’ development: City of St. Petersburg has broke ground on a new mixed-use development called The Central. It will be on the land that was previously the St. Pete Police Department. The new development will include a 4-star hotel, housing for workers, public parking, and office space. (fox13news.com)
Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands company closing 41 restaurants nationwide: Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc. is closing 41 restaurants across the country including an Outback Steakhouse in Sarasota. The company restaurant portfolio includes Outback Steakhouse, Aussie Grill by Outback, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Most of the restaurants were older in the portfolio and go back decades. The company also plans to “open 40 to 45 new restaurants across the system in 2024.” (nrn.com)
Luxury shopping pop-up experience from Miami coming soon to Sarasota: Bal Harbour Shops is coming soon to Sarasota with an opening planned for March 8. The pop-up tour includes 30 shipping containers with top luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Todd Snyder, Valentino, Versace and more. The concept even includes a fine dining experience called The Whitman with a customized menu for the area. The pop-up will be around for around 2 months. (businessobserverfl.com, sarasotamagazine.com)
Top local events:
Florida Strawberry Festival. (all day)
Art On The House at Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)
Oxford Exchange Wedding Showcase at Oxford Exchange. (6:30 p.m.)
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins at George Steinbrenner Field. (6:35 p.m.)
Pass the Mic Thursdays at Geo's Fine Wine & Champagne. (7 p.m.)
How can you support Tampa Today News? Spread the word. Subscribe. Share with your friends. If you have the means, consider signing up to donate to this Substack and help support local journalism.
Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez