Tampa Today News: Tampa Bay Sun FC Debut + Moxy St. Pete Now Open

Everything happening in town.

Hello everyone, it’s Carlos Hernandez back in your inbox with another update of Tampa Today News. There are ton of developments happening now as we are heading into the busy fall season. I hope you are enjoying these last few moments of summer and I hope everyone stayed safe during Tropical Storm Debby. I actually left town and attended the Michelin Awards in California at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay.

Enough about that though, let’s get you updated on what is happening in town.

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Top local stories:

1. Tampa Bay Sun FC kicks off their first season on Sunday evening: Tampa’s first women’s soccer team is making its debut on Sunday, August 18, at Blake High School’s Riverfront Stadium. Tampa Bay Sun FC will face Dallas Trinity FC on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available online at Seatgeek with supporter tickets starting at $16. (baynews9.com)

2. Hotel Haya appoints Kal Harris as new Director of Food and Beverage: The award-winning and historic Ybor City property has appointed New York-native Kal Harris to lead the hotel’s restaurant and cafe. Harris has previously worked for Next Level Brands in Tampa (Boulon, Forbici, Union New American). (carloseats.com)

3. Ella’s shutting down in Seminole Heights after over a decade of operations: One of Tampa’s most popular brunch spots and hipster hangouts is closing its doors. The concept rose in the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis when Tampa was on a reset in Seminole Heights and stayed open throughout the pandemic. The restaurant will close Sept. 1. (thatsotampa.com)

4. Moxy opens its doors in downtown St. Petersburg: Moxy St. Pete has opened its doors at 1234 Central Ave. after a splashy intro with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. The hotel features 163 guest rooms and suites; the EDGE District's first rooftop pool deck, and a dynamic lobby featuring Rose’s coffee bar. The hotel wants to be a part of the community in Downtown St. Pete as well. (carloseats.com)

5. Juno & the Peacock and Pluma hit St. Pete on Aug. 23 featuring chef Drew Dimitrovski at helm: Juno & the Peacock and its neighboring lounge, Pluma, will host their grand opening on Friday, Aug. 23, at 400 Beach Dr. in downtown St. Petersburg. Led by industry veteran executive chef Drew Dimitrovski (previously of Oak and Ola) and proudly partnering with St. Pete vendors, including Brick Street Farms, Juno & the Peacock has said they will source fresh and locally-sourced ingredients and in-house preparations. (carloseats.com)

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Send news tips: carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.

That’s all I have for today. See you again tomorrow!

-Carlos Hernandez

Stay cool!