🌱 Beach Swimming Advisories + Tampa Bay Lightning Pet Drive

Hey, Tampa! Here's everything you need to know to get this Saturday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and humid. High: 84 Low: 65.

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Here are the top five stories in Tampa today:

1. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued public health advisories for Picnic Island and Cypress Point beaches due to high bacteria levels. The two beaches are considered a potential risk after showing high levels of fecal pollution and swimming is not recommended. The beach will be re-sampled on March 23. (Tampa Patch)

2. On Thursday Tampa City Council repealed a controversial noise ordinance in a 4-2 vote that would limit outdoor volume in areas throughout the city. Charlie Miranda and Bill Carlson voted against repealing the ordinance. Public comments were split during the meeting between supporting and opposing the ordinance. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

3. City of Tampa plans to expand the Tampa Riverwalk with a 6-mile project that involves completing the remaining gaps in what will be a 12.2-mile path/trail, and installing enhanced, safe crossing features at major roadways. The project will connect the existing Riverwalk on the East Side of the River to what will be the new "West River" side of the Riverwalk where the University of Tampa is. (WFLA)

4. The 13th Annual EcoFest will be held on Saturday, April 23 at the grounds at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 East Fowler Avenue. The sustainability event will be free and open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music, workshops, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products, and more. (That's So Tampa)

5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are teaming up with Humane Society of Tampa Bay today to host a pet supply drive and adoption clinic on Ford Thunder Alley prior to their game against the New York Rangers at AMALIE Arena. Fans are encouraged to donate pet food along with new and gently used toys and treats, grooming tools and cleaning supplies to help the cause. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park. (9:00 AM)
• Recording Studio Orientation at John F. Germany Public Library. (10:30 AM)
• Yappy Hour at MacDinton's To Benefit Humane Society. (11:00 AM)
• Wtr Pool Rosé All Day With Juicy M. (12:00 PM)
• Saturday Art Club at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich in Seminole Heights has launched a special "Bread For Ukraine" with an aim of helping refugees fleeing the invasion from Russia. (Tampa Patch)
• City of Tampa is hiring a legal Change Management Analyst. The work involves analyzing information, developing, implementing, and measuring strategies, and facilitating change initiatives for a variety of critical business applications. (Twitter)
• Zillow reports the inventory of available homes in Tampa dropped 29.5% in February, while values rose 31.4%. (WFLA)
• A photographic war memorial that honors our nation's military fallen from The Global War on Terror, is currently up at MacDill Park. Hosted by the CRISP organization, the emotional exhibit will be staged through Sunday, March 20. (Twitter)
• Gasparilla Krewe of Europa is planning a float that will travel the country and spread what Tampa is all about to other places. They are hoping to debut at Chicago's Thanksgiving Day parade. (ABC Action News)

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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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.