Tampa Today News: New Dim Sum Restaurant + TPA CEO Announces Departure
Everything to know happening in town.
TGIF! 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.
Today’s weather: High 69 and low 47. Mostly sunny.
Featured Business: Mitchell & Sons Roofing
Networking while learning something new — join Mitchell & Sons Roofing at a free Real Estate Agent networking event! This event will start with an educational moment about contract law with Michael Heath, Real Estate Attorney, and then turn into open networking and happy hour at a private location.
Date: February 22 from 3-6:30pm
Location: Tryst, Downtown St. Petersburg, FL
Enjoy complimentary drinks for realtors and a special rate for non-realtors. Click here to secure your place now and connect with industry leaders!
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.
Chef Jermaine's Special this week is Veal Osso Buco - a culinary masterpiece that promises to enchant even the most discerning palate. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the succulent veal shank is imbued with rich, savory flavors and is nestled beside a bed of creamy Pesto Risotto, offering a perfect complement to the hearty veal. Add Pickled Onions and vibrant Heirloom Tomatoes - together these elements harmonize to create a symphony of taste and texture, offering a delightful culinary experience you won't want to mix this week!
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 in town:
Dim sum restaurant opens near USF: A new dim sum restaurant has opened in the University area. Grand Fortune is now in soft opening at 1104 E. Fowler Ave. next to MD Oriental Market, according to CL. Tampa has a lack of dim sum concepts and could use more concepts in the area. (cltampa.com)
Tampa International Airport CEO stepping down ahead of 2025 contract expiration: Tampa International Airport (TPA) CEO Joe Lopano is planning to step down ahead of his contract expiration next year. Lopano helped the airport grow during his tenure with numerous awards, rankings, and airport expansions during his time there. The selection process for a successor is expected to take several months. (tampabay.com, tampaairport.com)
Controversial food truck ban in Polk County city delayed temporarily: An attempt to ban food trucks in Polk County’s Haines City has been temporarily put on ice for now by lawmakers after an outcry from food truck owners and advocacy groups. One group said that the proposal to ban food trucks is in violation of Florida law. Officials in Haines City will bring the issue back up next on Thursday, Feb. 15. (fox13news.com)
Crystal River bar fight leads to shooting, bar employee shot dead: An employee at Norton’s Riverside Bar and Grill in Crystal River was shot dead on Friday morning during a dispute, according to Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Police said the employee was trying to resolve a dispute between two guests at the bar. The suspect involved in the shooting has been arrested and charged with second degree murder. (wfla.com)
New restaurant listings in Tampa Bay declined in 2023, according to Yelp data: Yelp data shows the number of new restaurants being listed in Tampa Bay has declined by 7 percent between 2019 and 2023, according to Axios. 648 new restaurants were listed in Tampa Bay in 2023, a decline from the year prior. The overall number of new businesses has risen by 60 percent since 2019. (axios.com)
Events this weekend in town
Friday, Feb. 2:
Winterfest Carnival at St. George. (5 p.m.)
First Friday Block Party at World of Beer Westchase. (5 p.m.)
First Friday Happy Hour at Italian Club of Tampa. (6 p.m.)
Tampa Maker's Market at Angry Chair Brewing. (6 p.m.)
First Friday Wine Tasting at La Vid Wines. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 3:
Ice Cream For Breakfast Day at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. (9 a.m.)
Cigar Box and Music Festival at Village of the Arts. (11 a.m.)
Hip Hop Dance Fitness 90 Min Mash Up at Studio Flava. (2 p.m.)
San Holo at Jannus Live. (6 p.m.)
Gasparilla Rum's 6 Year Anniversary Party at Gasparilla Rum. (6 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 4:
The Art of Dipping Strawberries at Creative Junk Therapy. (1 p.m.)
I LOVE R&B at Geo's Fine Wine & Champagne. (2 p.m.)
Champagne and Bouquets at Centro Asturiano de Tampa. (4 p.m.)
The Afro Latinos Show at Side Splitters Comedy Club. (7 p.m.)
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Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez