🌱 Rays Trade Ji-Man Choi + Tampa Theatre's Holiday Classics Coming

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Hey, everybody. It’s me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what’s happening locally. Including news on:

• The Rays have traded Ji-Man Choi to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics series is coming to downtown Tampa at the end of the month.
• A popular food vendor at local markets is opening a storefront in Ybor.

Today is National Happy Hour Day. The tradition of enjoying happy hours goes all the way back to the U.S. Navy in 1914.

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But first, today’s weather:

Find out what’s happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Partial sunshine. High: 81 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

Find out what’s happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Tampa police are seeking information from the public on the homicide of a man that happened Tuesday afternoon in the Robles Park Community at 428 Nordica St. A person of interest has been detained, but an investigation is still underway in the incident. (Tampa Patch)

2. Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics series begins on Sunday, Nov. 27. The series will include sing-alongs with Christmas carols featuring the Might Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. The full line-up of movies screening has been released. (myQ105.com)

3. Elevenses Co., known for its macarons at local markets, is opening its debut storefront at 1001 E. Columbus Drive in V.M. Ybor. The store opening is planned for early 2023. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

4. The Tampa Bay Rays traded first baseman Ji-Man Choi on Thursday to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Sam Hartman. Choi hit .233 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs in 113 games with the Rays in 2022. (Fox 13 Tampa)

5. St. Petersburg’s Giovanni Cerro of Gio’s Typos is spreading cheer through poetry. Gio’s Typos is a “poet-for-hire” gig and Giovani can be found at events around the Tampa Bay area. He told ABC, “I’m not writing poems as much as I’m writing permission slips for people to feel their feelings again.” (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

• Gasparilla Bowl Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament at Tampa Convention Center. (8 a.m.)
• Carrollwood Market at Carrollwood Cultural Center (10 a.m.)
• Friends Of The John F. Germany Public Library Book Sale. (10 a.m.)
• South Florida Bulls Football vs. SMU Mustangs Football at Raymond James Stadium. (noon)
• Second Saturday at Big Easy Ybor City (1 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: “As a November 2021 Community Hero Award recipient, Coach Cooper donated a portion of his grant to build a new playground at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. This week, the ribbon was cut and now the playground is open for all to enjoy.” (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: “‘Tis the season to be jolly. Christmas in the Wild is only two weeks away. Celebrate the holidays with dazzling light displays, live entertainment, delectable treats, festive drinks and more seasonal fun.” (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: “Tampa General Hospital’s network of urgent care centers known as TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track has again received accreditation by the Urgent Care Association (UCA) — the highest level of distinction for urgent care centers.” (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Hurry up! GET YOUR FREE TICKET! I bet you didn’t know about Alternative Products Expo! (November 12)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (November 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at HCC Ybor City Campus (November 15)
• Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for 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

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‘Selling Tampa’ Is Canceled, Cast Blames Racism For Decision

“Selling Tampa” will not be renewed for a second season — and some of the cast believes racial discrimination played a role in the decision, Page Six has exclusively learned.

“When they show us [black women] in a different light — when we’re bickering, fighting and name-calling — they get a Season 2 and Season 3, but that’s not what we were displaying,” cast member Juawana Colbert tells us.

“I feel like we weren’t given a second chance, possibly because of what we represented as minority women.”

“Selling Tampa” premiered on Netflix in December 2021. The cast was entirely made up of women of color: Colbert, Colony Reeves, Anne-Sophie Petit, Tennille Moore, Karla Giorgo, Rena Frazier, Alexis Williams and Sharelle Rosado, who is the head broker of Allure Realty, the firm the show is centered around.

The cast believes race was behind Netflix’s decision to not give them a second season.

Netflix

We’re told all of the ladies were left wondering for nearly a year whether the show would be picked up for a second season, and a source says they were given the “runaround.”

The insider, who asked to remain anonymous, tells Page Six the cast got “hundreds” of DMs “daily” from fans asking about a new season, but they didn’t know what to say.

Then, just last week, we’re told Adam DiVello, the creator of the “Selling” franchise that also includes “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC,” and producer Skyler Wakil asked the cast to hop on a Zoom call, where they broke the news.

“Adam specifically said [the decision] was related to numbers but never gave any additional information,” Colbert, 41, says. “I don’t know if he was talking about rating numbers or budget numbers. He just said numbers.”

Adam DiVello, who also created “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC,” blamed “numbers” for “Tampa” being cut.

Getty Images for MTV

The source reiterates that the cast was not given much of an explanation and were instead just told to tell inquiring fans, “There aren’t any plans right now for more ‘Selling Tampa,’ but luckily the first season is still on Netflix for fans to rewatch or discover.”

“We know that [‘Selling Tampa’] was No. 1 in multiple countries, and it did fairly well,” the insider adds. “Obviously, it’s not going to be a ‘Selling Sunset’ Season 5. … It’s just weird. All of a sudden this all-black cast doesn’t even get a chance for a Season 2.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Tampa” was the No. 1 show in the US on Netflix within 24 hours after its release.

