🌱 Victorian Christmas Stroll + Sanchez Y Haya Hotel Restoration + Pepper Jack

Morning, neighbors! Carlos Hernandez here with today's edition of the Tampa Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Areas of fog in the morning. High: 80 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has announced plans to restore the Sanchez y Haya hotel in Ybor City, which it acquired in August 2020 for $650,000. Sanchez y Haya was built in 1910 to house cigar workers and visitors. It was once the gathering place of Tampa's criminal underworld. Today it is home to 10,000 bats. Restoration is expected to be completed in 2023. (Business Observer)

2. A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder after being accused of shooting and killing a 13-year-old boy on November 23rd. Tampa Police arrested Ja'Marion Strange on Friday. Strange was already in custody on three felony charges - two for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a charge of shooting into a building. (Patch Tampa)

3. Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic will return in February 2022 with a new parrot mascot named Pepper Jack. The new name was picked from 2,900 submissions and submitted by Deborah Coleman from the Gainesville area of Florida. (WFLA)

4. The Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Plant Museum tradition started 40 years ago. It was originally designed to create awareness for the museum and have the public experience an old-fashioned holiday tradition. It now features 144 Christmas trees with different heights and decorated rooms to explore. (Fox 13)

5. Feeding Tampa Bay has seen a 35% increase in residents who need help with food since the pandemic began. The non-profit says COVID-19, supply chain issues, and rising food prices are to blame for the increased need. Recovery could take up to 5 years for some. (WMNF)

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Today in Tampa:

• Free Tuesday At Glazer Children's Museum. (10:00 AM)
• 2021 Pearl Harbor Remembrance at Veterans Memorial Park. (10:00 AM)
• Ribbon Cutting for Bake'n Babes. (12:00 PM)
• Hillsborough County School Board meeting. (5:30 PM)
• A Christmas Murder-Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at The Blind Goat. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning: "Franchise win No. 1000 done in grand fashion. Couldn't have done it without you, #Bolts Nation. 💙" (Facebook)
• Kiera | Tampa Bay Foodie: "*7 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS* To celebrate 7 years of #ThisBabeEats & the holiday season I'm doing local giveaways this week to some of my favorite spots! Up first is @chillbrosicecream who just recently opened its 3rd location at the @epic..." (Instagram)
• Tampa Police Department: "Thank you MISSION BBQ for having us at your holiday brunch Toys For Tots fundraiser. Your continued dedication to giving back to the community and support for first responders is outstanding. Kudos to you all!" (Facebook)
• TAMPA Downtown Magazine: Renowned chef & restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian dishes with his wife and business partner Margaret about their relationship, careers and love of Tampa. (Instagram)

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Events:

• Sarasota / Bradenton JOB LINK Job Fair / Tampa Bay - DECEMBER 8 - Hundreds of Jobs Available! (December 8)
• 23rd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes (December 12)
• Marathon Mania (January 2)
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For sale:

• Tarot Readings with Nicole, Private and/or Parties (Details)
• Great Xmas Gift: (3) Ron White Tickets, 12/19, Hard Rock Café (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? You can contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.