Monday Morning Memo

Monday, December 10, 2018

Board Member Spotlight: Thomas N. Henderson, III

Tom is one of the founding Shareholders of Hill Ward Henderson. He received his B.A. degree (cum laude) from Vanderbilt University in 1965 and earned his LL.B. degree in 1968 from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Tom is the Vice-Chairman of the firm and practices in the firm’s Real Estate Group. Tom’s area of practice includes all facets of real property law with special emphasis on land acquisition and development, commercial property sales transactions, finance and title insurance matters. He regularly represents borrowers in loan originations, loan renewals and problem loan workouts.

Tom is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, The Florida Bar and the American Bar Association, and is admitted to practice in all Florida courts, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and the United States Supreme Court. Tom is a member of the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. He serves and has served, on the boards and executive committees of numerous national and statewide legal organizations and councils. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America.

In addition to his many honors, Tom has been inducted as a lifetime member of the Hall of Fame by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. He was listed as one of our State’s “Top Ten Attorneys in Florida” two years in a row in 2009 and 2010. The international attorney ranking organization Chambers & Partners has cited him as a “Leading Attorney” in its Chambers USA publication every year since 2006.

Tom is an active member of many of Tampa’s civic, charitable and social organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough County Easter Seal Society, the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the United Way and The University of Tampa Board of Counselors and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tampa Downtown Partnership and on the Advising Board of the Tampa Committee of 100. Tom is also an active member of Hyde Park United Methodist Church.

Urban Excellence Award Winners Focus: Leo Rodgers

Leo Rodgers is the 2018 Urban Excellence Award Person of the Year.  Once an avid motorcycle rider, Rodgers lost his leg in a 2007 accident which he says changed his perspective on life.

The following is taken from a Tampa Bay Times feature. Read the full article.

On any given day, Rodgers is in motion, his right leg pumping like a piston and dreadlocks flowing from beneath a helmet as he cycles 11 miles to his job. He works at a bike store, balancing on crutches while trueing buckled wheels and replacing worn bottom brackets.

Cycling has provided a bigger purpose. He recently competed in California in the U.S. Paralympics Track Cycling Open. His sights are set on representing the United States at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

“It’s given me a sense of freedom,” he said. “It’s turned my disability into an ability.”

Finalists are chosen through a three-step process. First, the Tampa Downtown Partnership invites the public to submit nominations for each category. When the nomination period closes, each submission is considered based on the criteria set within each category. Finally, a panel of jurors representing a cross-section of downtown constituencies evaluate the nominations on a scale of 1-10 based on the criteria and their relation to six topics; innovation, creativity, engagement, sustainability, advancement, and impact.

InVision: Tampa Streetcar Project Recommendations Open House

The City of Tampa is conducting a public transportation feasibility study for the extension and modernization of the current streetcar system on Wednesday, December 12 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park’s River Center. The goal of this planning process, which is called InVision: Tampa Streetcar, is to take the first step towards creating another viable transportation choice for Downtown.

The study team will present a recommended alignment including lane configurations for the extension, concepts for the streetcar station stops, an evaluation of alternative vehicle types, and strategies for modernization of the existing system. The workshop will have an open format and include a brief presentation.

Can’t make it? Visit tampagov.net/streetcar to share your thoughts.

Update on Tampa Bay Rays 2020

On Tuesday, December 4, Tampa Bay Rays 2020 Co-Chairs and Founders Ron Christaldi and Chuck Sykes provided a statement to the Rays Advisory Group, Rays 100, Leadership Committees, Friends of the Rays, Civic & Business Organizations, and petition signers. Here is what it said.

As the ballpark discussions progress, we counsel patience in allowing the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Rays to work through the process. We continue to believe that the Ybor site is the best location for a reimagined, next-generation ballpark for the Rays that will ensure their success and provide great benefit to the Tampa Bay community. Until the Rays commit to a site outside of the Tampa Bay region, the deal has life and we should not cease our efforts. The Rays have yet to identify an alternate site outside the region and we believe the Rays still prefer the Ybor ballpark site over all others. We call upon our elected officials and the Rays to work through any sticking points and we, as a community, stand ready to assist in resolving the open issues to make this effort a reality.

