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Good morning, Tampa!
We hope you have a good podcast (or two) queued up for your morning commute this week - construction is officially underway on a 26-mile water pipeline in South Hillsborough County and Morris Bridge Road closures are causing delays in North Tampa. Here’s what else you need to know:
Tampa is getting hit with a cold front this week
Florida minimum wage set to rise again in 2026
Menorah Lighting @ Hyde Park Village this Tuesday
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
BIG SCOOP
Hillsborough Students Explore Career Paths at HCC Discovery Day
What’s Happening
High school seniors across Hillsborough County are getting a hands-on look at what comes after graduation through a Workforce Programs Discovery Day hosted by Hillsborough Community College. The event introduces students to career-focused programs like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and skilled trades — all designed to get students job-ready faster.
Why it Matters
Not every student plans to take a traditional four-year college path, and programs like this highlight real, local alternatives that lead directly to in-demand jobs. With workforce shortages across Tampa Bay, these programs help bridge the gap between education and employment while keeping talent right here in the region.
The Big Picture
Events like Discovery Day show how Tampa Bay schools and colleges are adapting to today’s job market — emphasizing skills, certifications, and hands-on training. For students, it’s about clarity and opportunity; for the community, it’s about building a stronger local workforce from the ground up.
LOCAL PICK
Coco's at 40th St. Restaurant
Why It’s Worth a Visit
If you’re craving authentic Cuban-Latin comfort food in Tampa, Coco’s delivers big on homemade flavor and old-school charm. What started from original, from-scratch recipes has made this spot a neighborhood favorite, known for its classic Tampa Cuban sandwiches, hand-rolled stuffed potatoes, and devil crabs straight off the menu. Whether you hit up the full-service restaurant on 40th or swing by the nearby sandwich shop/food-truck-style location, you’ll find friendly service, solid portions, and that classic Cuban-flavored Tampa vibe that feels like a home-cooked meal with a twist.
What to Try
This place is built around hearty sandwiches and Latin comfort eats.
Must-tries include:
Tampa Cuban – Classic layers of ham, in-house roast pork, salami, Swiss, and pickles on pressed Cuban bread.
Devil Crabs & Stuffed Potatoes – Homemade and nostalgic bites that bring back old Tampa flavors.
Beef & Chicken Empanadas – Crispy handheld favorites perfect as an app or side.
Breakfast Sandwiches & Burritos – From bacon, egg & cheese on Cuban bread to steak and egg combos, breakfast here hits the spot. Add fries or a Cuban toast on the side, grab a café con leche, and you’re set for a full flavor experience.
How We’re Feeling
Coco’s nails that Tampa classic comfort feel: hearty portions, familiar tastes, and a menu that makes you want to come back again and again. It’s casual, unpretentious, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a laid-back Cuban-style meal. Whether you’re fueling up before a day out or grabbing a bite with friends, you’ll walk away feeling satisfied and a little nostalgic — the kind of place you tell your friends about.
LOCAL SCOOP
345 Gallons of Hot Cocoa Fuel Downtown Tampa Run
Around 7,500 people laced up in Downtown Tampa for the Skechers Hot Chocolate Run, where organizers served up 345 gallons of hot cocoa to keep runners energized and the festive vibes strong. Full Scoop →
Construction Begins on 26-Mile South Hillsborough Water Pipeline
Work has started on a major 26-mile water pipeline in South Hillsborough County that will eventually deliver up to 65 million gallons of drinking water per day to support the region’s rapid growth, with completion expected by 2028. Full Scoop →
Florida Minimum Wage Set to Rise Again in 2026
Florida is among several states where the minimum wage will increase in 2026, continuing a voter-approved path toward higher pay. In Florida, the wage is scheduled to rise to $14 an hour, part of the gradual increase to $15 by 2026, impacting workers and employers statewide. Full Scoop →
Techstars Startup Weekend Sparks Innovation at Embarc Collective
Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurial community came together at Embarc Collective for a Techstars Startup Weekend, where aspiring founders collaborated, pitched ideas, and built startups in just a few days. Full Scoop →
Morris Bridge Road Closure Causing North Tampa Traffic Delays
A portion of Morris Bridge Road in North Tampa is closed for stormwater drainage repairs, forcing drivers onto Cross Creek Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and leading to heavier traffic during peak times. Full Scoop →
Your Entire Studio, Right on Your Laptop
Record, edit, and publish your best content without needing a crew, studio, or complicated setup.
With Riverside, you capture high-quality video and audio, edit it instantly with AI, and turn one recording into clips, posts, and podcasts ready to share. All so you can spend less time troubleshooting tech and more time creating the content your audience actually wants.
