🌱 Big Bounce America Tour + Florida Strawberry Festival Food Vendors

Welcome back, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on...

• A HART bus and person were involved in a crash on Friday evening in Tampa.
• Florida Strawberry Festival has unveiled all the delicious food visitors can enjoy before the annual event ends.
• The Big Bounce America tour is at Florida State Fairgrounds through March 12.

But first, today's weather: An a.m. shower; lots of sun. High: 81 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Florida Strawberry Festival vendors have unveiled the delicious food for the season. Choices include a Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle Taco, Sandy Ann's Old-Fashioned Fried Pies, Very Berry Sugar Waffle, Strawberry Cheesecake Slush, and more. The festival in Plant City runs through March 12. (Tampa Patch)
2. A vehicle crash occurred in Tampa on Friday evening between a person and a HART bus. The incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. along East 131st Avenue near the College Town Communities at USF apartments, according to authorities. An update on the condition of those involved was not available at press time. (WTSP)
3. Three people were hospitalized after a car crashed into Sarasota restaurant, Kacey's Seafood & More, on Friday. The driver and two diners at the restaurant were injured in the crash. Michael Garey, co-owner of Kacey’s Seafood and More, is asking the public to pray for those involved in the collision who are in critical condition. (WFLA)
4. The Big Bounce America tour is at Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa through March 12. The world's largest bounce house clocks in at 16,000 square feet. The bounce house transforms into a dance floor with lights and a DJ at night. (Fox 13 Tampa)
5. Tampa rent prices are up 4 percent, as the affordable housing crisis continues in the region. The national median is just 2 percent as rent slows down around the nation from historic gains that have squeezed consumers. Tampa was not at the top of the list with Charlotte, N.C. at the top with a 14 percent increase. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• PetSmart National Adoption Day at The Humane Society Of Tampa Bay. (6 a.m.)
• 29th Annual General Schwarzkopf Memorial Sporting Class Classic. (8:30 a.m.)
• Be Well Outdoor Bootcamp In Water Street Tampa. (9 a.m.)
• Ybor City Saturday Market. (9 a.m.)
• Friends Of The John F. Germany Public Library Book Sale. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "There was no shortage of smiles when a few of the boys took a trip to Tampa General Hospital last month." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "All of our selections in the draft have been finalized." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Akiem Hicks is one of five defensive linemen from the 2022 roster set to hit free agency next week." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "We've got a great view for the City of Tampa’s River O’ Green Fest where the Hillsborough River will be green as a shamrock next Saturday! ☘️ It was such a gorgeous day on the river today for the test run. ☀️" (The University of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• "Go Moan For Man" Kerouac Documentary Fundraiser (March 12)
• 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)
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Featured job listings:

• Assistant to the Rector (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. 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.

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