The goal and mission of Tampa Bay Rays 2020 has all along been to help ensure the future of the Rays in Tampa Bay for generations to come. That mission remains intact. Rays 2020 and this community, particularly the business community, have stepped up in a big way. The Rays 2020 family of supporters have been part of one of the largest, most comprehensive and inclusive community efforts that this region has seen. We have significantly increased business financial support with the effect of giving the Rays confidence to increase their financial contribution to the ballpark. After only scratching the surface, Rays 2020 has secured $16 million a year in corporate pledges for tickets and sponsorships when the new ballpark opens. Over a 30-year ballpark life, that is $480 million in corporate support. We have also significantly impacted positive public opinion through over 75 speaking engagements and in securing the endorsements of over 25 of the most prominent civic and community groups. This success is reflected in the poll which showed that with that amount of corporate support, approximately 70% of voters in Hillsborough county favor the effort, which helps the elected officials and civil servants proceed to do their part in this effort with confidence. We are proud of Rays 2020 and this community for stepping up in this way.

We knew this would not be easy. We knew that challenges would be faced. Nonetheless, we are resolved to continue this robust community effort to keep the Rays in Tampa. We are sure in our conviction that the Rays must stay in Tampa Bay. We have confidence that the Ybor ballpark site is the best option. Complex negotiations are sometimes daunting but it’s up to us to keep the torch lit and press to keep the Rays here. In the words of Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over until it’s over!” We will keep the Rays in Tampa Bay. It’s what this community wants, and we will not rest until we succeed.

Wall Street Journal Article: Betting Billions on Tampa

As a former hedge-fund owner and manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund, Jeffrey Vinik is used to making giant bets in financial markets. Now he is part of a $3 billion wager to revive Tampa’s once-moribund downtown.

Mr. Vinik is teaming with Cascade Investment LLC, the investment firm of Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates, in the city’s biggest-ever development, known as Water Street Tampa.

The 50-acre project includes two luxury hotels, office towers and apartment buildings with amenities such as roof gardens and fitness centers. The first element opened last week: Sparkman Wharf is a waterfront entertainment venue with a beer garden and a collection of shipping containers that house small eateries by some of the city’s best-known chefs.

“It’s going to transform this market,” said James Nozar, chief executive of developer Strategic Property Partners LLC, a partnership of Mr. Vinik and Cascade.

The Tampa metro area grew to nearly 3.1 million residents at the end of 2017, making it one of the biggest-gaining regions in the U.S. Steady job growth dropped the unemployment rate to 2.9% in October.

Mr. Vinik and other developers are now trying to cash in with a flurry of new projects, aiming to remake Tampa as a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly city that can lure more young professionals.

The Heights, a mixed-use development, has a 314-unit apartment complex and a 73,000-square-foot former streetcar facility that now is home to a food hall and co-working space. Construction is set to begin this month on a new office building for the project.

Midtown Tampa is to offer office towers, apartments, hotels and a Whole Foods supermarket—with a public plaza at the center. The 20-acre development is scheduled to break ground next year.

On the residential side, a luxury condo tower on the Hillsborough River downtown will be the tallest building on Florida’s west coast. Known as Riverwalk Place, its units sell for up to more than $2 million.

The mixed-use developments are the first high-end office space built in Tampa in more than two decades, according to Tim Rivers, Florida market director for real-estate firm JLL, who is based in Tampa.

The numbers “did not pencil out, up until now,” he said.

The vacancy rate in Tampa for class A office space fell to 8.7% in the third quarter of 2018, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a real-estate-services firm. Rents climbed to $30.29 a square foot, the first time above $30 in the market’s history, the firm said.

Some worry that the city won’t be able to absorb all the supply coming on the market in the next few years, especially if economic growth slows.

“The biggest risk is … the overall condition of the economy,” Mr. Rivers said. But Tampa’s low cost of living and the high caliber of its planned office space could give it an edge, he added.

Tampa’s downtown was once a desolate area at night. But over the past decade, development of the Channel District, adjacent to the Water Street project, drew residents to new apartments and restaurants. Public and private investment added new attractions, including museums, parks and a walkway along the river.

Now, Mr. Vinik is trying to take it to the next level. The former money manager, 59 years old, ran Fidelity’s flagship Magellan Fund in the 1990s starting at the precocious age of 33. With about $50 billion in assets under management, he was one of the world’s most powerful stock-market investors and regularly chalked up double-digit gains. He had a 17% annualized return during his 4-year tenure running Magellan.

