🌱 Bern's Winefest Returns To Tampa + Phillies Pitcher Arrested On DUI

Good morning, everybody! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. In this issue, we'll touch on:

• Bern's Winefest will return to Tampa next month for its 26th gathering.
• USF and City of Clearwater have partnered together for a new Augmented Reality art tour of the downtown area.
• A USF student is calling for the resignation of USF Police Chief Chris Daniel after being arrested protesting on-campus.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Bern's Winefest will return to Tampa next month from April 15 through April 23 for its 26th annual wine and food event. The festival benefits the Laxer Family Foundation and the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship, in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation. The festival includes exclusive events with top chefs and tickets are expected to sell out quickly online. (Tampa Patch)
2. A University of South Florida student arrested protesting outside of President Rhea Law’s office is calling for the resignation of USF Police Chief Chris Daniel. Footage allegedly depicts Daniel grabbing the student, Victoria Hinckley, by the arm without announcing that she was under arrest, while another video shows the police chief allegedly pushing a woman while twisting her wrist. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. A minor league pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies was arrested Saturday after allegedly driving while under the influence, according to Pinellas County deputies. Police said the driver crashed into a speed limit sign and a wall at the intersection of Indian Rocks Road and West Bay Drive. The driver has been charged by authorities with one count of driving under the influence with property damage. (WFLA)
4. A $16 million road extension is planned in Manatee County from U.S 301 to north of Moccasin Wallow Road to North River Ranch Trail. The extension will total 3.65 miles and is expected to help alleviate traffic south of Tampa Bay. The road is a partnership between the county and Neal Land and Neighborhoods. (Fox 13 Tampa)
5. City of Clearwater has partnered with the University of South Florida (USF) to celebrate the launch of a free, new Augmented Reality art tour called ARTours Clearwater. The walking tour showcases downtown murals in Clearwater and is fully interactive. The app is available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Free Spring Break Activities at IKEA Tampa. (noon)
• MAKE Plant City Night Out at Bruton Memorial Library. (5 p.m.)
• All You Can Eat Pizza Skate at Skateworld Of Tampa. (5:30 p.m.)
• Dirty Comedy Latte at Cafe Hey. (7 p.m.)
• The Righteous Brothers at Nancy And David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Reporter Gabby Shirley sat down with one of the newest Bolts, Tanner Jeannot, to get the scoop on adjusting to life here in the Bay." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "HSTB TOY DRIVE 🧸 All shelter animals love and need toys for enrichment, fun, and comfort, and we are in need! Starting Monday, March 13, we officially kick off the HSTB toy drive. We need dog, cat, rabbit, and guinea pig toys." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Irish you were here! 🍀 Great to see our community come together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment - Rough Riders, Inc.!" (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Northwest Park: "Hi ppl. - My neighbor lost her dog here in TnC... Please call me if you have her. Thanks. 813-300-0400 Please 🙏 Let's get her back home." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 14th and 16th at Tampa Museum of Art (March 14)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 15)
• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Grand Prix Brunch (March 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. 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.

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