Polk County Sheriff Warns Drivers To Slow Down + CAVA Carrollwood Open

Hi there, Tampa! Carlos Hernandez back here to update you on the latest happening in town. Here's a quick look:

• A public health advisory has been issued for beaches in Tampa due to high bacteria levels.
• Polk County's Sheriff Grady Judd is warning drivers to slow down on I-4.
• CAVA has opened in Carrollwood after successful openings in South Tampa and St. Petersburg.

But first, today's weather:

High: 71 Low: 50.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Hillsborough County has issued a public health advisory for Picnic Island and Cypress Point beaches in Tampa due to high bacteria levels. Samples were above the threshold for enterococci bacteria. The beaches will be re-sampled in a week. (Tampa Patch)
2. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is warning drivers to stop speeding on I-4. The sheriff's office said their traffic data shows nearly 300 drivers were clocked driving at over 100 miles per hour. "For those that are driving over 100 miles, call your bondsman," Sheriff Judd said. He then added, "Get ready, because we're going to tow your car and take you to jail." (Fox 13 Tampa)
3. CAVA has opened in Carrollwood and is selling Greek food including falafels, spicy Harissa chicken, roasted eggplant, and more. The dips and spreads from the brand are sold at Whole Foods and other specialty food stores. The restaurant concept is also open at 42 S Howard Avenue in South Tampa and on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. (That's So Tampa)
4. La Cabana is a new open lounge in St. Petersburg specializing coffee, cigars, and craft cocktails. It is located next to The Getaway at 13090 Gandy Boulevard N. The bar also has a number of food items as well including key lime pies, coconut cloud cakes, and more. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Time is running out to apply for FEMA funding from Hurricane Ian for Florida residents, including residents in the Tampa Bay area. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is Jan. 12. There are several ways to apply for aid. (Tampa Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• 26th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival. (10 a.m.)
• Drag Brunch Bingo at The Lady's Room. (1 p.m.)
• The New Year Kick-Off at The Orpheum. (6 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina at Hotel Haya. (8 p.m.)
• Psychocybin TK-Over: DeemZoo, Phunk Bias, Psyoptic (Pajama Party) at Tampa Karaoke VIP. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Hillsborough County Democratic Party is investigating what caused massive losses for the party in the recent Nov. 8 election. The party plans to meet with "stakeholders" to hear their thoughts on how they can do better. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
• Brandi Gabbard and Deborah Figgs-Sanders have been sworn in as the new Chair and Vice Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council. (Florida Politics)
• St. Pete Free Clinic is expanding its food assistance program after receiving a grant from No Kids Hungry Florida. (St. Pete Catalyst)

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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another 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