After he left Fidelity, he started his own hedge fund that had even bigger gains, but he closed it down in 2013 after a run of poor performance and restructuring.

Mr. Vinik bought the Tampa Bay Lightning National Hockey League team in 2010, and soon began acquiring land around Amalie Arena, where the Lightning play. He eventually amassed 50 acres.

Mr. Vinik wasn’t sure at first what to do with the growing portfolio, Mr. Nozar said. But after reading books on urban planning and smart growth, he envisioned a lively, walkable neighborhood that would attract new companies and workers.

Mr. Vinik teamed up with Cascade, and together they hired high-end architects and designers. The project, which is backed fully by equity, is scheduled to conclude its first phase in 2021 and its second in 2027.

A tower that will house the University of South Florida medical college recently topped out, and the builders have broken ground on one of the apartment buildings and a hotel, a JW Marriott. By next fall, the developers say, the area is expected to be teeming with 20 cranes and 2,800 construction workers.

“Former Hedge-Fund Titan and Bill Gates Are Betting Billions on Tampa” Wall Street Journal

The Transportation Referendum Passed: Here’s What’s Next

For the first time since the transportation penny sales tax passed, the organization that will receive $126 million per year as a result of it has discussed it.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority provided an overview of the charter amendment and sales tax revenue use, one that Hillsborough County residents voted on to help fund the region’s transportation projects.

The new 1 percent sales surtax is in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax, making it the highest in the state.

The sales tax is expected to raise $280 million that will be used to reduce congestion, especially as the population will grow by more than 700,000 people in the next 30 years, create a more efficient neighborhood bus service and ensure funds are spent properly.

HART will see 45 percent of the $280 million collected through the sales tax, or nearly $124 million for this coming year.

“It doubles our operating and almost quadruples our typical capital improvement program over any given five-year period of time,” Interim CEO Jeff Seward said.

“Something I tried very hard to do these past 30 days was managing expectations,” Seward said, explaining how people on the street would question how HART would spend the money.

The funds though will be managed through a 13-member oversight committee that still needs to be formed that will monitor the funding from the sales tax. The committee will be made up of citizens, experts, an attorney, land use or real estate expert, and an accountant. The members must be appointed by various entities such as HART, Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, cities and others.

“As you may recall, during the budget discussions in September, I brought up my recommendation to move forward with a financial planning firm to be able to help us prepare for this. We did not move forward with it at that time not knowing whether or not the referendum would pass; now we know. At this moment I am bringing on two firms,” Seward said.

One of the firms is CliftonLarsonAllen, which will assist in the facilitation of moving HART from a single fund revenue and expenditure structure to a multi-fund structure.

The other is the financial advising firm Public Resources Advisory Group, which will assist in developing short- and long-term cash flows, financial models, debt and bond capacity models and will assist in any short-term financing they may engage.

“When we do start to get those more concrete plans, we will have a true foundational element to base upon it, not speculation of what we think we’re going to get.”

The interim CEO also said HART will focus on enhancing its fixed routes and on two major projects:

  • Uptowner: Moving forward with the release of a solicitation for the fixed-route Innovation District Circulator service
  • Downtown Alternative Transit Circulator: Moving forward with the release of a solicitation for the on-demand replacement service for the existing Downtowner Service, which is currently under contract with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, previously said the partnership is speaking with HART about that service being under its wing.

Whether the referendum passed or not, Seward said HART was going to move forward with the construction of the project.

“However, the referendum has changed the scope of that. So instead of looking at just an isolated section of our property, we are now looking at a blank slate of the 21st Avenue property, looking at how we can reconstruct that entire layout to accommodate the future expansion of this organization without having to go buy very pricey real estate elsewhere in Hillsborough County,” Seward said.

HART is also in conversations with the school board and city of Tampa about available sites around that area it can reconstruct for staging areas.

“We never had money to buy adjacent property; now that has changed,” Seward said

He also has his eye on the University Mall that’s going through changes.

“My staff has known during the last 12 months, I have very much wanted to address our University Area Transit Center issues. That is not a very pleasant transfer center or site. These changes coming to the University Mall area can very much benefit HART,” he said, stating how there could be a new transfer station or intermodal center there.