Colbert tells Page Six that since the numbers excuse doesn’t seem to add up, the cast is convinced that they are being held to an unfair standard or ratings expectation.

“When it comes to a minority show of all minority cast members, we’re going to naturally have lower numbers because we are a minority in numbers [of the population] in general,” the real estate agent explains.

“Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC” both have predominantly white casts.

Netflix

“Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC” both have predominantly white casts.

Netflix

Up Next

“I look younger,” the talk show host declared when looking…

Colbert adds that there were a few other issues that came up while filming that show Netflix and their producers were “out of touch” on how to film with an all-black cast.

She says the producers had an expectation for the women to get ready within an hour for confessional interviews, which many of the cast expressed was unreasonable.

“With sew-ins or the types of extensions that typically women of color have to get, we don’t work on that same time frame,” Colbert tells us. “It’s not a wash-and-go. Women that are minorities, it’s not that easy. Our hair, just in general, takes longer.”

The businesswoman says her co-stars spoke up to production, and while their remarks were not “negatively received,” not much change took place afterward.

“I don’t recall it being like, ‘OK, we understand. We’re going to make a conscious effort to do something different,’” Colbert says. “It was almost like it wasn’t said.”

Juawana Colbert says producers were “out of touch” with what an all-black cast needed.

Netflix

She adds, “Whoever they had on the ground is out of touch a little bit with working with a cast of all-minority women,” before noting that not all of production was white, but those “in control” of making big decisions were.

The insider, meanwhile, claims DiVello never visited the “Selling Tampa” cast on set — as he reportedly has done with both of his other hit shows.

“[The cast] didn’t meet Adam until a month or two after the premiere,” the source alleges. “Adam is on set with all his other shows, except this. Granted, there was COVID, so I’m sure that’s an excuse.”

Colbert also notes that there was an issue from the onset of the marketing for their show.

In the first “Selling Tampa” teaser, “Selling Sunset” head honcho Jason Oppenheim is seen standing in front of his predominantly white cast and handing over a set of keys to Rosado, 35, and her all-black cast.

“I think with the all-white cast members of ‘Selling Sunset’ handing off a key to all-women black cast members in Tampa kind of set us up for misrepresentation and comparison and, really, a competition, honestly,” Colbert says. “I think from the get-go, we were set up a little bit at a disadvantage.”

After “Selling Tampa” premiered, radio host DJ Envy publicly criticized the show for not featuring as many sales as its predecessor.

“1 show sold no homes….NONE!!! Kind of embarrassing. The other show sells homes. Hmmm….” the “Breakfast Club” host wrote on Instagram in January.

Colbert says of the discrepancy, “For whatever reason, they chose to edit it how they wanted to edit it, but we are all active, we are all busy, we all have higher-end homes that have sold, and we have ones that are not higher-end homes that have sold.

“We are all active agents. When we were filming, there were deals that were done, but that’s now how it was edited.”

Colbert claims her co-stars sell high-end properties, but it was not edited into the show.

juawanacolbert/Instagram

We’re told that after “Selling Tampa” got the axe, producers considered a spinoff in Miami. Additionally, a pilot featuring Latin and black men and women was filmed but not picked up.

“For some reason, they said no to it. What are they going to say yes to? Do they need to have four black cast members that are basically another [‘Selling Sunset’ star] Christine Quinn? Like, what’s going on?”

There was another show in the works, according to a source, but most “Selling Tampa” co-stars were not asked to take part.

Netflix

There was another show in the works, according to a source, but most “Selling Tampa” co-stars were not asked to take part.

Netflix

There was another show in the works, according to a source, but most “Selling Tampa” co-stars were not asked to take part.

Netflix

Up Next

“I look younger,” the talk show host declared when looking…

The source adds that Netflix allegedly wants “model-like people” who are “wealthy,” “young” and “fit” for the new show it’s said to be working on.

The criticism surrounding the demise of “Selling Tampa” comes just as Lauren Speed of another Netflix show, “Love Is Blind,” called out her franchise on Twitter for allegedly “cutting all the black women” from the show.

Colbert points out why not having a show like theirs on a global streaming service hinders breaking stereotypes about black women.

She says, “Not being able to see women that look like us in a professional setting, a setting where they have a career, a setting where we can have disagreements but not be throwing glasses or punches … it’s not fair.”

Netflix and a rep for DiVello did not immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment.

However, a source close to production tells Page Six, “This decision was made solely on performance, and we hope to tap into various members of the cast for future projects.”

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All The New Chain Restaurants Calling Tampa Bay Home In 2022

A recent study ranked the Tampa area among the nation’s top cities in 2022 for “fast food lovers,” and it’s easy to see why. There are a ton of chains in Tampa Bay, and there’s even more on the way.

We decided to dig through the records and find out just how many chain restaurants have opened in Tampa Bay this year, along with the ones that have signed the contracts and are on the way.

