🌱 Barnes & Noble Opening New Bookstore March 1 + Kidney Transplant

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town these days. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more...

• A new mural has been unveiled at Tampa Fire Rescue Headquarters.
• A 21-month-old baby girl is in desperate need of a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with ESRD.
• Bookstore Barnes & Noble will open their new location in Tampa on March 1.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 81 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A new study by law firm Bisnar Chase said the average Florida employee, including those in Tampa, in the private sector worked about 2.5 hours of “unpaid overtime” per week during 2022. That number is higher than the national average. Researchers said Florida workers are owed about $11.4 billion in backpay in total. (Florida Patch)
2. A new mural named "Tampa's LIGHT" was unveiled on Friday at Tampa Fire Rescue Headquarters. The mural was commissioned by City of Tampa and the Arts & Cultural Affairs Division and promotes the 128 years of history of Tampa Fire Rescue. It was painted by Frankie Gonzalez. (ABC Action News)
3. Nearly all candidates for Tampa City Council agree that they oppose City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's "PURE" drinking water plan. The city wanted to purify wastewater normally sent to the Hillsborough River and potentially use it for drinking water. Tampa is under pressure from state law to implement new wastewater procedures by Jan. 1, 2028. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Barnes & Noble is opening a new 10,000 suware-foot building in South Tampa as bookstores begin to recover. It comes after the closure of a long-running location on Dale Mabry. The new location will open March 1 in South Tampa at 112 Westshore Boulevard. (That's So Tampa)
5. A 21-month-old baby girl from Oldsmar is in need of a kidney transplant after being born with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the final stage of Chronic Kidney Disease. Those interested in donating can contact the girl's mother at 912-269-0577. (WTSP)

Today in Tampa:

• Market at Water Street Tampa. (9 a.m.)
• Farm French Breakfast at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. (10 a.m.)
• Pups, Brunch, & Bottomless Mimosas at Two Shepherds Taproom. (11 a.m.)
• Live Música In Flor Fina at Hotel Haya. (12:30 p.m.)
• Book Launch - "Unleashed" By Elizabeth Brooks at Ersula's History Shop. (2:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "The Buccaneers Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic, the LARGEST girls flag football tournament in the country, is back next week. 🏈🙌" (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared shared: "Join us as we celebrate Black heritage on Black History Night this Tuesday, Feb. 21." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "CONGRATULATIONS to Row House on the grand opening of their South Tampa location. Thank you for having the South Tampa Chamber be a part of your celebration." (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 22)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
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Featured housing:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com