🌱 Tampa International Airport Flamingo Name + HCSO Deputy Arrested

Hi there, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Tampa International Airport has finally picked a name for its popular flamingo.
• Tampa Police are being asked to apologize by an elected official after surveying political candidates over Black Lives Matter and police criticism.
• The Mav is the newest development in downtown Tampa just minutes from Sparkman Wharf.

But first, today's weather:

Less humid with plenty of sun. High: 71 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa International Airport's flamingo sculpture will now be known as Phoebe after a naming contest came to an end on Thursday. Phoebe was submitted by James Bryan M., who said the name is "a play on Phoenicopterus, the flamingo’s scientific name. Phoebe is also a playful alliterative to flamingo and means brilliantly inquisitive." (Tampa Patch)

2. Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes on Thursday requested that Tampa Police apologize for a survey that asked political candidates if they have ever supported Black Lives Matter or been critical of police officers. The request comes among a string of controversies at Tampa Police including the recent resignation of disgraced former Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor, who made national headlines after flashing her badge to avoid a citation in St. Pete. A number of other police officers have recently been caught in controversies for misconduct. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

3. 25-year-old Hillsborough County detention deputy Terry Bradford Jr. has been arrested after allegedly bringing "cannabis-laced brownies" into the detention facility, according to HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister. "He pledged to uphold all that is good and just. His greed got the best of him," Sheriff Chronister said. (Fox 13 Tampa, Tampa Patch)

4. A former Tesla executive, John Vo of Blue Innovations Group, is launching an electric boat company in Tampa Bay. Vo launched his product on Thursday at the Las Vegas-based Consumer Electronic Show (CES). (Subscription: Tampa BAY INNO, Tampa Bay Times)

5. The Mav is a new 19-story multi-family development just walking distance from Sparkman Wharf near the corner of E. Twiggs and Channelside Drive. The development includes 324 apartments, with studios, one, and two-bedroom floor plans. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Café Con Tampa at Oxford Exchange. (8 a.m.)
• Mahjong at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina with Kafkasso Flamenco Trio at Hotel Haya. (6:30 p.m.)
• Dia De Los Reyes Concert at The Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. (6:30 p.m.)
• Jurassic World Live Tour at Amalie Arena. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Join us today to celebrate Three Kings Day with a free community event at the Barksdale Senior Center! 📆 Jan. 6, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 📍 1801 N Lincoln Ave. There will be food, music, free toys, a bounce house and face painting for kids." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Find your dream job in 2023! Tampa Bay's #1 hospital, Tampa General Hospital, is hiring clinical and non-clinical positions on Jan. 24 & 25 from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. Same-day job offers will be available!" (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "The Motor Enclave is coming to Tampa Bay! The 200-acre site includes a track where drivers can go up to 168 mph and 'car condos' that can house vehicles and mancaves." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The Salvation Army Tampa - ARC & Thrift Stores shared: "Come join us Monday, Jan. 16 for out Annual Winter Sale." (The Salvation Army Tampa - ARC & Thrift Stores via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Join the South Tampa Chamber for our first Young Professionals Event of 2023 next week at J.C. Newman Cigar Company!" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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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