?Apollo Beach Eatery To Open + TPD Chief Works Without Council OK

Happy Wednesday, people of Tampa! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and humid. High: 83 Low: 65.

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Here are the top five stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's controversial police pick Mary O'Connor is already running the Tampa Police Department prior to city council approval, according to the Mayor's Chief of Staff John Bennett. During a meeting with the Tampa City and Council, Councilmen Joe Citro, Guido Maniscalco and Bill Carlson were all clear about the lack of community support for the chief. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

2. To help hospitals in Hillsborough County more efficiently serve COVID-19 patients, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has approved $16.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for three local hospital including Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth Carrollwood, and St. Joseph's Hospital. (Tampa Patch)

3. Finn's Dockside Bar & Grill is planning for an April 1st opening in Apollo Beach next to Circle's Waterfront. It will feature an air-conditioned interior as well as a covered tiki bar and deck with views of the bay. The menu will focus on "coastal-casual favorites featuring fresh seafood along with sandwiches and burgers." (Osprey Observer)

4. Police are investigating a crash that left one person dead in Tampa early Tuesday morning. The crash happened at about 1 a.m. at the intersection of Causeway and Maritime Boulevards. The driver died, but their passenger survived. (WFLA)

5. Tampa police say a body found inside a vehicle at the intersection of East Humphrey Street and 14th Street is the victim of a homicide. The person killed by upper body trauma was discovered at 3:38 a.m. Tuesday. More details have not been released at this time. (Tampa Patch)

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Today in Tampa:

• Toddler Time at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (10:15 AM)
• Art+ Virtual Collector's Chat at Tampa Museum of Art. (5:00 PM)
• Teen Open Studio at Winthrop Arts Inc. (6:30 PM)
• "Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor" Film Screening And Panel Discussion at Tampa Theatre. (7:00 PM)
• Men's Basketball: Saint Leo Vs. Tampa at University of Tampa Athletics. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tampa's first female mayor, Sandra Freedman, talked to the Tampa Bay Times about her experience as mayor and how she was a pioneer in Tampa public service and politics. (Facebook)
• Say hello to City of Tampa's new mini street sweeper. This vehicle is able to clean hard to reach areas that our regular street sweeper can't get to, including bike lanes and street parking spaces. (Facebook)
• Mark your calendars because Ben & Jerry's at Midtown Tampa is having its grand opening on March 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Facebook)
• Tampa City Council is hosting a Workshop Meeting on Thursday February 24th at 9 a.m. All written comments or registration to speak remotely must be received no later than 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 23rd. (Facebook)
• On March 25th and 26th Tampa Theatre's best party of the year, WineFest, returns with The Grapest Showman. Tickets are sure to sell out so get yours soon. (Facebook)

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Events:

• SARASOTA / TAMPA BAY JOBLINK 2022 WEDNESDAY - 30 Employers Hiring On The Spot (February 23)
• Free Grief Seminar "Hope For Your Healing" (February 23)
• Part 2 Retirement Planning Webinar Series - "Pass it On - Estate Planning Basics (February 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar 2/25 & 3/3 (February 25)
• Monday Night Jam at Mastry?s Brewing (February 28)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 11)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 12)
• Jazz on the Lawn @ Riverwalk STEM Academy (March 12)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 13)
• Add your event

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

? Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.