🌱 2023 Ashley Children's Gasparilla + Janet Cruz Endorsements Roll In

Hey, friends! It's Wednesday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally, including news on:

• 2003 Super Bowl Champion and MVP Dexter Jackson will be recognized as the Community Hero for the 2023 Ashley Children's Gasparilla.
• Janet Cruz has received a number of high-profile Florida endorsements in her pursuit of Tampa City Council District 3.
• Tampa home prices are up nearly 18 percent year over year and are expected to keep rising, according to Zillow.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. 2003 Super Bowl Champion and MVP Dexter Jackson will be recognized as the Community Hero for the 2023 Ashley Children's Gasparilla, presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Jackson was previously the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' safety during Super Bowl XXXVII, nearly 20 years ago. (Tampa Patch)

2. A handful of former Senate colleagues and U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz have announced support for Janet Cruz as she seeks the District 3 seat on Tampa City Council this year. The candidates in the race are facing a Friday deadline to qualify for the race. (Florida Politics)

3. The Rollin' Mullet Bar and Grill in Seminole Heights is having its grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will pour the first draft beer out of the bar on opening day, according to a press release. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

4. Tiff’s Treats will have its grand opening in Tampa on Saturday, Jan. 21. The celebration will include $2 dozens, live music, giveaways, and more. "We will open our very first Florida store in Tampa at Tampa Heights at the Pearl," said a Facebook post from the company. (That's So Tampa)

5. Tampa home prices are up nearly 18 percent year over year, while in the rest of the U.S. has only climbed by 11 percent. Zillow predicts Tampa will defy trends and continue to increase in price in 2023. Hillsborough County is expected to gain 100,000 residents by 2026. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Printmaking TMA@Firehouse at Tampa Museum of Art. (9:30 a.m.)
• Taste Of China at Bryan Glazer Family JCC. (5 p.m.)
• Run Club at Armature Works. (6 p.m.)
• The Unconquered Florida Seminoles at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (6:30 p.m.)
• Wellness At The Wharf at Sparkman Wharf. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Thank you for having our backs this season, Krewe ♥️ Go Bucs, always." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "NEED A NIGHT OUT 🥳 Drop the kids off at HSTB for a fun Gasparilla-themed night. Kids aged 5 and up will enjoy a treasure hunt, themed crafts, and of course, visits from furry friends. Secure your pirate-in-trainings spot today." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "Along with AEG Presents, we're proud to announce that comedian Ilana Glazer and Friends will make the Tampa Theatre’s historic stage a stop on her tour at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 2!" (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Friday from 3-4 p.m. you're invited to a FREE workshop with our Water Department. Protect your property by learning how to find water leaks around your house. Water leaks are one of the biggest reasons people experience high water bills." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com