🌱 Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival Returns + Haunted House Guide

Hello, Tampa. I'm here in your inbox this warm autumn morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. In today's issue of the Tampa Daily, you'll read about these stories and more:

• ☕ The Tampa Bay Coffee and Art Festival is back today after a 2-year pandemic hiatus.
• 🐂 USF has narrowed down its list of candidates for provost to four candidates.
• 🍽️ Taste of the Beaches has returned to Pinellas County with over 40 restaurants participating.

Have a spooky display to share with local residents this Halloween season? Share them with Patch.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 87 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The Tampa Bay Coffee and Art Festival is back today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Brandon after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The festival features coffee roasters, artisans, vendors, and industry professionals from across the Sunshine State and is open to the public. Tickets start at $10. (ABC Action News)

2. The University of South Florida (USF) has released a name of four potential candidates to succeed longtime provost Ralph Wilcox as the university's provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. Town halls will be held with the candidates are open to the public on Oct. 12, 13, 17 and 18. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: University of South Florida)

3. A new dual-tower apartment development proposed for Tampa's Channel district by VeLa Development Partners and Post Road Group has received preliminary approval from Tampa City Council. The development would bring 532 new apartments to the area. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)

4. Halloween is being celebrated all month in the Tampa Bay this season. Patch Tampa has a guide of local haunted houses and attractions to visit including Haunted Happy Hour at The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, the Polk County Haunted Jail Tour, Creatures Of The Night at ZooTampa, and more. (Patch Tampa)

5. The Taste of the Beaches kicks off today and includes more than 40 restaurants across Pinellas County. It runs through Oct. 14 and tickets are $10 per taste. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will be donated to the PARC Center for Disabilities and for Hurricane Ian disaster relief. (WTSP)

Today in Tampa:

• The Seminole Heights Great Pumpkin Patch at Seminole Heights UMC. (9 a.m.)
• Carrollwood Market at Carrollwood Cultural Center. (10 a.m.)
• Tampa Bay Moms Fall Spooktacular 2022 at Brandon Park & Recreation Center. (10 a.m.)
• Fall Plant Festival at USF Botanical Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• 32nd Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair at Hyde Park Village. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• ZEN Noodle Bar is opening soon near the University area at 8757 North 56th St. South. The concept is coming south from Gainesville where it is a popular spot with college students. (That's So Tampa)
• The 14th annual FishHawk Turkey Trot is set for Thursday, Nov. 24 at 5668 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. The race includes a time and untimed 5K walk/run and a 10K timed walk/run, as well as 1-mile run just for fun. Registration fees will increase after Oct. 15. (Osprey Observer)
• Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) broke ground on a new facility on Sept. 20 at the corner of Hueland Pond Blvd. and S.R. 56. The new facility will offer expanded cancer care patient access as well as more exam rooms and treatment chairs. (New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News)

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Events:

• Miami Carnival Parade of Bands and Concert Set for Oct. 9 (October 9)
• Add your event

You're all caught up 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