🌱 Council Oak Launches Signature Brunch Sundays + Duck Donuts Opening

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including...

• Council Oak Steaks & Seafood has launched a new Signature Brunch menu at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa. The weekly Sunday brunch offerings will include seafood, carving stations, a classic buffet, and more.
• A Tampa-based LGTBQ group hosted self-defense classes amid rising hate crimes against the LGBTQ community and "hostile" legislation in the state of Florida.
• Duch Donuts is opening on Bloomingdale Avenue in Brandon on March 25.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 48.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa shockingly has made the list of TIME magazine's list of world's greatest places. The writer credited Water Street Tampa and the new Tampa EDITION Hotel and the presence of Michelin-starred chef John Fraser. The writer noted the support of Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. (Tampa Patch)
2. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has launched a new weekly brunch buffet for guests to enjoy on Sundays for $95 per person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu rotates weekly, but guests can enjoy seafood, carving stations, salads, a classic buffet and made-to-order selections, pastries, dessets, and more. (CarlosEats.com)
3. A Tampa-based LGBTQ support group called Found Family Collective hosted a self-defense class supporting the LGBTQ community this past weekend, amid "antagonistic legislation and an increase in hate crimes, as well as protest and attacks against pride parades and drag events." Three more courses are planned by the group. (WFLA)
4. A Seffner man, 34-year-old Mitchell Todd Gardner, has been sentenced for his role in the January 6 Insurrection to four years and seven months in federal prison on the felony charges of civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon. (Fox 13 Tampa)
5. Duck Donuts is opening in Brandon on March 25 at 821 E Bloomingdale Avenue. The first customer in line on opening day will get a gift basket filled with Duck Donut merchandise and free donuts for a year. Flavors include French Toast, Pina Colada, PB & J, Raspberry Fluff, and more. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• 20th Anniversary Of Operation Iraqi Freedom And The Iraq War at Veterans Memorial Park. (10 a.m.)
• Story Time at New Tampa Regional Library. (10:15 a.m.)
• HIIT In The Park - Free Fitness Class at Curtis Hixon Park. (6 p.m.)
• Blink: A Gun Violence Prevention Short Film Premiere & TalkBack at Tampa Theatre. (7 p.m.)
• Movie On The Lawn - A League Of Their Own at Armature Works. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "HSTB is so thankful for ReliaQuest Bowl and Cathy Bellatin for this generous donation that directly goes into caring for the homeless animals in need." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "This past week, #YourTampaPD officers participated in the "Laundry Project," washing more than 280 loads of laundry for City of Tampa families in need! 💙 Thank you, Current Initiatives." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Welcome Oasis IV Therapy- Mobile Hydration and Wellness to the South Tampa Chamber! 😊🎉." (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (March 21)
• TerraNova Grand Prix Brunch (March 25)
• Westchase Egg Hunt (April 2)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "Accentuate the Positive" (April 16)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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