It can be way too easy to run out of topics when it comes to small talk, and it’s always good to be in the know on local news, so we are going to look at some headlines to help you gossip better about what’s happening in Tampa Bay news. Get it, queen!
Omicron variant of COVID-19 likely already in Florida, Tampa Bay doctors and researchers believe
“COVID-19” has become somewhat of a trigger word for many of us, but we have to talk about this new Omicron variant.
The bad news is: we don’t know much about this variant at this point in time. The good news is: vaccine makers are confident that they can tweak the current vaccine to combat this new variant. Which really is good since local doctors and researchers believe the Omicron variant is already here in Tampa. Gov. DeSantis has stated that there will be no more quarantines, no business closures or school closings.
Meanwhile, President Biden has announced travel restrictions are now in place for South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Probably a good time to get that booster shot before the holidays with friends & family.
Holiday events return to Tampa Bay
‘Tis the season for celebrations! But this year things are a little different after 2020.
In fact, organizers are recommending that people purchase tickets early in anticipation of a much larger turnout after last season. Tride & true events are returning in full swing while some new events such as the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village, a two-mile-long drive-through with lighted displays along the way, are debuting to make this holiday bigger than ever.
Special shoutout to Enchant Christmas at St. Pete’s Tropicana Field for bringing an ice skating rink to Tampa!
Tampa Bay Charities in Need of Donations
November 30th was the ninth annual Giving Tuesday, a movement started by Feeding Tampa Bay. Their mission statement embodies their entire movement, “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.” They accept donations year round to offer help to those in need. What better way to celebrate than to give to others?
‘I-4 bandit’ arrested following bank robberies in Tampa Bay area
Did you hear they finally caught him? This has been a wild ride for serial bank robber, David Ratcliff; he was arrested in the 90’s for six separate counts of armed bank robbery, but authorities suspect he robbed 19 different banks along I-4, hence the I-4 bandit moniker. He was a suspect in bank robberies this month in Temple Terrace and St. Petersburg, but he was officially caught robbing a Wells Fargo in Clearwater.
Local couple provides comfort through peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Local food truck turned non-profit on wheels, PB & Jelly Deli is serving up holiday spirit year round. The operation runs solely on donations and provides brown bag meals including peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, a bag of chip, a bottle of water and a hand written note showing even more love. They aren’t cutting corners either, the nut butters are homemade and it’s all sandwiched between sourdough bread. PB & Jelly Deli estimates 8,100 meals have been provided to those in need since their inception in 2017. Donations are welcome at their website, so you can provide a charitable action for people in need.
Bonus: Joffrey’s Coffee announces grand opening at Midtown Tampa
Buddy Brew Coffee is the best coffee shop in Tampa Bay says Coffee Affection; if you need a place to host your coffee talk. For more great information like this, follow me on Instagram @kristinamaness or to make an even better impression, schedule a session with me today!