Tampa Today News: Tampa Heights Holiday Lighting + Lakeland Airport Growing
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
TGIF. Welcome back to Tampa Today News. I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining everything you need to know about what’s happening in Tampa including local news, events, and more. Let’s get started!
Today’s weather: High 83 and low 67. Mostly sunny.
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Top stories today in Tampa:
Tampa Heights holiday tree lighting Saturday at Armature Works: Armature Works (AW) is hosting the 6th Annual Holiday tree Lighting Celebration for Tampa Heights on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy a holiday market and Christmas characters as well as holiday-themed cocktails for purchase. Donations are being accepted for AW’s Toys for Tots drive as well. (thatssotampa.com)
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen expands to Tampa Heights: Rene’s Mexican Kitchen has opened a permanent food truck at 2201 N Florida Ave. at Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa Heights, according to Creative Loafing. Rene’s Mexican Kitchen also has locations in Seminole Heights and Ybor City. The menu is the same at all locations of the Rene’s Mexican Kitchen. Grand Cathedral Cigars is hosting a cigar party this weekend. (cltampa.com)
Florida homeowner insurance woes continue with investigation: Citizens Property Insurance is now under investigation by the U.S. Senate Budget Committee in Congress. The company was sent a letter with concerns about whether Citizens can pay insurance claims with its customer load. Sen. Whitehouse said the committee is concerned about a “state law allowing Citizens to levy special assessments on all policyholders in the event that losses exceed its ability to pay.” The Senate committee is requesting documents from the company by Dec. 21, 2023. (wtsp.com)
Lakeland Linder International Airport growing at record pace: As the Tampa Bay area grows, Lakeland Linder International Airport is growing as well. The airport currently controls over 680 millions pounds of cargos for dozens of business customers. The airport said their economic impact has grown to $1.5 billion this year. The airport hopes to launch commercial service in the future. (fox13news.com)
Parrandón Fest is coming next week: Tampa Bay’s Parrandón Fest is coming next week on Saturday, Dec. 9 from noon to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy food and drinks as well as live music in the Boricua Christmas spirit. The festival will observe Christmas and Three Kings Day traditions of Puerto Rico. Tickets are $10 for General Admission and $50 for VIP and are available online. The event will be held at Land O' Lakes Heritage Park located at 54011 Land O' Lakes Blvd. Land O' Lakes, FL 34639. (parrandonfest.com)
Top events this weekend in Tampa:
Friday, Dec. 1
Sunset Market at Imagine Museum. (5 p.m.)
December First Friday: Holiday Spectacular at Downtown Lakeland. (6 p.m.)
Tampa Makers Market — Blossom & Bloom at Angry Chair Brewing. (6 p.m.)
1st Fridays "Rhythm on the River" at Straz Center for the Performing Arts. (6 p.m.)
A Madrigal Dinner at Carrollwood Cultural Center. (8 p.m.)
The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off Musical at Stageworks Theatre. (8 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 2
Black English Bookstore - Community Grand Opening at Tampa Heights Historic District. (10 a.m.)
Howliday Market at Midtown Tampa. (11 a.m.)
The Sixth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Armature Works. (5 p.m.)
Cigar Heritage Festival at The Cuban Club. (5 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 3
Tampa Jazz Club at HCC Performing Arts Ybor City. (3 p.m.)
Tampa City Ballet's The Nutcracker at USF Theatre 1. (4 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. (4:05 p.m.)
Santa's Carnival at the Festival of Lights at Greater Hillsborough County Fair. (6 p.m.)
USBG Tampa Bay Repeal Day 2023 at Barterhouse Ybor. (7 p.m.)
Notes:
St. Petersburg's iconic Dairy Inn has closed its doors. (tampabay.com)
Leads Coffee House is expanding their hours to begin opening on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 2, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16.
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That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow.
-Carlos Hernandez