🌱 Comet Leonard Viewing + Selling Tampa Fundraiser + TECO Scammer Warning

Hello, neighbors! Carlos Hernandez here with the latest issue of the Tampa Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 80 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Skies will be mostly clear on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on December 14th and 15th, presenting a chance to see comet Leonard, the brightest comet of 2021. The comet will show off its tail as it comes closer to the planet Earth. (Patch Florida)

2. "Selling Tampa" Netflix star Rena Frazier is raising money for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay on December 15th at the Rialto Theatre on North Franklin Street. The event is called "Lifting the Veil: From Attorney to Entrepreneur" and aims to be a reintroduction for Frazier to the community. (83 Degrees Media)

3. Metropolitan Ministries is still in need of donations as Christmas approaches. The nonprofit says it will take anything from monetary donations to boxes of stuffing to handpicked gifts. Donations can be dropped off at their holiday tent or at other drop off spots. (Fox 13 Tampa)

4. Tampa Electric (TECO) says it is seeing an increase in scammers targeting its customers. The electric company is sharing tips including that Tampa Electric will never call to ask for credit card or debit card numbers, will never ask you to purchase money cards or complete payment through a cash app. Customers should be wary of anyone demanding payment over the phone for an electric bill. (WTSP)

5. Historic Tampa Theatre’s annual Winefest fundraiser, know in 2022 as “The Grapest Showman,” returns to downtown Tampa from March 25th to March 26th of 2022. The event will feature a multicourse wine pairing presented to guests on-stage by Mise en Place chef Marty Blitz. Restaurants providing small bites at the event are The C House, Cru Cellars, Ella’s Americana, Folk Art Café, District Tavern, GenX Tavern and Oxford Exchange. (Creative Loafing)

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Today in Tampa:

• Bella Prana Yoga at Armature Works. (9:00 AM)
• Tampa Coffee Connections at Sparkman Wharf. (9:00 AM)
• Ybor Chamber Holiday Luncheon at Columbia Restaurant Group. Pre-registration required. (11:30 AM)
• School Board Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools. (4:00 PM)
• City Of Tampa Shines In Honor Of Tampa General Healthcare Workers At Old City Hall. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: To tackle hunger in Tampa Bay, we’re teaming up with The Mosaic Company, which is donating one meal to Feeding Tampa Bay on behalf of each fan in attendance Sunday. Because of you, that’s 65,828 meals to feed those in need. 🙏 (Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools: Bundle up with good books this winter! Join us and our amazing partner, MyOn, for a Winter Reading Challenge from December 18 - January 2. Students who log the most time reading will win a laptop or tablet! Click here to learn more: http ... (Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "Catholic Charities, in partnership with the City of Tampa, is opening a new homeless resource program called Tampa Hope, providing safe, secure and permanent shelter for hundreds of men and women as well as food, clothing, transportation..." (Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay: "A holiday tradition returns to Tampa Bay! The annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 18, along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Watch from the Tampa Riverwalk as the flotilla makes its way from ..." (Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa: "Did you hear? RYDE It is OPEN in Midtown Tampa! Party on and get fit in a spin amphitheater that creates an immersive ride for every rider. Who's ready to for a spin experience like no other? Book a class now at https://rydeittampa.com/...." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 18)
• Holiday Full Moon 20th Virtual Global Psychic, Holistic Health, Wellness Fair on Zoom (December 18)
• Winter Wonderland (December 18)
• Marathon Mania (January 2)
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For sale:

• Tarot Readings with Nicole, Private and/or Parties (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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.