Sanctuary City Request, Talking Turkey, Hillary Clinton on Santa’s ‘Naughty List?’

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Mall Santa Says Hillary Clinton on ‘Naughty List,’ Gets Replaced: Reports

A mall Santa is out of a gig bringing joy to the hearts of children after he allegedly turned one little girl’s smile upside down by revealing the name of a person on his naughty list: Hillary Clinton.

Thanksgiving Week 2016 Weather: Warmer Temps, Fire Risk in Tampa Bay’s Forecast

Residents in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties who are hoping for a slightly warmer Thanksgiving Day are in luck, but they’ll have to endure a few more chilly ones first.

Sprouts Farmers Market Hiring for New Carrollwood Location

Tampa Bay area jobseekers looking for work in the grocery industry may find Sprouts Farmers Market’s impending arrival on the scene music to their ears. The Phoenix-based chain plans to open its first Florida location soon and is already advertising for people to build its local team.

Loud TV Led to Brandon Grow House Bust: Deputies

When Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a Brandon home early Monday morning in response to a domestic disturbance call, they quickly learned a loud television was to blame for a complaint received about a dispute in the home.

AAA Offering Safe Rides Home Thanksgiving Weekend

Tampa Bay area residents who find themselves indulging in spirits just a little too much over the Thanksgiving weekend have a safe place to turn for a ride home. AAA and Bud Light are once again teaming up for Tow to Go.

Tampa a Sanctuary City? Activists Ask for Designation

As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration draws closer, there are some who would like to see the City of Tampa declare itself a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. Several dozen activists delivered a letter to Mayor Bob Buckhorn on Monday morning asking him to consider declaring Tampa a sanctuary city.

Florida State Fair: Advance Discount Ticket Sales Start Soon

Folks who have the Florida State Fair on their must-do lists for 2017 may want to jot down a date. Advance admission and concert tickets both go on sale starting Dec. 1.

Florida Sets Tourism Record With 85 Million Visitors

Concerns that the Zika virus and this summer’s terrorist attack in Orlando might keep tourists away from Florida appear to have been debunked. Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that the Sunshine State’s tourism numbers have set a record with an estimated 85 million people visiting in the first nine months of the year.

Talking Turkey: Food Safety Advice for Thanksgiving

As residents across the state of Florida prepare to belly up to tables and dive into Thanksgiving feasts, government agencies are warning those who prepare the meals to avoid mistakes that could result in guests walking away with more than overstuffed stomachs. Food-borne illnesses, the Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture both warn, are a serious concern during the holidays.

Photo courtesy of the Florida State Fair