🌱 Gasparilla Music Festival Needs New Venue + TPA Boa Constrictor

Hello friends. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today's briefing includes news about:

• Tampa International Airport was rattled when a woman attempted to bring an "emotional support" boa constrictor last month.
• Gasparilla Music Festival is looking for a new event venue after Kiley Garden closed due to water intrusion issues.
• Innings Festival is coming to Raymond James Stadium this spring.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A woman attempted to bring her "emotional support" boa constrictor with her on her flight last month at Tampa International Airport, according to Transportation Security Administration officials. Authorities notified the airline, which then refused to let her board with the snake, authorities said. (Tampa Patch)

2. The annual Gasparilla Music Festival is looking for a new venue after Kiley Garden closed due to water intrusion issues. Tampa city spokesperson Lauren Rozyla told the Times, "Tampa Parks and Recreation is actively working with the organization to find a suitable alternative location for the event." (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

3. New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart is retiring after a controversy surrounding Holocaust jokes in the police force. Bogart was present at the meeting, but did not speak according to Creative Loafing Tampa. "I think the comments were inappropriate and I believe discipline was necessary for the officers, and I stand by that decision," said City Manager Debbie Manns. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

4. A group of Sarasota retirees are frustrated after not receiving help to remove debris leftover from Hurricane Ian. Debris piles have sat at Village Des Pins for more than three months and have become a hazard. Their neighborhood is a condominium community and is classified as a commercial property by FEMA, which disqualifies them for help. (Fox 13 Tampa)

5. Innings Festival is coming to Raymond James Stadium this spring. The event will feature big-time headliners, including Imagine Dragons, Weezer, Pitbull, The Avett Brothers, and Dave Matthews Band. Tickets are now available and start at $110. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Holiday Classics Film Series at Tampa Theatre. (3 p.m.)
• Bachata Sunday at Acropolis South Tampa. (3 p.m.)
• Yoga On The Lawn Mingle at Junior League Of Tampa HQ. (4 p.m.)
• Reggae Sunday’s at 31 Grand. (4 p.m.)
• Spanglish Sundays at The Black Pearl. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Not our night. 📝: tbl.co/game-recap1-6" (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: " ucas is a deaf, 6-year-old, 95-pound, big LOVE! Lucas has been in and out of the shelter since the beginning of 2021 and has found himself back through no fault of his own. He loves all people and really loves kids." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "A new year means new adventures! Experience BUGTOPIA - a larger-than-life special event opening Feb. 25. Shrink down and be immersed in the fantastic world of animals that slither, crawl, and fly." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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.

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