🌱 Red's BBQ Truck Re-Opens + Wheels Of Success MLK Car Donation

Hey, Tampa! I'm back in your inbox with your fresh edition of the Tampa Daily this Friday the 13th. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In this issue, you'll learn about...

• Former TBBJ Publisher Bridgette Bello is being sued for repayment of loans worth more than $195,000.
• Red's BBQ Truck re-opened this week on Thursday after a brief hiatus.
• Wheels of Success is gifting a vehicle to another hardworking family on Monday and the public is invited to the celebration.

But first, today's weather:

A few morning showers. High: 66 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. American City Business Journals (ACBJ) is suing Former Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) Publisher Bridgette Bello for repayment of loans that worth more than $195,000, according to Florida Politics. The lawsuit claims Bello was terminated from TBBJ, a subsidiary of ACBJ, on Jan. 15, 2018. (Florida Politics)
2. Red's BBQ Truck re-opened on Jan. 12 at 3405 34th St. N. in St. Petersburg. The barbeque truck will operate from Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The food truck was put on pause in April 2022 to focus on the owners other concept called Roam Steakhouse and Bar. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. Sarasota-based Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, one of the oldest and largest locally owned insurance agencies in the Tampa Bay area, recently acquired Lovinger Insurance in South Tampa. Lovinger Insurance will maintain its current name as a DBA, while now operating under Purmort & Martin, and also retain all of its employees. (Press Release Desk)
4. A health-focused fast-casual restaurant called Crisp & Green is opening its first eatery in Tampa at Water Street Tampa. "Water Street Tampa has inspired many national retailers to open their first Tampa location, and we’re proud to add Crisp & Green to that list," said Lee Schaffler, chief portfolio officer for Water Street developer, Strategic Property Partners (SPP). The Water Street Tampa location will offer health and wellness events as part of its company mission. (Tampa Patch)
5. Wheels of Success is working to make a difference in the community for people who lack vehicles in the Tampa Bay area and keep residents working. Thanks to donations from community partners, such as Santander Consumer USA, Renee and her family will receive a 2018 Dodge Journey. The public is invited to attend the celebration on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. at 13116 N. Florida Avenue in Tampa. (Tampa Bay Newswire)

Today in Tampa:

• Mahjong at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Art Reception: Champa Bay at Carrollwood Cultural Center (5:30 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina With Kafkasso Flamenco Trio at Hotel Haya. (6:30 p.m.)
• Live Music at LIT Cigar & Martini Lounge. (8 p.m.)
• MLK Weekend Kickoff at SD Banquet Hall LLC. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "A true hero. 🙏 Thanks to Paramedic John Fonte's quick actions, a 3-year-old child who was not breathing and who was pinned under a car is alive." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Pride shared: "We want you to perform at Tampa Pride 2023. Please contact entertainmentinfo@tampapride.org with any questions. To apply please visit: tampapride.org/entertainment." (Tampa Pride via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "GO BUCS! ❤️🖤 Tampa is PROUD to cheer on our Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they head to the playoffs. Shoutout to COO Brian Ford, Captain Fear and the Bucs cheerleaders for helping us Raise The Flags and drop our "Go Bucs" banner at City Hall. (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "What better way to celebrate the first Friday the 13th of 2023 than with the opening of Skinamarink? Learn more about this not so typical horror film here: https://bit.ly/3GCB0Jq." (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "Stay warm, cozy, and healthy with True Food Kitchen's new winter menu. Now available at Midtown Tampa. Savor hearty soups, crave-worthy brunch dishes, and a lineup of new drinks full of immunity-boosting ingredients." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com