🌱 Councilman Viera Joins 'SOS Cuba' March + Bad Santa Speakeasy + Record FL Holiday Sales

Good day, people of Tampa! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 79 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Florida's retailers are expecting record sales this holiday season at the tune of about a 10% increase over 2020, according to the Florida Retail Federation. The industry group does not expect major issues over supplies due to planning. The average consumer is expected to spend $998 on gifts over the next month and a half. (Creative Loafing)

2. The lineup for the Florida Strawberry Festival this year includes The Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, and Lady A. Advance tickets go on sale Thursday, December 9th at 8 a.m. and are available online or over the phone. More than 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the 11-day festival in March of 2022. (WFLA)

3. Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera joined "SOS Cuba" marches in Ybor City and West Tampa on Sunday and Monday to protest the government of Cuba. Viera is the son of Cubans who fled Cuba in 1960 when Castro took power. (Tampa Patch)

4. A Tampa Chick-fil-A's popular Christmas light display has returned at 6299 West Waters Avenue. Guests can also enjoy visits from Santa Claus on December 3, 10, 17, and 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (ABC Action News)

5. A "Bad Santa" cocktail speakeasy is coming to the historic Cuban Club in Ybor City starting December 9th through December 26th on select days. The event promises to treat guests well whether they have been naughty or nice this year. Tickets are now available. (That's So Tampa)

Today's Tampa Daily is brought to you by L.L.Bean, a Patch Brand Partner. Planning a trip this holiday? Find your perfect luggage match.

Today in Tampa:

• Riverwalk Dine & Wine Tour. (9:00 AM)
• School Board Workshop - Hillsborough County Schools. (9:30 AM)
• Trivia Tuesday At Armature Works. (6:00 PM)
• Remix: Winter Landscape Paintings at the Firehouse Cultural Center. (7:00 PM)
• Girls Basketball vs. Newsome - Robinson High. (7:00 PM)

Tampa Patch Notebook

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: ""I tell the guys it's just one game; it doesn't define our season. We've got to come with it if we want to get where we want to go." " (Facebook)
• Tampa International Airport: "WE CANNOT WAIT to welcome back our friends from London tonight! Later this evening, ⁦⁦British Airways will resume nonstop flights to London Gatwick. GET EXCITED!" (Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay: "School might be out Thanksgiving week, but we’ll be IN THE HOUSE and ready to host your children ages 6 -13! 🥧 ‼️Available on Monday, Tuesday and Friday (November 22nd, 23rd, and 26th) from 9 am to 4 pm (extended care available until ..." (Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "This #AmericaRecyclesDay, make the right choice when getting rid of an item. Not sure where something goes? There’s an app for that! ♻️ Download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app now or visit tampa.gov/recycle to make steps towards m..." (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.