🌱 Tampa Socially-Conscious Gift Giving + Ybor City Dog Park Opening

Morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening in Tampa these days. In today's issue, you'll find news about...

• 🎁 Tampa Patch has a guide up for socially conscious gift giving this holiday season in the Tampa area.
• ⚖️ A participant from the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill incident has been convicted by a jury in Tampa and will be sentenced next year.
• 🐕 A new dog park is opening in Ybor City on Dec. 17.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 64.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. If you are looking at gifting for a good cause this holiday season, Tampa Patch has a guide up filled with local causes you can support as an alternative to normal gifting. Some options include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Florida Aquarium, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and more. (Tampa Patch)

2. A former U.S. Army Special Forces master sergeant who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill was convicted on Monday by a jury in Tampa to six out of 10 federal charges brought against him by the U.S. government. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13. The charges came from weapons and classified information that authorities found in his Tampa home. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

3. The Festival of Lights is bringing more than 1 million lights to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds this holiday season from now until Jan. 1. The two-mile drive is held from your vehicle and also features a Santa Village where guests can enjoy food, arts and crafts, as well as Santa Claus. In addition, the radio inside cars can be used to listen to holiday tunes while driving. (Fox 13 Tampa)

4. City of Tampa city officials have admitted they lobbied Florida lawmakers to pass a law that would require them to divert wastewater that now pours into Tampa Bay, according to the Tampa Bay Times. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WUSF)

5. Friends of Ybor, a local nonprofit, is opening a dog park on Saturday, Dec. 17 with a ribbon cutting from 10 a.m. to noon at 1802 East 4th Ave., Ybor City. The concept will feature a dog park and cafe space at the corner of 18th Street and 4th Avenue for all to enjoy. Donations are being accepted to support the non-profit. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Woodford Reserve Engraving Event at Corona Cigar Company — Tampa. (5 p.m.)
• OE Book Club | December | "Wizard Of Oz" at Oxford Exchange. (6:30 p.m.)
• Machine Head at The Orpheum. (7 p.m.)
• Wine Master Class at La Vid Wines. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We're putting the spotlight on Lightning prospect Jack Finley. Currently skating with the Syracuse Crunch, Jack has 5 points over his first 15 games. We'll be keeping our eyes on Jack as he continues to grow his game." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "Step into the magic of Christmas past at the Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry Plant Museum. This holiday experience is a fantastic way to celebrate all the season has to offer." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "Join us on New Year's Eve in Midtown Tampa! Sal Y MarRooftop Bar & Events Venue is helping you bid farewell to 2022 and toast the beginning of a brighter 2023 at the most anticipated New Year’s Eve party in Tampa Bay." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Share your vision for Fowler Ave! The Planning Commission - Hillsborough County is studying the redevelopment of Fowler Avenue, a key gateway to important employment, education, medical & residential areas." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 17)
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Gigs & services:

• Tampa Women's Mental Health (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for your next 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