Here area all the chains calling Tampa Bay home in 2022. 

Scroll down to view images

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque

202 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-575-0580

This popular Brooklyn-based barbecue chain opened its first Florida location last month. It’s also Mighty Quinn’s first ever drive-thru location, but also features indoor and outdoor seating. Overall, it’s a pretty straightforward menu, featuring brisket, spare ribs, chicken wings, and a variety of other typical barbecue dishes, as well as platter options allowing guests to mix and match proteins and sides.

Photo via Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque/Google

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Location TBA, Phone number TBA

Earlier this year, this popular Los Angeles-based chicken shop announced eight new locations in the Tampa Bay area, with outposts planned for Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. The menu is simple and straightforward, including chicken staples, as well as mac & cheese, cheese fries and house made kale slaw.

Photo via Dave’s Hot Chicken/Facebook

Fatburger

Address TBA, Phone number TBA

Fatburger is projected to come to Tampa, opening four locations within the next three years. These locations will also carry a limited menu from its wing-centric sibling brand, Buffalo’s Express. The parent company, Whole Factor Inc. intends to open locations in Orlando, as well. Besides being part of Ice’s Cube’s “Good Day,” Fatburger also offers made-to-order burgers, shakes, chicken sandwiches, sides and more.

Photo via Fatburger/Facebook

Torchy’s Tacos

2314 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, Phone Number TBA

Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos is coming to St. Petersburg, though the opening date has not been released. Moving into the space that used to host Pollo Tropical, the menu features breakfast tacos, “Damn Good” tacos such as the “Trailer Park” featuring fried chicken, “Not a Taco” entrees, and sides. There will also be meatless options such as the “Mofaux” featuring beyond beef and veggies. Another location is planned for Altamonte Springs.

Photo via Torchy’s Tacos/Website

Raising Cane’s

2525 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, Phone number TBA

Raising Cane’s is coming soon to Clearwater, across the street from Chick-Fil-A. This chicken tender chain has not yet released an opening date, but it will be facing a lot of competition. Surrounded by other chicken spots like PDQ, Chicky Chicky Bang Bang, King of the Coop, Tender Shack, Hoots, Zaxby’s and more, Clearwater is becoming tendie town.

Photo via Raising Cane’s/Facebook

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Rebuilding Efforts Underway After Nicole Batters Florida

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Nicole Leaves Trail Of Destruction In Florida

Nicole caused unprecedented structural damage along Florida’s Atlantic coast when it made landfall as a rare November hurricane. Residents said Nicole completed the damage that Hurricane Ian started in September. Elise Preston reports.

The post Nicole Leaves Trail Of Destruction In Florida appeared first on Tampa Daily Journal.

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Patient To Nurse, Breast Cancer Diagnosis Leads Woman Into Nursing

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but in Darleen Alvarez’s case, it was also career-changing. 

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What You Need To Know

• A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but in Darleen Alvarez’s case, it was also career-changing




• Alvarez is now a nurse at BayCare’s Morton Plant Hospital, but a decade ago she was an executive assistant manager at a drugstore




• She went to nursing school, and then returned to BayCare to work. She became an oncology nurse

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“So this career direction is totally opposite of what I was doing before. No medical experience, never set foot in a hospital,” said Alvarez. 

Alvarez is now a nurse at BayCare’s Morton Plant Hospital, but a decade ago she was an executive assistant manager at a drugstore. Underneath her nursing badge are words that begin to tell the story of why she changed careers. Those words read: “Cancer Survivor.” 

“They (patients) are always are curious to what kind of cancer and what stage it was. So they are very surprised when I say it was stage three,” said Alvarez. 

Stage three breast cancer. In 2012, she felt a lump in her breast. She got a mammogram and a biopsy, and she remembers her radiologist knew this was cancer immediately. 

“It’s going to come back as positive,” she recalls the radiologist saying. “You are going to be diagnosed with breast cancer. And at that moment my whole brain just went, turned off.”

Like most people who are diagnosed with cancer, she began treatment with urgency. She did chemotherapy, had surgery for a right-sided mastectomy and followed that with 36 rounds of radiation. 

She said the treatment process changed her for the better health-wise, but also career-wise. 

“It was at that moment that I thought, ‘You know what, I think I want to go to nursing school,’” said Alvarez. 

She went to nursing school and then returned to BayCare to work. She became an oncology nurse. 

She feels that her experience with cancer gives her a unique connection with patients. In fact, on the back of her badge is a picture showing her ten days after her first chemotherapy treatment. She had just lost all her hair. 

“Whatever is happening with them at that moment you see that release of like, ‘Oh thank you, somebody is here that truly understands what is happening with me, and I can really talk to her about things, because she has done everything,’” said Alvarez. “I made somebody feel better or understand something they didn’t understand before, it’s a great feeling.”

Alvarez’s mother also had breast cancer. Alvarez urges women to get their mammograms, starting at 40. She said it is not scary, and she can attest it is lifesaving for so many.

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