🌱 Siesta Key Moves Closer To Becoming City + Tampa Stageworks Theatre

Good morning, everybody! Carlos Hernandez here with your Tuesday edition of the Tampa Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on locally. Including updates on:

• Tampa's Stageworks Theatre has received two big donations.
• Siesta Key is getting one step closer to becoming a city.
• The 11th annual Tweed Ride is coming this weekend to Pinellas County.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 70 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Siesta Key is moving closer to becoming an official city. A bill to allow residents of Siesta Key to form their own government is being introduced to the Florida legislature during the coming legislative session. The movement is being driven by the grassroots organization Save Siesta Key. (WUSF)
2. Tampa's Stageworks Theatre has received two donations from Mercury Advisors, the developers of the Grand Central at Kennedy condominiums in Channelside. The gifts include the physical theater the group was previously renting and a $10,000 grant from Tampa-based Frank E. Duckwall Foundation. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. The Pirates and Rum Experience is a new experience being held at the Cuban Club in historic Ybor City from Feb. 10 to 11. Guests will listen to tales of the legendary Pirates of the South Seas and enjoy craft cocktails at the immersive event. (That's So Tampa)
4. The 11th annual Tweed Ride is happening Saturday, Jan. 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in St. Petersburg at 559 Mirror Lake Dr. Guests are encouraged to wear tweed or vintage clothing to the annual gathering. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Two Pinellas County families received homes from Habitat for Humanity on Monday. All Habitat home recipients complete a homebuyer program that teaches them how to manage money and pay back the loan, in addition to enjoying zero percent interest. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Paws For Literacy at Humane Society Of Tampa Bay. (2:45 p.m.)
• Knowledge & Networking at American Social Tampa. (5:30 p.m.)
• Tampa Heights Community Redevelopment Area Community Advisory Committee Meeting at Bush Ross Law Firm Conference Room. (6 p.m.)
• Esports Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Park And Recreation Center. (6:30 p.m.)
• Tipsy Tuesdays: Karaoke Drink And Food Specials at Burnz Restaurant Bar & Grill. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shared: "Don't forget that during the month of January, Pass Members can enjoy exclusive perks like a bonus-free guest ticket, and $10 Busch Bucks." (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "This morning, members of Tampa General Hospital leadership gathered at the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs TOBA's 43rd Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Breakfast." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "We're proud to announce the return of the Black Love Classic Movie Series, presented by Tampa Electric starting Feb. 5." (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "The University of South Florida has received the Patents for Humanity award from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for innovative work that is critical to testing for COVID-19." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow morning for 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