🌱 Tampa Considers Changing Zoning Laws + Cross-Bay Ferry Returns

Welcome back, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on...

• 🏘️ City of Tampa and the Tampa City Council are considering zoning changes to allow for more accessory dwelling units.
• 🚢 The Cross-Bay Ferry has returned to connect downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete.
• 🛣️ FDOT is seeking public comment on a planned 14-foot noise wall between Robles Park and I-275.

Today is National Mashed Potato Day. It's a great day to enjoy the popular dish and maybe lookup a recipe as Thanksgiving draws near.

But first, today's weather:

A passing morning shower. High: 81 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. City of Tampa and the Tampa City Council are considering zoning changes that would allow for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) amid an affordable housing crisis. Tampa's code only allows ADUs to be constructed in Seminole Heights and the area around Lowry Park at this time. (Tampa Patch)

2. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning to build a 14-foot noise wall between I-275 and Robles Park. Some neighbors are not happy about the plan and believe it will divide the community, while other are happy the state is addressing the noise and litter from the highway. FDOT is pausing plans to allow time for public comment. (ABC Action News)

3. The Cross-Bay Ferry is officially back and connecting downtown Tampa to downtown St. Pete. The ferry will run from Wednesday to Sunday with most bookings available on weekends. Tickets cost $24 round trip and $16 round trip for seniors, Military, college students, and youth. (That's So Tampa)

4. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $5,000 leading to the arrest of Nickolas Lloyd, 50, of Riverview. Lloyd is accused of defrauding people who attempted to purchase a vehicle from him. (Tampa Patch)

5. Brandon Ballet's new season is currently underway with several local events including an upcoming wine pairing on Nov. 1 and the annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea on Nov. 6. Visitors there for the Nutcracker will meet and greet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, the Snow Queen and dancers. (Osprey Observer)

Today in Tampa:

• 2022 Greater Tampa REALTORS® Awards Luncheon at Armature Works. (11:30 a.m.)
• Varials at The Orpheum. (6 p.m.)
• Tampa Connection Fall Social Mixer at Shuffle. (6 p.m.)
• Bring a Dish: Party Classics at Publix Aprons Cooking School of Citrus Park. (6 p.m.)
• Día De Los Muertos Dinner at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Tampa Bay area ranked last among the 25 largest metro areas for median household income in 2021, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Income did increase slightly in the same time span by 2.6 percent. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)
• The fight over the seat for Pasco County School Board District 1 continues after candidates have announced intentions to appeal a court ruling against them. Alvaro "Al" Hernandez was disqualified by the judge for allegedly not living in District 1 at the time of qualification required by law. Hernandez is backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
• Stephanie Smith, a veteran of companies including AT&T, Uber and Simply, has joined TECO Energy as vice president of state and regional affairs. Smith worked for previous Florida governors Charlie Crist and Jeb Bush. (Florida Politics)
• The 25th Annual Florida Craft Art Festival is coming Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 to downtown St. Pete outside Florida CraftArt Gallery, at the crossroads of Central Avenue and 5th Street. (Tampa Bay Newswire)

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Events:

• Dead Poets Society: Kerouac in Memoriam (October 19)
• Dreaming in Premodern China (October 20)
• 7th Annual HCC Hawk Run — 5K / 1-Mile Glow Run and Walk (In-person and Virtual) (October 22)
• Florida Orlando Jerk Festival Set for Sunday, Oct. 23. (October 23)
• 'The Confucian Analects' — A Fresh Look at A Classic from Ancient China (October 27)
• Sounding Joy “Hearos” Golf Tournament (November 12)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be 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