“Here’s what the Hillsborough transit authority plans to do now that the transportation referendum has passed” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Mole y Abuela take over Fly Bar’s Old Space

With 2019 right around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to. The new Lion King film and another royal baby, for instance. But also the downtown Tampa opening of Mole y Abuela, the next local venture from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and Nocturnal Hospitality Group founders David Anderson and Lanfranco Pescante.

The trio’s first restaurant collaboration to launch downtown, Osteria Bar + Kitchen, has been busy serving refined-meets-rustic Italian fare for the last two months. They’ll work together once more to bring Mole y Abuela to the former Fly Bar & Restaurant space at 1202 N. Franklin St. Not far from Osteria or Anderson and Pescante’s Franklin Manor, Mole y Abuela is scheduled to debut in February.

Anderson carved out some time to discuss their vision for the forthcoming eatery with CL just before dinner service at Osteria, which is still in the early stages of opening. According to him, Mole y Abuela will continue to foster downtown Tampa’s nightlife scene as a culinary hybrid with Spanish, Mediterranean and “a slice of Mexican” inspiration.

“The community liked Fly Bar,” Anderson said. “They will be excited about a fresh concept.”

When the two-story home of Fly, which will thankfully live on in a nearby location, went up for sale in September, he and Pescante jumped on the opportunity with Viviani.

“Good buildings are hard to come by, and within two weeks we sealed the deal,” Anderson continued.

Mole y Abuela remains in the design phase. However, Anderson is hopeful that, within the next few weeks, they can start remodeling the 4,755-square-foot space, where big plans are in store.

Viviani and the gang are set to change the downstairs dining room’s layout to accommodate a new kind of culture — one that includes an after-dinner DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, similar to Osteria’s vibe. Those tunes will echo upstairs to the rooftop through surround-sound speakers.

Anderson confirmed an estimated total of about 150 to 200 seats between the first-floor bar and the patio, Fly’s previous sidewalk cafe. What’s more, the Mole y Abuela decor will also be reminiscent of Osteria (translation: very Instagrammable).

Now, about the rooftop: In addition to the view, Mole y Abuela will deliver a Latin spirits bar, offering a wide variety of tequilas and other boozy signatures.

“Iconic Spanish and Latin cocktails, top-notch sangria and, of course, frozen drinks,” said Anderson.

The trio hasn’t determined whether or not the rooftop will feature a full or limited menu, but Viviani is workin’ on it.

The Top Chef alum has flexed recipes from his Italian roots at Osteria, but the combination of Spanish, Mediterranean and Mexican flavors isn’t out of his wheelhouse, either. As Anderson pointed out, Viviani — who’s known for using locally sourced ingredients in dishes that’re celebrated over generations — operates restaurants from California to New York, which range in both concept and cuisine.

“Yes, Fabio is the perfect brand ambassador for Osteria,” Anderson said. “However, he has multiple concepts around the country and is linking up with fellow chefs for input, so we’re excited to see what he comes up with.”

Once Osteria gets into a groove, and the development of Mole y Abuela is further along, CL is prepared to sniff out more deetz. You’ll find us avoiding romaine lettuce next year, but at least we’ve secured a new dining spot with rooftop cocktails.

“This is what new restaurant Mole y Abuela has planned for downtown Tampa so far” – Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Malio’s Outdoor-Only Patio, Remedy, Opens

Remedy has premiered to fulfill your hankering for relaxation. Perched just above the Tampa Riverwalk at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Remedy is the new patio hangout from Malio’s Prime Steakhouse owners Jen and Derek Iavarone. This wife-and-husband duo teamed up with business partner Greg Minder, the president of real estate development firm InTown Group, to bring the concept to life.

The Iavarones met Minder more than a decade ago at Malio’s, where he’d stop by to dine.

“We met here 12 years ago,” said Derek, who serves as managing partner for Remedy, “and for the next 12 years, Greg asked when we were going to put a patio on the other side, and I’d tell him to let me get this place up and running.”

The decision to put a patio on the other side of Malio’s finally came in 2015. That’s when Derek told Minder about his idea for Remedy.

“It turned out to be a very complicated real estate transaction. Getting it done is complicated, but getting it operated is not my thing, and Derek is a phenomenal operator and partner,” Minder said.

