🌱 Ashley Drive Changes Proposed + The Doodle Noodle Bar Soft Opening

Hey, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things going on in town. In this issue, we'll touch on:

• The Doodle Noodle Bar is now in soft opening in Westchase
• Barnes & Noble is hosting Michael Connelly for a book signing during its grand opening celebration in South Tampa
• Tampa Heights and downtown Tampa could be reconnected soon if a DOT plan moves forward

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Now, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 85 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa resident Steven Lorenzo has been sentenced to death by Hillsborough Circuit Judge Christopher Sabella. The sentencing comes 20 years after two men were lured from a gay nightclub in Tampa and drugged, sexually tortured, and killed. The family of the victims told the judge they waited 20 years for justice. (Tampa Patch)
2. Barnes & Noble's South Tampa bookstore will feature Michael Connelly for a book signing of "Desert Star" at its grand opening celebration on Wednesday. The new store is located at 128 S. West Shore Blvd., Suite 100 at Town Center Square. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. The Doodle Noodle Bar is a new 2-D restaurant concept in Tampa's Westchase neighborhood. The concept is now in soft opening and currently has a limited menu and operating hours. The new Asian restaurant is located at 9620 W. Linebaugh Ave. (That's So Tampa)
4. Police are searching for a male suspect accused of robbing a Valrico bank on Friday afternoon. The incident happened at Regions Bank on Bell Shoals Road in eastern Hillsborough County around 2:25 p.m., according to authorities. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Hillsborough County deputies at 813-247-8200. (WFLA)
5. Neighborhoods long separated by Interstate 275 could soon be reconnected if a $5.3 million plan pitched by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is approved to redesign the Ashley Drive interchange. The plan would bring Tampa Heights and downtown Tampa back together and add bicycle and pedestrian options to the neighborhood. (Fox 13)

Today in Tampa:

• F45 Bootcamp at Armature Works. (9 a.m.)
• Sunshine Market at Midtown Commons. (10 a.m.)
• Book Roundtable For Adults at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (1 p.m.)
• Sol Cafe Tampa at 7th And Grove. (5 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina at Hotel Haya. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Kiera | Tampa Food Blogger shared: "Have you ever had Bourbon Aged Beef? Because I hadn't until last week and now, I'm obsessed. 🥃 This Bourbon Aged Strip Loin was part of a dinner I attended at Haven Tampa to get a preview of their spring menu and I've been thinking about it ever since." (Kiera | Tampa Food Blogger via Instagram)
• City of Tampa shared: "Tampa continues to make waves. The Florida Aquarium was nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Best Aquarium in the U.S. Vote daily through noon March 6." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Thank you to our STCOC Members who visited Chiaramonte Elementary School this week for the African American History Read-In." (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Tour de Kerouac — Guided Bike Ride (February 26)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 27)
• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Buddy Cruise Charity Golf Tournament (March 24)
• Add your event

Featured housing:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
• Add your listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll see you around!

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com