🌱 Mayor Jane Castor Expected To Easily Win Re-Election + Gandy Publix

Hello, everybody! It's Tuesday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community. In today's issue, you'll find updates on...

• City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is expected to easily win re-election today, March 7
• A former ice cream truck driver in Hillsborough County is on trial for murder
• Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa are coming to Tampa this summer

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and humid. High: 85 Low: 67.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Tampa, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Tampa Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is expected to coast to victory on March 7 despite several challenges during her first term as mayor. Castor raised $136,775 compared to her opponent who raised just $3,770. Castor is Tampa's first openly gay mayor, longtime Tampa resident, and previous chief for Tampa Police Department. (Tampa Patch)
2. A former ice cream truck driver is on trial for murder in Hillsborough County. A former ice cream truck driver is on trial for murder in Hillsborough County. He is accused of shooting and killing brothers Juan and Sergio Guitron as well as injuring four people by prosecutors. A previous trial on the charges failed due to a hung jury. (WFLA)
3. Rap stars Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa are coming to Tampa this summer for The High School Reunion Tour at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. The pair will be joined by Too $hort, Warren G and Berner as well as DJ Drama. Tickets will go on sale on Friday. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Northbound lanes on I-275 toward the Howard Frankland Bridge between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties will be closed starting Tuesday night, March 7, at 11 p.m. The lanes will re-open at 5 a.m. on March 8, according to a post from Florida Department of Transportation. (WTSP)
5. Grocery store giant Publix has re-opened at Gandy Shopping Center in Tampa at 3617 W. Gandy Blvd. The remodeled location includes a Pours Cafe and numerous upgrades from the original grocery store. Guests can enjoy local Kahwa Coffee as well as pizza and burrito stations. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• School Board Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools. (4 p.m.)
• Dr. Seuss' Birthday Party at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (6 p.m.)
• Armature Works Book Club - March 7. (6:30 p.m.)
• Soul Glo at The Orpheum. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shared: "Food & Wine is back and tastier than ever.🍴 With an all-new menu, get ready to explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes. We can't wait for you to join us." (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "GOODIE 🐦 Meet Goodie, the 2-year-old parakeet! Goodie loves looking at herself in the mirror, admiring her pretty periwinkle feathers, and playing with her toys! She is ready for her forever home with you." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Be sure to submit your nomination for Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery's 6th Annual Cheers to Public Service awards. The Icarefoundationfl is looking to recognize and reward 25 extraordinary local educators." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "The City of Tampa is excited to launch a new e-bike voucher program by the end of March, to support reliable, sustainable, and low-cost transportation options for residents. 🚲 180 vouchers will be available." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Shen Yun Classical Dance with Live Orchestra (March 7)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 14th and 16th at Tampa Museum of Art (March 14)
• Add your event

Featured job listings:

• Assistant to the Rector (Details)
• Add your job listing

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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