Tampa Today News: Gordito's Now Open + Robert's XMAS Wonderland
Tampa Today News: Gordito's Now Open + Robert's XMAS Wonderland
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
Welcome back to Tampa Today News. I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining everything you need to know about what’s happening in Tampa including local news, events, and more.
In this issue:
There is a new empanada and dessert stand at Sparkman Wharf.
A new wellness center has opened in East Tampa, replacing a nightclub.
There is a new Christmas-themed bar now open in downtown St. Pete.
A word from our sponsor: Rene’s Mexican Kitchen
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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 stories in Tampa today:
New empanada and dessert spot in Water Street Tampa: Proper House Group has opened Gordito's at Sparkman Wharf in Water Street Tampa at 615 Channelside Dr. The concept, led by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, replaces Lunch Lady and features empanadas and shaved ice. Empanada flavors include mojo pork, beef and mozzarella, spinach and cheese, guava and cream cheese, as well as chicken and beef. A grand opening is planned for this week. More details on that soon. (thatssotampa.com)
East Tampa nightclub transformed into wellness center: Dr. Vondalyn Wright has turned a nightclub into a wellness center in East Tampa, appropriately called The Well. Services the center offers include a pharmacy, family health services, and education about breast cancer. The center received a development grant of up to $350,000 from the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). (wmnf.org)
Jingle all the way to downtown St. Pete: There is a new Christmas-themed pop-up bar now open called Xmas Bar in downtown St. Pete at 260 1st Avenue North. The concept is being run by Forward Hospitality Group. The cocktail menu includes Jingle Juice, The Snowbird, Santa's Lil Nightcap, Mistletoe's Kiss and more. (stpeterising.com)
Amalie Arena improvements in the works: Plans are being made to improve Amalie Arena in Water Street Tampa. One planned improvement is digital signage. Vinik Sports Group has submitted plans to City of Tampa for approval, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal. The cost of the improvements were not made public. (subscription: bizjournals.com)
Shop local this holiday season for decor: If you're looking for Christmas decor this holiday season and want to support local check out Robert’s Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater at 2951 Gulf To Bay Boulevard. The business have been around for half a century and is open year-round. You'll find a wide-variety of Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths, nutcrackers, garlands and more inside the store. (wfla.com)
Top things happening today in Tampa:
Hillsborough County Fair at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. (all day)
The Junior League of Tampa - Holiday Gift Market 2023 at Florida State Fairgrounds. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets start at $25. (1 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Symphony at Palladium Theater St. Petersburg. (2:30 p.m.)
Beso del Sol: Tampa Bay's Premium Latin Dance Pool Party at Hotel Alba Tampa. (3 p.m.)
Poirot Returns at Stageworks Theatre. (3 p.m.)
Matthew Fowler at Hooch and Hive. (5 p.m.)
Notes:
City of Tampa: “Tampa downtown residents, visitors, & commuters: Beginning at 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) - Tampa will close Florida Ave at Polk St in Downtown Tampa. This closure is necessary for CSX railroad track repair work.” (x.com)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has re-appointed Robert Watkins to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. (floridapolitics.com)
Schiller International University in downtown Tampa has been acquired by Global Education Holdings in the U.K., according to a report from the Tampa Bay Business Journal. (bizjournals.com)
WalletHub has ranked Tampa as no. 28 in its "best sports city in America" list. (thatssotampa.com)
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If you have a news tip, I am all ears. My e-mail is carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow.
-Carlos Hernandez