Remedy’s prime location next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park allows passersby to drop in for a quick bite or craft cocktail while enjoying the Hillsborough River. As such, drinks like Pretty in Pink — a fizzy creation of dry rosé, Aperol, Lillet Rosé and Napa Valley sparkling wine — are featured at the full bar.

“We wanted [to attract] someone that could come out after work for a cocktail,” Jen said.

But then again, the food is designed to appeal to all sorts of patrons. Menu items include everything from flatbreads (think Brie and grape, barbecue chicken or margherita) to raw bar appetizers such as shrimp cocktail and oysters. There’s even an assortment of imported caviar.

Guests can expect to spend between $12 and $18 on dinner and weekend brunch entrees.

What’s more, they should know that the 3,500-square-foot Remedy, which celebrated its grand opening Nov. 28, is an outdoor-only space with 110 seats. Dogs and kids are also welcome.

“Usually on Saturday afternoons, you get more of the friends who want to go out for brunch, then they move that into the Saturday night and going out,” said Jen. “On Sundays, it’s more family-oriented. We even bring our kids.”

Remedy operates 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Valet parking is available for $5 in the Rivergate Tower garage Monday through Friday and Saturday evenings, while self-parking is offered during brunch service.

“It’s a comfortable place where people can come and relax,” Derek said. “You can enjoy the park, the view and the Riverwalk. You can just enjoy downtown Tampa.”

Hankering for relaxation? Tampa Riverwalk patio Remedy has premiered”Creative Loafing

Two New Restaurants Open at Tampa Marriott Waterside

Two new restaurants will open at Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in 2019, opening the property up to both the street and Tampa Riverwalk.

A new gastropub, Garrison Tavern, will replace Champions Sports Bar at the Tampa Marriott Waterside in early 2019, complete with patio seating and street-level access. A second restaurant will be added off the rear lobby with a new outdoor terrace and bar. A portion of the hotel’s existing patio, which is currently elevated above the Riverwalk, will be lowered to the same level as the Riverwalk with covered outdoor lounge areas.

Both concepts will be operated by restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s RS Hospitality. Garrison Tavern will focus on comfort food and approachability, with 20 local draft beers. The restaurant will also include two indoor Topgolf bays with a hockey function, Marriott said Tuesday.

The Marriott Waterside is an anchor of Water Street Tampa, the $3 billion mixed-use district between downtown Tampa’s Channel district and central business district. It’s also one of the few portions of Water Street that the public can experience now, other than Sparkman Wharf, which opened Nov. 30. The experience at the Marriott Waterside has the potential to set the tone for the remainder of Water Street years before the majority of the district is up and running.

Hotels are a critical piece of Water Street. The forthcoming construction in the district includes two hotels, a 157-room Edition and the 519-key JW Marriott; the JW Marriott is underway across South Florida Avenue from the Marriott Waterside. The developer of Water Street, Strategic Property Partners, is focused on making those hotels destinations for residents as well as visitors — with restaurants, spas and rooftop bars — CEO James Nozar has said.

“That’s pretty rare in Tampa,” Nozar said in April. “Most of the hotels are built just for the people visiting.”

The restaurants are part of an extensive renovation underway at the Marriott.

“We are excited to be part of the growing scene that is Water Street Tampa,” Sandoval said in a statement. “More importantly, we feel honored to work with the exceptional team at the Tampa Marriott Waterside and be a part of its transformation.”

“Two new restaurant concepts at Tampa Marriott Waterside will open the hotel up to the street and Riverwalk” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Tampa Theatre Launches Speaker Series

Tampa Theatre will be welcoming some inspiring speakers to its historic stage next spring in a series of evening events called LIMELIGHT.

