Tampa Today News: Winter Wonder Ride Coming + Enchant Christmas
Everything you need to know happening in Tampa.
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.
In this issue we’ll cover:
The 12th annual Winter Wonder Ride returning to Tampa.
A new art exhibit coming soon to Ybor City.
All the details on Enchant Christmas 2023.
Today’s weather: High of 85 and low of 70 with partly cloudy skies. 0 percent chance of rain.
Let’s get started!
A word from our sponsor: Chef & The Baker
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Order now online: chefandthebaker.com/thanksgiving-menu
Top stories in Tampa today:
New photo exhibit features Florida Panthers in Tampa: The Florida Museum of the Photographic Arts is exhibiting Path of the Panther starting Thursday, Dec. 7 until March 17, 2024, featuring the work of Carlton Ward Jr. Florida panthers are endangered and one of the most endangered species on the planet. The museum is located at 1630 E 7th Ave. in Ybor City. (stpetecatalyst.com)
Downtown Tampa Winter Wonder Ride returning next month: The 12th annual Winter Wonder Ride is returning to Tampa on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The event is organized by Onbikes, a nonprofit that aims to donate bikes to those in need. Live music will be provided by LOCASH and there will be an 80’s and 90’s theme for the event. Tickets are now on sale and start at $55. (thatssotampa.com)
Publix shuffles leadership: Lakeland-based Publix announced this week that former CEO Todd Jones is becoming the Executive Chairman of the grocery giant. Current Publix President, Kevin Murphy, will assume the role of CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Todd Jones has worked at Publix since 1980, when he was a front service clerk. Murphy also has a long history with the company, working his way up. (wfla.com)
Enchant Christmas returns to Tropicana Field: Popular Christmas light maze, Enchant Christmas, is returning to St. Petersburg at Tropicana Field on Friday, Nov. 24 and will run through Dec. 31. The Reindeer Games theme will return this year with reindeer lights spread throughout the maze. Guests can enjoy ice skating, a market, plenty of food and drink choices and more. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $25 for kids and are now available. (cltampa.com)
First Watch now open in Apollo Beach: Bradenton-based First Watch has opened a location in Apollo Beach in south Hillsborough County at 6596 N. U.S. Highway 41 not far from Big Bend Road. The breakfast and lunch concept offers seating for 150 people and a covered outside patio. It is the 9th location in Hillsborough County opened by the growing franchise. (businessobserverfl.com)
Happening in Tampa today:
Crafty Kids at Creative Junk Therapy. (2 p.m.)
Turkey Giveaway at Desai Medical. (4 p.m.)
Central Park Eats at Perry Harvey, Sr. Park. (5 p.m.)
Babyface at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center. (8 p.m.)
Grove Gang's Giving: A Friendsgiving Event at 7th + Grove. (7 p.m.)
4th Annual Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop at Joyful Notion - Sparkman Wharf. (7 p.m.)
Notes:
The 2024 Hall of Fame Class for the Tampa Bay Lightning will add two more members: Dave Andreychuk and Brad Richards. (wtsp.com)
Edward Russell: “Brightline carried 205,745 passengers in October — more than double the number a year earlier. That includes 79,686 on the line to Orlando that opened in September. That’s an average of 2,571 daily Orlando pax.” (x.com)
Tampa Councilman Luis Viera: “Below is information in some wonderful City of Tampa Christmas tree lighting ceremonies happening in New Tampa, downtown Tampa and East Tampa. I am also working on a Hanukkah event for New and North Tampa, too. If you know me, you know that I love Christmas!” (x.com)
Tampa Parks & Recreation: “Get ready for winter with Tampa Parks & Rec. Winter Break Out of School Camp registration opens in just one week
Tampa community. Make sure you have an active Rec Card to participate.” (x.com)
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
Corrections: Cranksgiving Tampa donated 84 turkeys at 1,270 pounds not 1,270 turkeys. Winters & Yonker is giving away Thanksgiving non-perishable foods, not turkeys. I apologize for the mistakes. If you see anything that needs correcting, please contact me.