Tampa Today News: Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Coming + The Indie New Year's Day Brunch
Everything to know happening in Tampa.
Happy New Year’s Eve! 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. I hope you have a great NYE!
Today’s weather: High 67 and low 50. Sunny.
A word from our sponsor: The Left Bank Bistro
The Left Bank Bistro is offering a special menu to ring in NYE 2024. The Left Bank Bistro is 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. Call to make reservations at (727) 256-1691. The restaurant is located at 1225 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Visit them online at theleftbankbistro.com.
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 news stories today:
Hello Kitty Food Truck visiting Tampa area in early 2024: The Hello Kitty Cafe food truck is coming to the Tampa area to kick off 2024 with 2 events around town. The Hello Kitty truck will be at the Brandon Mall at 459 Brandon Town Center Dr. on Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. near the restaurant courtyard. The truck will visit the WestShore Plaza mall on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 250 Westshore Plaza next to H&M from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (wfla.com)
Enjoy a New Year’s Day recovery brunch at The Independent in Seminole Heights: The Independent Bar & Cafe in Seminole Heights will host its annual Bossa Nova New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch on Monday, Jan. 1, to kick off the new year. Specials for the day will include Black Eyed Peas (vegan) and Collard Greens (vegan), as well as housemade Biscuits & Gravy. There will also be a bottomless mimosa bar, curated craft and import beer & wine menu, and a complimentary branded Delirium Noel glass with purchase of any Delirium product. (carloseats.com)
Mobile syringe exchange booted from University Mall: IDEA Exchange’s mobile syringe exchange has been removed from the University Mall in Tampa. The exchanges are meant to help keep the community safe for those struggling with addiction amid a drug crisis and prevent dirty needles from spreading diseases including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The University area had the second-highest number of fentanyl overdose deaths last year, according to data from the county. (wtsp.com, wusf.edu)
Treasure Island Beach Resort fire extinguished by fire rescue: Treasure Island Fire Rescue responded to a incident at Thunderbird Beach Resort on Saturday afternoon after two hotel rooms were aflame. The incident happened at 10700 Gulf Blvd. at around 3:30 p.m., according to a news report from Fox 13. No one was injured in the fire. An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire. (fox13news.com)
Bayfront Health expanding in St. Pete Innovation District: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is expanding its downtown campus, according to a report from St. Pete Rising. It is the oldest hospital in St. Petersburg and started off as Good Samaritan Hospital in 1910. Orlando Health, which purchased the hospital in 2020 after years of financial turmoil for Bayfront, is working to restore its place as a top-tier healthcare facility. (stpeterising.com)
Top events happening today:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (1 p.m.)
NYE Masquerade Ball at Sal Y Mar. (7 p.m.)
New Year's Eve at The Blind Goat. (8 p.m.)
Bubbles & Bow Ties NYE 2024 at Jackson’s Bistro. (8 p.m.)
NYElectric 2024 at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. (8:30 p.m.)
New Year's Eve Cocktail Countdown at The Mandarin Hide. (9 p.m.)
New Year's Eve at Wagamama Tampa. (9 p.m.)
The Tampa EDITION Presents: NYE with Kool & the Gang. (9 p.m.)
Note: Events are subject to cancellation. Please verify with event organizers before heading out.
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Send news tip: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez