Tampa Today News: JW Marriott Tampa NYE 2024 Party + Tampa 'Forever Chemicals'
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
Welcome back to Tampa Today News. I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining all things about what’s happening in Tampa including local news, events, and more.
Today’s weather: High 65 and low 46. Mostly sunny.
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Top stories in Tampa today:
Pasco County Schools testing 4-day weekends next school year: Pasco County Schools is planning to offer four-day weekends on select months in the 2024-25 school year to help boost attendance. The planned changes come amid rising absence from students. The school board hopes it will help families plan vacations and trips without impacting education. (tampabay.com)
Celebrate NYE 2024 in style at JW Marriott Water Street: Looking for plans for NYE 2024? JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is hosting a special party with combo tickets available for Driftlight Steakhouse and Beacon Tampa rooftop bar. Individual tickets are also available to the rooftop bar party. Tickets are available now and reservations are required to attend. JW Marriott Water Street Tampa is located at 510 Water St. (carloseats.com)
Skyride returning soon to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is planning to bring back its skyride. The theme park recently posted a video from the ride saying “testing.” The skyride has closed since 2020 for repairs. Busch Gardens is also working on rolling out its Phoenix Rising roller coaster. (thatssotampa.com)
Tampa working to address PFA’s: City of Tampa is working to address "forever chemicals" in drinking water with new technology. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release new regulations on the chemicals in 2024. Suspended Ion Exchange also known as “SIX” is believed to be useful in reducing PFA chemicals in drinking water. Studies have linked PFA’s to various illnesses and diseases in recent years and drawn activists and scientists to pressure the government to take action. (wfla.com, epa.gov)
Bucs defeat Falcons in Sunday win: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back at the top of the NFC South after a 29-25 victory on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs are now 6-7 for the season. "I can't say enough about these guys fighting, the competitiveness they had coming in here," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. (buccaneers.com)
Top events in Tampa:
OE Book Club | December | Skipping Christmas at Oxford Exchange. (6:30 p.m.)
W.T.F. Mondays Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot Class at Studio 131. (7 p.m.)
It's a Wonderful Life on 16mm (1947) by Frank Capra at Screen Door Cinema. (7 p.m.)
Dream Scenario (2023) at Tampa Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
Sounds of the Season with the Heralds of Harmony at New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (7:30 p.m.)
Notes:
The Geminids meteor shower is returning to the skies on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. (wfla.com)
Keith Waters has earned a USF Health Culture Coin. Waters provides crucial support to families and ensures that every child receives the necessary interventions for their growth and development through the USF Health Pediatrics Early Steps program. (usf.edu)
St. Pete Parks & Rec: "The Therapeutic Recreation Program is collecting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items now through Dec. 20. All donations will benefit Reach St. Pete for families in need." (x.com)
HART: “ROUTE 19 RIDERS: We need your feedback on a proposed routing change to Route 19. Please take a minute to fill out this short (three-question) survey with your preferred route alignment.” (x.com)
Westshore Tampa: “Join Westshore Alliance as we celebrate recent accomplishments and welcome new members to our Board of Directors at the Westshore Alliance 41st Annual Meeting + Reception on Feb. 1, 2024. Sponsorships are available. Register now.” (x.com)
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That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow.
-Carlos Hernandez