🌱 Avelo Airlines Launching New Nonstop Service + Bonnet Springs Park

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue of the Daily, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• 🏞️ The 168-acre Bonnet Springs Park is opening today in Lakeland with plenty for guests to enjoy.
• 🚍 The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority is in financial trouble and could be dissolved next year.
• ✈️ Avelo Airlines is launching nonstop flights to Tampa International Airport from Wilimgton Airport.

Today is National Nut Day. The day was created to help promote healthier snacking and celebrate the long-running consumption of the food.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 83 Low: 63.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Shaw Elementary School in Tampa went into lockdown on Friday morning when an individual jumped a fence near the campus, according to police. Police initially said the man was by chased by a man with a gun, but then clarified that there was "no indication of a weapon on campus." The man is charged with trespassing on school property and could receive mental health evaluation, according to a news release. (WFLA)

2. The 11th Annual Tampa Pig Jig is taking place today, Oct. 22, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m at Julian B. Lane Park. Tickets are officially sold out. Performers attending include Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, X-Ambassadors, Bahamas, Jarrod Morris and more. The event will include a formal bbq competition with a panel of judges. The event raises funds for NephCure Kidney International. (Q105)

3. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority could be dissolved next year amid growing finanicial woes. Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed appropriation funds to the agency for three years in a row. Local leaders and government groups have also questioned funding to organization in recent years. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

4. Avelo Airlines, a discount airline carrier, is launching nonstop flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA) with fares as low as $49 to and from Wilmington Airport (ILG) in February 2023. The CEO of Avelo shared, "The Delaware Valley region wants and deserves more affordable, convenient and reliable air travel." (That's So Tampa)

5. The 168-acre Bonnet Springs Park is opening this weekend in Lakeland. Guests can enjoy live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities today and tomorrow in celebration. The park will be home to to the new Florida Children’s Museum, previously known as Explorations V Children’s Museum. (ABC Action News, That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Ybor City Saturday Market. (9 a.m.)
• Crochet & Knitting Class at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (10 a.m.)
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Spooktacular. (10 a.m.)
• Creatures Of The Night at ZooTampa At Lowry Park. (4 p.m.)
• Spirit Fest at Tampa Theatre. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Private prison vendor Smart Communications offered five sheriffs offices across the country "complimentary cruises" from "Tampa Bay to the Caribbean" as part of jail communication contracts, according to an investigation by The Appeal. The law enforcement offices said they will not be taking advantage of the offering. Loved ones of incarcerated individuals have long criticized the practices of the company for what they say are absorbant fees. (The Appeal)
• Reggae Rise Up is returning in March 2023 to Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. The next event will include two dozen performers including 311, Dispatch, Sublime with Rome, Koffee, Wiz Khalifa, and more. Tickets are now available. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center is celebrating saving 100,000 animals. Ray was the 100,000th adopter and saved Milo. (Hillsborough County via Twitter)

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Events:

• Tall Tales of Old Florida (October 22)
• Florida Orlando Jerk Festival Set for Sunday, October 23rd. (October 23)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (October 24)
• 'The Confucian Analects' - A Fresh Look at A Classic from Ancient China (October 27)
• The Apple Truck is coming to Tampa, Oct. 30th (12:30-2:00 PM) (October 30)
• Sounding Joy “Hearos” Golf Tournament (November 12)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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