TAMPA BAY, Fla. - Here are five things you need to know happening in Florida on Friday, January 27.
(1) I-4 Crosstown Connector review
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be in Tampa on Friday to review progress on the I-4 Crosstown Connector project.
Secretary LaHood will join Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to speak about how the work being done in the city is creating jobs and generating economic growth in the area.
When completed in late 2013, the $536 million dollar project will link Tampa's two major east-west corridors, reducing traffic congestion and changing freight traffic patterns.
The project has had a number of design hurdles to overcome. The connector had to cross State Road 60, CSX railroad tracks and fit interchanges into Interstate 4 and the Selmon Expressway while limiting impact to area neighborhoods.
The roadway will include a state-of-the-art toll facility with an all-electronic toll collection system using SunPass and Toll-by-Plate tolling allowing for traffic to maintain highway speeds.
For more information on the I-4 Cross Connector project, visit www.tbinterstates.com/projects/projectinfo.asp?projectid=175 .
(2) Vessel Safety Check
If you plan on attending the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion by boat the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 79 is offering a free Vessel Safety Check on Friday.
The 15-minute checks will give recreational boat owners a chance to avoid potential sizeable fines for outdated or missing safety equipment aboard their vessels.
State-issued documents and federally-mandated safety equipment required to be aboard most vessels include:
- Registration Numbers/Hull Display
- Current Vessel Registration Document and Hull Registration Decal
- Lifejacket (one for each passenger of Type I, II, III or V)
- Throwable Personal Flotation Device (generally: a floatable cushion with handles)
- Visual Distress Signals (at least three flares with an unexpired service life)
- Fire Extinguisher (for most boats)
- Ventilation & Backfire Flame Control devices (for vessels with inboard engines)
- Sound Producing Devices / Bell
- Working Navigation Lights (bow and stern)
The free Vessel Safety Check will take place today at the Gandy Boat Ramp at 5108 West Gandy Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Vessels passing the safety checks are awarded decals. Citations will not be issued for discrepancies. Boat owners can correct noted issues and have the vessel rechecked with no penalty.
For more information about Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Checks, visit www.safetyseal.net .
(3) Tampa Bay Home Show
The Tampa Bay Home Show opens at Tropicana Field on Friday.
The event will feature over 600 exhibits relating to Florida homes and home improvement.
Visitor can see the latest in carpet and tile, air conditioning systems, pest control, fencing or storage solutions, home security, storm protection and greener living options.
Individual booths will feature local products and national name brands, new product lines, demonstrations, giveaways, advice and trade secrets.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Home Show will feature a seminar series with local experts giving you do-it-yourself ideas for your home.
Hours of the Tampa Bay Home Show are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit www.tampabayhomeshows.com .
(4) Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival
The 5th annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival opens in Sarasota on Friday.
The event unites food, wine and beer enthusiasts with preeminent regional chefs and celebrated vintners from around the world.
Today the festival features various winemaker events at area restaurants. Events on Saturday and Sunday include interactive food and wine seminars and the Grand Tasting event in The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard.
A list of winemaker events at participating Sarasota-Manatee Originals member restaurants and more information on the festival can be found www.freshoriginals.com/forksandcorks .
(5) Baristas Coffee Company
A coffee company is scheduled to open their first Tampa Bay location on Friday.
Seattle-based Baristas Coffee Company will open their drive-through stand at the corner of Himes Avenue and Gandy Boulevard in Tampa.
UPDATE: ABC Action News stopped by the store's location around 6:00 a.m . and it was not open so it is possible the opening is delayed for a second time. It was originally supposed to open on January 23.
What makes the company stand out from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Indigo Coffee are the sexy servers Baristas hire.
The women wear Hooters-inspired costume, meaning they show just enough skin, similar to a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, to be sexy but not obscene.
"Tampa is a great area for our business model and we are looking forward to the upcoming promotions and grand opening," said Barry Henthorn, Baristas CEO.
The Tampa location is the company's first in the State of Florida. The chain operates six locations
PRINT
