Tampa Today News: Tampa Leaders Visit Brightline + Wu Seminole Heights
Everything you need to know in Tampa.
Welcome to Tampa Today News. Today is Election Day in several parts of the country. Election Day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Although it’s not Election Day, it’s still a great time to make sure your voter information is updated.
I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining everything you need to know about what’s happening in Tampa including local news, events, and more. This issue includes updates on:
Brightline’s planned expansion to Tampa
A new Asian fusion restaurant in Seminole Heights
An art festival this weekend celebrating 50 years
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Top stories in Tampa:
Tampa officials visit Brightline locations as next phase planned: Tampa area officials visited Brightline’s facilities on on Monday ahead of a planned expansion connecting Tampa to Orlando and Miami. The group was led by City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. The rail company was awarded $15.9 million in federal funding last year from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. No official date is available yet for a Tampa expansion. (wfla.com)
New fusion concept in Seminole Heights: Wu Restaurant has has soft opened in Seminole Heights with bubble tea and Latin/Asian fusion food, according to CL. Interesting menu items include Chicken and Waffles, Bao handhelds, Ube French Toast and Ube Cinnamon Rolls. Wu is located at 4410 N Florida Ave. (cltampa.com)
Flights expanding between Switzerland and Tampa: Edelweiss Air will double its number of nonstop flights between Tampa TPA and Zurich, Switzerland ZRH starting in late May, according to Tampa International Airport. Tickets are now available. (stpetecatalyst.com)
Pinellas County man charged with animal cruelty: A 26-year-old man in Seminole is facing charges for animal cruelty after skeletal remains were found inside a home, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. An arrest reports states the suspect, "did intentionally commit an act to an animal which resulted in cruel death, or did excessively or repeatedly inflict unnecessary pain or suffering.” Officials believe the pets were starved and left with no food or water. (wtsp.com)
Get artsy this weekend: The Temple Terrace Arts & Crafts Festival is this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is hitting the half century mark at 50 years of operation. High school students have been encouraged to submit art for judging. 8 food trucks will be on-site for the festival. (tampabeacon.com)
Happening today in Tampa:
Free Community Cleanup at Copperfield Community. (8 a.m.)
Free Tuesdays at Glazer Children’s Museum. (9:30 a.m.)
Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay. (2:45 p.m.)
Tampa Bay Healthtech Meetup at Embarc Collective. (5 p.m.)
Armature Works Book Club - Nov. 7 at Armature Works. (6:30 p.m.)
Mickey and the Teamsters: A Conversation with Mike Schneider at Tombolo Books. (7 p.m.)
Notes:
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue: "Join Our Team at HCFR 911 Dispatch Center. 🚨 We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as 911 Dispatchers, serving as the vital link between our community and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue." (x.com)
A Florida man from Plant City was arrested by police after running away from cops with a "MCLOVIN" tag on his motorcycle. (fox13news.com)
The Tampa Police Department (TPD) has released video of people of interest in the Ybor City shooting. (wesh.com)
This Jenn Girl: “Just a lovely meal at Counter Culture — love having this spot close by. We cannot go without ordering the Ricotta Donuts, they’re an absolute must and a family recipe of Chef Pierola’s.” Those donuts are a MUST. (instagram.com)
Ro Hyde Park: “Lunch starts at 11 a.m. Take your pick - indulge in a steaming bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen or experience our new omakase lunch only available at our 9-seat sushi bar from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon.-Fri.” (instagram.com)
Check out this new video series with Jeff Houck and Visit Tampa Bay:
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See you tomorrow!