🌱 Green Lemon Named Best Mexican Restaurant + Grove Mini Golf

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Including news on:

• Crystal River made a top travel list with USA Today for "Best Summer Travel Destination."
• bb.q Chicken is now open in Carrollwood and serving a version of Korean fried chicken.
• A South Florida company has purchased three Tampa business parks.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy with a heavy t-storm. High: 82 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Crystal River as won a 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for "Best Summer Travel Destination." Crystal River is well-known for its springs and manatees. Discover Crystal River hosted a travel writer from USA TODAY earlier this year that helped them become eligible for the award. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
2. bb.q Chicken is now open in Carrollwood. The concept serves Korean Fried Chicken and is originally from Seoul, South Korea. The lead server said they do not double fry the chicken, which is different from the original K.F.C. recipe. (Fox 13)
3. TripAdvisor has released a list of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Tampa. Green Lemon was ranked the best Mexican restaurant in Tampa by users on the travel review platform. It was followed by Besito, Miguel's, and Bartaco. The overall rating and number of reviews were used in the ranking. (WFLA)
4. The Grove at Wesley Chapel has added Grove Mini Golf to its entertainment line-up. It features an 18-hole course for all ages to enjoy. There is also art, food and beverages, music, and more. Mini golf is available seven days a week. (That's So Tampa)
5. A South Florida-based company has purchased three business parks in Tampa for $33 million, according to Business Observer. The three properties acquired are Brandywine Business Center, Corporex Plaza, and Presidents Plaza Business Center. (Business Observer)

Today in Tampa:

• Annual Ruck Sack Race For Camaraderie Foundation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. (7 a.m.)
• Yoga In The Park at Julian B. Lane Park. (10:30 a.m.)
• Sensory-Friendly Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children's Museum. (10 a.m.)
• In Situ at Tampa Museum Of Art. (11 a.m.)
• Pups, Brunch and Bottomless Mimosas at Two Shepherds Taproom (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Bucs legend Dexter Jackson welcomes YaYa Diaby to the Buccaneer family." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "After being selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, North Dakota State Offensive Lineman Cody Mauch spoke to the media." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "There are a few spots left in the baby bottle feeding class on May 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the shelter. HSTB has seen more kittens during this kitten season than we have in the past at this point of the season." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared "Check out the new River Arts Crossing mural in downtown Tampa. 🎨" (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook))

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Carrollwood Cultural Center (May 1)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 2)
• AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz (May 5)
• Ongoing Friday Jewelry Classes (May 5)
• Uptown Music Festival (May 6)
• “Voices of Resistance” Benefit Concert (May 6)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com