This exclusive new series is unlike anything Tampa Theatre has ever produced, bringing speakers from a wide range of cultural pursuits and a broad palette of experiences to Tampa Bay to share their stories with our community. The 2019 LIMELIGHT lineup includes:

  • Lou Holtz (Tuesday, March 12)Legendary Football Coach and ESPN Analyst (2004-2015); sponsored by the Triad Foundation.
  • Michio Kaku (Thursday, April 4) –  Theoretical Physicist, Professor, Futurist and New York Times Best-Selling Author
  • Jenna Hager (Tuesday, April 23)Best-Selling Author, Contributing Correspondent for NBC’s Today, Chair of UNICEF’s Next Generation, and Editor-at-Large of Southern Living Magazine
  • Carl Hiaasen (Tuesday, May 14)Best-selling novelist, Newbery Honor winner, and Miami Herald columnist; sponsored by Sabal Trust.
  • Platon (Thursday, June 6)World-Renowned, Award-Winning Photographer, and Founder of The People’s Portfolio

The name LIMELIGHT was inspired by a bit of theatrical history: In the early 1800s, a development in lighting technology revolutionized the way theatrical stages were lit. Quicklime, burned at a blazing temperature of more than 4500 ° F and focused through a thick glass lens, bathed any scene in an intense white glow. For the first time, plays could simulate sunlight, and individual performers could be highlighted. This powerful new technology’s name soon became proverbial for fame and public attention.

LIMELIGHT series subscriptions will be available as a five-event ticket bundle, and will go on sale at noon Friday, Dec. 7 for $375 / $325 / $275 at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at TampaTheatre.org for $398.25 / $346.50 / $294.75 total, including fees. A select number of Platinum packages are also available for $625 at the Box Office or $657 online, which include premium show seating and a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar from 5:00-6:30pm each event night.

This series is presented by the Vinik Family Foundation. Support for the series is provided by the Triad Foundation; Sabal Trust; the DeBartolo Family Foundation; Film Tampa Bay; Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A.; Oxford Exchange; and Visit Tampa Bay. Media consideration is provided by WEDU-PBS.

Downtown Calendar

Your Downtown Calendar

The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa.  Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list.

Winter Wonderettes

Through Sunday, December 23
Stageworks Theatre
The Wonderettes are back! This social celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa goes missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ‘60s versions of holiday classics such as Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Jingle Bell Rock, Run Rudolph Run, and Winter Wonderland. The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. For more info, go to Winter Wonderettes.

Tampa Mayoral Candidate Forum: Presented by Walk Bike Tampa

Tuesday, December 11, begins 6pm
Sparkman Wharf
Walk Bike Tampa, Inc hosts an evening with the mayoral candidates to discuss pedestrian and bike safety, creating walkable spaces, neighborhood sidewalks, and the downtown urban core. Ernest Hooper from the Tampa Bay Times will moderate. Partner organizations including Tampa General Hospital, Sidewalk Stompers, and other local businesses will develop questions related to community health benefits of active transportation, safe routes to school, bicycling conditions, and the business case for locating in walkable areas. For more information, go to Tampa Mayoral Candidate Forum.

Heights Night Market

Wednesday, December 12, begins 6pm
Armature Works
A monthly evening market taking place on 7th Ave in front of Armature Works, feature a rotating cast of artisanal creators, makers, and artists selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, wood-work, gifts and so much more. Heights Night Market is free to attend, family-friendly, and features live music at each event. For more information, go to Heights Night Market.

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

Sunday, December 16, begins 7am
Tampa Convention Center
America’s Sweetest Race features both 15k (9.3miles) and 5k (3.1miles) distances and all runners are encouraged to join the fun! Participants receive an award-winning goodie bag, which they collect at the expo along with their race packet. The chocolate really begins to flow at the Post Race Party where runners enjoy music, Hot Chocolate merchandise, and a finisher’s mugs filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and tasty dippable treats! For more info, go to Hot Chocolate 15K/5K.

Taking the Stage at the Straz Center

Patel Conservatory presents Holiday Music Concert – Tuesday, December 11, begins 7pm
An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas starring Evan Tyrone Martin – Thursday, December 13 to Sunday, December 16
Live & Local – Connor Zwetsch – Friday, December 14, 3pm to 6pm
The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops  – Friday, December 14, begins 8pm
Fall Private Lesson Recitals – Saturday, December 15, 10am to 6pm

On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre

Deconstructing the Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour (2018) – Wednesday, December 12, begins 7:30pm to 9pm
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Friday, December 14 to Thursday, December 20

This Week at Amalie Arena

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers – Monday, December 10, begins 7:30pm
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – Thursday, December 13, begins 7:30pm
for KING & COUNTRY Christmas with Zach Williams – Friday, December 14, begins 7pm
93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball 2018 – Saturday, December 15, begins 7pm
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Winter Tour 2018 – Sunday, December 16, begins 3pm

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