Issue #090: Tampa's Transformation: Millennials, Michelin Dining, Anti-Theft Laws, Cannabis Debate & Jazz Scene

041024

Author

Ted Grellner
10 Apr

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

🧲 Tampa Bay: The Millennial Magnet of 2023

🚓 No More Free Passes: Florida’s Crackdown on Shoplifting and Porch Piracy Begins

Food

❇️ Michelin Stars Shine Over Tampa: A Culinary Renaissance Takes Hold

Of Interest

🌿 Weed on the Ballot: Florida Faces Its Cannabis Future

The Arts

🎷 From Juilliard to Tampa: New Jazz Underground Revitalizes Classic Beats

This Week’s Events in the NewTampa | Wesley Chapel FL Local Area

April 10

April 11

April 14

Tampa Bay: The Millennial Magnet of 2023

 In 2023, the Tampa Bay area emerged as the leading U.S. metropolitan destination for millennials, marking the highest net gain among its peers, as highlighted by a recent Hire A Helper report. Despite a noticeable decline in the mobility rate of millennials, with only half as many relocating compared to ten years ago, Florida has become a beacon for this demographic. The state recorded a 38 percent net gain of millennial movers, propelling it into the top 10 states preferred by those born between 1982 and 2000.

This surge is largely attributed to the search for improved housing and employment opportunities. Remarkably, Tampa Bay's millennial population expanded by 95 percent, significantly outpacing the number of departures. Jacksonville also featured prominently, securing the third position with a 54 percent net gain.

This shift underscores a broader trend of millennials gravitating towards Florida's promising job market and residential prospects.

Source: patch.com

No More Free Passes: Florida’s Crackdown on Shoplifting and Porch Piracy Begins

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has taken a firm stand against retail theft and porch piracy by signing House Bill 549 into law, aiming to significantly toughen the consequences for such crimes. 

This newly enacted law introduces a lower threshold for being charged with third-degree grand theft and imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders of first-degree petty theft. Notably, the legislation also addresses the misuse of social media in coordinating thefts. 

During a press conference in Stuart, DeSantis emphasized Florida's zero-tolerance stance on these criminal activities, particularly targeting "porch pirates" and the phenomenon of "flash mob shoplifting." The governor's message was clear: Florida will not be a haven for these crimes.

With the law set to take effect in October, it marks a significant step towards curbing retail and porch thefts in the state.

Michelin Stars Shine Over Tampa: A Culinary Renaissance Takes Hold

 The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Florida marks a significant milestone for Tampa Bay's culinary scene, promising to elevate its status on the global gastronomy map. On April 18, Tampa will proudly host Florida's Michelin ceremony for the first time, a testament to the city's burgeoning food landscape. This event not only brings the spotlight to Tampa but also reflects on the evolving relationship between the Michelin Guide and the American restaurant industry.

Historically, the Michelin Guide has maintained its prestigious reputation by rigorously evaluating restaurants on criteria including ingredient quality, culinary mastery, and consistency. Florida's engagement with Michelin highlights a shift towards collaboration with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to foster tourism, a move somewhat divergent from Michelin's traditional operations in cities like New York and Chicago.

In its third year in Florida, the Guide has already made its mark, with Tampa restaurants Koya, Lilac, and Rocca receiving their first stars last year. This accolade not only brings prestige but has also significantly impacted their business, attracting more customers and encouraging higher spend per visit. Yet, the pressure to maintain or achieve this coveted status has intensified, reflecting the global elevation of dining standards.

Critiques of the Michelin system, citing its Eurocentric leanings and the immense pressure it places on restaurants, persist. However, the Guide's commitment to independence in its evaluations remains steadfast, aiming to bolster the culinary scene wherever it goes. As Michelin continues to explore new territories within Florida, the potential for expanding its culinary map is vast, promising to bring more attention, talent, and diversity to the state's dining offerings.

Weed on the Ballot: Florida Faces Its Cannabis Future

In a significant development for Florida, voters will decide this November on Amendment 3, which could legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. This proposal, if passed by at least 60% of voters, promises to transform the state's cannabis market into a multibillion-dollar industry, extending access beyond medical referrals currently required by law.

Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials have raised concerns about the potential omnipresence and odor of marijuana in communities. However, the amendment allows the Florida Legislature to regulate its use in public spaces, similar to tobacco, suggesting possible restrictions in areas like beaches and federal lands.

Critics and proponents alike speculate on the amendment's implications, including increased marijuana use among adults, potential rises in car crashes, and the influence on traffic safety, given the challenges in establishing THC impairment levels.

The proposed amendment also raises questions about the economic and regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry in Florida, particularly the advantage it gives to existing medical marijuana companies.

This decision rests heavily on voter sentiment towards not only the recreational use of marijuana but also the broader implications for public health, safety, and economic equity within the state.

From Juilliard to Tampa: New Jazz Underground Revitalizes Classic Beats

New Jazz Underground to be at Hooch and Hive

The vibrant rhythms of jazz are experiencing a captivating resurgence, particularly among the younger crowd, with Tampa, Florida, poised to become a jazz hotspot.

On April 18, 2024, the Bay area will witness the homecoming of the New Jazz Underground, a dynamic trio that has taken the New York jazz scene by storm. Comprising saxophonist Abdias Armenteros, bassist Sebastian Rios, and drummer TJ Reddick, this ensemble not only clinched the top spot at last year's prestigious DCJazzPrix but also demonstrated their versatility by seamlessly blending classics from Monk and Sonny Rollins with the unconventional beats of MF Doom.

Hailing from Juilliard, their alma mater, these musicians are not just stewards of jazz tradition; they are its innovators, expanding the genre's boundaries into hard bop and hip-hop territories.

As they prepare to grace the stage at Hooch and Hive in Tampa, fans and newcomers alike anticipate a night where classical jazz prowess meets contemporary musical explorations.

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