Tampa Today News: Tampa Bay Rays Name Change Proposed + NoHo Development
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. I celebrated my 34th birthday last night at Finn’s Dockside in Apollo Beach with a delicious lobster and prawn roll and at Tori Bar Tampa near downtown Tampa with some drinks. Recommend both. I am coming to you one year older.
This issue includes updates on:
The latest happening with the USF on-campus football stadium.
A new development planning to transform North Hyde Park.
A proposal to rename the Tampa Bay Rays to the St. Petersburg Rays.
Let’s get started!
Today’s weather: High of 66 and low of 45. Mostly sunny. Don’t forget a sweater or jacket when leaving the house!
A word from our sponsor: Chef & The Baker
Chef Rosana and Chef Ricardo have delivered premier catering and dining experiences in the Tampa Bay area for the past 17 years. This duo is the powerhouse behind Tampa’s most popular restaurants in the past 10 years, including Piquant, Xilo, Kofe and now Chef & the Baker.
Catch Chef & The Baker at their pop-up Pinellas Park bakery daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4521 107th Circle N Suite 4 Clearwater, FL 33762. If you’re looking for catering for your next gathering and want to support great local chefs or simply want delicious food made with love, look no further than Chef & The Baker.
Check out their Christmas Menu, taking orders until Dec. 22:
Find more information at chefandthebaker.com.
A word for our sponsors: Due Amici & Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne
Due Amici is a family-run pizza and pasta bar restaurant located in Ybor City at 1724 E 7th Ave. The restaurant takes pride in their gourmet food, handcrafting sauces to compliment the flavors in each dish. Pizza dough is made in-house, hand-spun, topped with the freshest ingredients, and carried to the oven with love.
Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne Bar is the latest hotspot in Ybor City right next door to Due Amici. The bar has a selection of fine wines and champagnes to choose from as well as charcuterie boards and live music and events regularly. Geo’s is now booking private events and holiday gatherings.
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 today in Tampa:
St. Pete City Council kicking around renaming Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg Councilwoman Gina Driscoll is causing controversy with a proposal to rename the Tampa Bay Rays the St. Petersburg Rays, drawing outrage across the bridge and among fans of the MLB team. The St. Petersburg City Council is planning to bring up the issue on Thursday, Dec. 14. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch does not support changing the name. (wfla.com)
Holiday rooftop party at Midtown on Saturday: Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar at Midtown Tampa is hosting a special party on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the “Holiday Sessions Rooftop Party” series. The evening will feature special guest Dark Heart. Visitors will enjoy tapas and drinks until 2 a.m. Tickets are now available starting at $25. (thatssotampa.com)
USF delays planned on-campus stadium to 2027: The University of South Florida (USF) has delayed its planned on-campus football stadium by at least 4 years to 2027. The delay is meant to buy the university more time to have input in the process and also help with supply chain issues. USF released new renderings this week of how the school envisions the stadium looking. Earlier this week it was announced that USF was ending its partnership with a construction firm on the process. (tampabay.com, wtsp.com)
Ghost kitchens invade St. Pete: The Foodie Labs has opened near Downtown St. Petersburg and is home to ghost kitchen concepts. It is located at 515 22nd St. S. A grand opening celebration is planned on Friday, Dec. 8, with chefs, food enthusiasts, and others attending as well as live music and libations. (cltampa.com)
Developer submits plans to transform North Hyde Park: Developer, Asana Partners, has submitted plans for a mixed-use development in Tampa's North Hyde Park or NoHo district. The development will feature commercial businesses, such as retail, office and restaurants. Renderings obtained by Tampa Tomorrow show what looks like what could potentially be a small food hall and shopping center. (bldup.com, instagram.com)
Top events today in Tampa:
Clasico Brandon One Year Anniversary Party at Brandon Mall. (5 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights at Greater Hillsborough County Fair. (6 p.m.)
Succulent Wreath Workshop with Cactus Moon at Armature Works. (6:30 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Amalie Arena. (7 p.m.)
Tampa Singles Cocktail Mingle + Meet at Green Iguana Bar & Grill. (7:30 p.m.)
What I’m eating:
The Texas-style barbeque at Clasico Chophouse and Taproom in Brandon Mall really impressed me when I tried it earlier this week. I grabbed some footage with one of the chefs in the smoker so you could see it in action. Recommend. Tonight is their one year anniversary party and they will have deals for everyone as well as specials including .
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. I want to know what you want to hear about. Leave a comment and let me know what you want to know about your town.
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