Imagine finishing your session by lunch and sharing finished clips before your afternoon coffee. Riverside puts the power of a full studio right on your laptop so you can create faster, sound better, and look professional anywhere.
R/TAMPA
If you’re looking for a half-day fishing trip in Tampa where you join other guests, your best bet is a party boat / head boat out of the area.
Top local options:
Hubbard’s Marina (John’s Pass) – One of the most popular choices. They run half-day group fishing trips, provide rods, bait, and licenses, and are very beginner-friendly.
Queen Fleet Deep Sea Fishing (Clearwater Beach) – Large, well-organized boats with half-day options and plenty of space for groups.
Miss Pass-A-Grille / Florida Fisherman II – Another solid option for shared trips with experienced crews.
What to expect: Half-day trips usually run 4–6 hours, cost ~$70–$100 per person, and target snapper, grouper, grunt, and other Gulf species. Just show up, listen to the crew, and reel ‘em in.
👉 Pro tip: Book ahead for weekends and bring cash for crew tips.
AROUND TOWN
MONDAY (12/15)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers | Benchmark International Arena
At 7 pm tonight, watch the Lightning face off against the Panthers in this exciting match. Full Scoop →Santa’s Carnival at Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Enjoy midway rides, including a Reindeer Carousel, a family-friendly rollercoaster, and a Ferris Wheel overlooking the 2-mile-long drive-through display of holiday lights. Full Scoop →12 Days of Barrio | Barrio Tacos
Check out Barrio for 12 days full of festive holidays specials, appetizers, and drinks, including Build-Your-Own-Nachos this Monday night. Full Scoop →
TUESDAY (12/16)
Central Park Jazz Jam | Tampa Black History Museum
Celebrate the musical history of Downtown Tampa’s Central Park neighborhood at this FREE event. Full Scoop →Menorah Lighting | Hyde Park Village
Head to the Village Circle for a Chanukah celebration with a traditional menorah lighting, seasonal refreshments, activities, and more. Full Scoop →Four Christmases | Sparkman Wharf
This week’s holiday Movie on the Lawn is Four Christmases, starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. Full Scoop →
WEDNESDAY (12/17)
Scrooged | Tampa Theatre
Watch Scrooged, a hilarious take on A Christmas Carol starring Bill Murray, at the Tampa Theatre at 7 pm. Full Scoop →A Night in Napa Wine Dinner | Steelbach at Armature Works
Enjoy a five-course meal at Steelbach, complete with wine pairings, as you explore the Napa region through taste. Full Scoop →Trivia Night | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen
Come down to Yuengling for another night of music trivia, great food, and even better beer; tonight’s theme is Holiday Movies. Full Scoop →
THURSDAY (12/18)
Method Man & Redman | Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
Hip-hop legends Method Man and Redman are performing at the Hard Rock this Thursday at 8 pm. Full Scoop →Heights Local Market | Common Dialect Beerworks
Looking for a few last-minute gifts? Come to the Heights Local Market to shop for totally unique finds. Full Scoop →Yule Laugh | Stageworks Theatre
Bayshore Comedy is back again this season with non-stop laughs from a new line-up of stand-up comedians. Full Scoop →
FRIDAY (12/19)
2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | Raymond James Stadium
Join the invasion as two college football teams face off at this year’s Gasparilla Bowl. Full Scoop →Celebration of Lights | Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Gather the whole family and enjoy this stunning, one-of-a-kind holiday lights display. Full Scoop →It’s a Wonderful Life | Tampa Theatre
You won’t want to miss seeing this holiday classic on the big screen at the Tampa Theatre. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 12/13
2 | Lightning
3 | Islanders
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Panthers (12/15 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
🏒 Lightning v Kings (12/18 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
Bowles’ Fiery Rant Caps Another Tampa Bay Meltdown
After the Buccaneers blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and lost 29-28 to the Falcons, head coach Todd Bowles unleashed a profanity-laden postgame tirade criticizing his team’s effort — the latest high-emotion outburst in Tampa Bay sports history. Full Scoop →
Kansas to Host JUCO Guard Trent Lincoln on Visit
Kansas basketball will host 6-foot-3 junior college guard Trent Lincoln from Gulf Coast State College for a visit starting Tuesday as the Jayhawks continue to explore potential roster additions. Lincoln, a strong scorer and playmaker, could add depth to KU’s backcourt mix if things progress. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Monday
70 🌡️ 49 | 🌤 | 3% | 💨NE 12 mph
Tuesday
75 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 7% | 💨ENE 8 mph
Wednesday
78 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 9% | 💨E 7 mph
Thursday
81 🌡️ 67 | 🌤 | 24% | 💨SSE 9 mph
Friday
78 🌡️ 54 | 🌤 | 23% | 💨WNW 10 mph
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper