David Beckham's Inter Miami and in sponsorship talks with Qatar

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https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/20/football/1579552180_123416.html

David Beckham's Inter Miami and in sponsorship talks with Qatar

New MLS franchise are close to securing Qatar as their main sponsor for their first season, David Beckham’s team have been negotiating this deal for months

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https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/construction-on-new-charleston-battery-stadium-on-schedule-for-patriots/article_f9ebdaa6-3bb2-11ea-8331-9f24ce337433.html

Construction on new Charleston Battery stadium on schedule for Patriots Point site

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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/cpl-poised-to-announce-ottawa-expansion-team-atletico-madrid-involvement-expected/

CPL poised to announce Ottawa expansion team, Atlético Madrid involvement expected

Jeff Hunt, an Ottawa businessman who is part owner of the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Redblacks, has confirmed he is part of a group looking to bring a Canadian Premier League team to the Canadian capital city.

There has been widespread speculation that a LaLiga club, specifically Atlético Madrid, will be involved in the project as well.

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https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/plymouth-argyle-memphis-probable-next-3756672

From Plymouth Argyle to Memphis: The probable next step for midfielder Jose Baxter

The 27-year-old has been out of football since leaving the Pilgrims in November

Midfielder Jose Baxter is set to resume his career in the United States, according to reports.

The 27-year-old has been without a club since his short-term contract at Plymouth Argyle was cut short by mutual consent in November.

Now, Mail Online are reporting that Baxter will sign for Memphis 901, who play in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.

Baxter’s former Everton team-mate, Tim Howard, is the sporting director of the Tennessee-based team.

Memphis are preparing for their second season in the USL Championship, which starts in March.

They finished 15th out of 18 sides in the Eastern Conference in 2019 when their home crowds averaged around 6,500.

Their opposition included the second teams of Major League Soccer outfits Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls, as well as the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Baxter signed for Argyle last July after being released by Oldham Athletic at the end of the 2018/19 season.

The Green Army saw glimpses of the ability which enabled Baxter to make his Premier League debut for Everton at the age of 16.

However, a calf problem limited his involvement for Argyle to seven starts and five appearances off the bench before his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

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https://asumetech.com/mls-plans-jersey-exposes-other-occasions-to-mark-25th-season/

MLS plans jersey exposes, other occasions to mark 25th season

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2020/01/20/new-stadium-thinking-offer-europes-clubs-revenue-lifeline/

New stadium thinking could offer Europe’s clubs a revenue lifeline

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/usl/usl-transactions-miami-fc-mls-lawrence-olum-rowdies-monarchs-2020/

USL transactions: Miami FC adds former MLS defender Lawrence Olum

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are getting a loan from Norwich, Memphis 901 FC signed five players and Bob Lilley is reuniting with a former Rhinos captain.

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https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-sports-fans-shifting-from-football-to-futbol

Nashville sports fans shifting from football to fútbol

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/inter-miami-david-beckham-qatar-sponsorship-talks-mls

Report: David Beckham’s Inter Miami in Qatar sponsorship talks

New MLS franchise close to securing Gulf state as top-tier sponsor.

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https://floridapolitics.com/archives/316505-david-beckhams-mls-team-in-miami-takes-field-for-first-time

David Beckham’s MLS team in Miami takes field for first time

“Every day we do something, every milestone we hit, everything becomes more real.”

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https://www.mysuncoast.com/2020/01/20/latest-florida-news-sports-business-entertainment-am-est/

Latest Florida news, sports, business and entertainment at 3:20 p.m. EST

INTER MIAMI-FIRST PRACTICE

Beckham's MLS team in Miami takes field for first time

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. (AP) — David Beckham's Inter Miami team finally got to play soccer. The MLS expansion franchise opened its first training camp at Barry University on Monday. It came more than six years after Beckham decided to put a team in Miami. The team begins play for real on March 1. Its home opener is March 14 at a new stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

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https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/transfer-talk/news/david-silva-in-line-to-move-to-inter-miami_383698.html

Manchester City midfielder David Silva in line to move for Inter Miami?

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami/fl-sp-hyde-inter-miami-camp-starts-20200120-dks7tysbxrdmjc7rmt4ipzrsza-story.html

HYDE: 'IT'S REAL,' AS INTER MIAMI HAS FIRST PRACTICE WITH FIRST VIEW OF HOPE | COMMENTARY

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/inter-miami/article239371908.html

Inter Miami opens preseason camp with a new Argentine player, six signings to come

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https://www.83degreesmedia.com/features/new-chiller-plant-cools-Water-Street-Tampa-012120.aspx

How to be cool: Water Street Tampa chiller plant sports innovation

Tampa boasts one of the warmest average year-round high temperatures in the continental United States at a balmy 82 degrees Fahrenheit. But the heat won’t keep people away from Water Street Tampa, a WELL-certified community designed for waterfront urban living on 56 acres surrounding Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa.

A new chiller plant on the northwest corner of South Nebraska Avenue and East Cumberland Avenue will help keep folks in the emerging neighborhood cool and comfortable. Yet, the state-of-the-art District Cooling facility does more than keep the insides of nearby homes and businesses at a comfortable temperature. The chiller plant represents a forward-thinking, environmentally friendly leap into the future.

How does the chiller plant work?

The basic science behind modulating indoor temperatures hasn’t changed much since 1902 when 25-year-old engineer William Carrier invented the first modern air conditioner. Most air conditioners use mechanisms that blow air over water-cooled coils and help transfer heat away from indoor areas and subsequently lower temperatures.

In the most basic sense, air conditioners work the same way now as they did in 1927 when Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa became the city’s first commercial building to use air conditioning. But a lot has changed in perfecting how these cooling systems work, and, now, less than a mile east of Tampa Theatre, some of the most efficient and sustainable air conditioning technology imaginable will help keep the homes and businesses being built in Water Street Tampa cool year-round.

Among the innovations offered by the new District Cooling chiller is its connection to a network of buildings in Water Street Tampa. The large central chiller will efficiently distribute chilled water to the majority of the buildings under construction or planned. This cooled water flows through heat exchangers that absorb heat from buildings before it recirculates to the central plant in the enormous closed-loop system.

Some 8,500 linear feet of insulated steel pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter, run as deep as 20 feet underground from the chiller plant throughout the neighborhood.

“We send water out at 39 degrees and it comes back to our plant at 57 degrees,” notes Tampa Bay TRANE VP Stephen Koontz.

The heart of the system, contained within a 12,500-square-foot, three-story-tall building, contains one 1,500-ton TRANE ice-making centrifugal chiller and two 2,500-ton TRANE duplex centrifugal chillers. On top of the roof stand six 1,250-ton Marley cooling tower cells.

“A ton,” Koontz explains, “refers to the amount of ice historically used in an air conditioning system during a 24-hour period,” noting that system of measurement dates back to the early days of air conditioning when 2,000-pound (1-ton) blocks of ice were used in cooling. The more tons involved, the larger and more powerful the air conditioning system.

The ice in the District Cooling plant is stored in 98 Calmac ice-storage tanks lined up in rows three abreast outdoors just to the north of the facility’s main building. Each Calmac ice storage tank has a capacity of several hundred gallons. Helping move the chilled water around the facility and into the distribution pipes throughout the district are 11 system pumps and six 3,000-amp electricity distribution units to help ensure the whole system operates. The chiller plant is tied to two TECO substations, so in the event that the power goes out at one substation, an automatic relay will allow power from the other substation to kick in.

Overall, the chiller plant is immense -- it’s one of the largest of its kind in the Tampa Bay region. The system currently has an 8,000-ton capacity and is providing cooling services for a few buildings in Water Street Tampa, including the recently opened University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute and Taneja College of Pharmacy. And there is still room to expand as the designed community grows in the years ahead.

“We have the capability to add two more 2,500-ton chillers and three more cooling towers,” Koontz says.

Responsible climate control

In the mechanical sense, District Cooling is not much different than other chiller plants in the area.

“Every one of these tall office buildings has a similar plant,” says Koontz.

But that’s where the similarities between ordinary chiller plants and the new one in Water Street Tampa end.

“Water Street planned this well ahead and doing upfront planning and consolidating the cooling equipment all into one plant is a very sustainable way to develop a community,” Koontz says. “We get to use a lot less equipment because we all share it, and the reason we get to do that is because we don’t all need the cooling capacity at the same time.”

Most residents will be using the air conditioners in their condos during the mornings and evenings, but not during the bulk of the day. That’s when usage shifts to businesses and restaurants throughout the community.

“So, the cooling load will shift to where the people go in a given day – to the office in the mid-mornings through afternoons and to the bars and restaurants later in the evenings.” Koontz remarks such a system, which aggregates the cooling needs of an entire network of buildings, can reduce cooling needs by 30% to 40%, making it far more efficient than individual cooling plants for separate buildings.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp says those energy reductions make a big impact at the environmental level.

“We’re saving 180,000 tons of carbon,” she says. “It’s really helping our carbon footprint. This is a wonderful, great step forward.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor echoes similar praise for the District Cooling plant, which she says represents the resiliency and sustainability being built into the entire Water Street Tampa.

“We went through a number of research agencies and organizations deeming us as the epicenter for climate change here in the Tampa Bay Area,” Castor says. “I have no doubt that we will be able to mitigate the effects of sea-level change and climate change while reducing the carbon footprint. And I can’t think of a better example right now than this chiller plant and the efficiency of it and everything it does to cool the entire Water Street area while helping create more green space on top of buildings where chillers went before.”

Holistic benefits

The added room for greenspace, community-gathering areas, gardens, and other amenities on the ground and on top of buildings is a major boon for Water Street Tampa and for downtown Tampa.

Upon completion, Water Street Tampa will boast 13 acres of public space, nine million square feet of mixed-use development, pedestrian-oriented streets, and a walkable design aimed at connecting people with the surrounding community. These dynamic innovations are anticipated to help Water Street Tampa become the world’s first WELL-certified neighborhood, a coveted designation bestowed by the International WELL Building Institute and awarded to businesses and developments built around human-centric designs aimed to provide a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.

The diverse concepts of air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, sound, mind, temperature, materials, and community are at the heart of what the master planners behind the community project embraced when designing Water Street Tampa. And planning for a centralized chiller system as part of the network of community infrastructure helps provide a feasible solution for achieving those goals.

“There are myriad benefits offered to future residents, businesses, and visitors,” says Charlie Rollins, SPP Director of Development and Construction, about the new District Cooling plant. “Chillers are loud, and this one being isolated away from other buildings helps reduce noise and vibrations usually caused by chilling plants. ... It also allows us to offer a more resilient infrastructure.”

Contributing to the list of holistic benefits for the community is the aesthetic design of the chiller plant structure itself. While the building designed by Florida-based Baker Barrios includes 21st-century innovation inside, the outside of the edifice offers a humble nod to the past.

“We wanted to pay homage to the historical architecture of the nearby community of Ybor City, with its old cigar factories,” notes Darren Morse, senior manager of development at SSP. “So, we clad the entire façade of the building in a thin veneer of red brick.”

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https://www.83degreesmedia.com/features/growing-craft-distilleries-in-Tampa-Bay-Area-012120.aspx

Locally owned, locally made: The growing craft spirits scene in Tampa Bay

Inside a small warehouse just off Air Cargo Road near Tampa International Airport, Matt Allen and his partners at Dark Door Spirits are brewing up unique, artisanal spirits like a whiskey blended with an IPA beer from Safety Harbor’s Crooked Thumb craft brewery. And gin infused with lavender and rose hips.

“We’re focused on small-batch, unique products that are very drinkable,” says Allen.

Around the country, small craft spirit distilleries are springing up, and Tampa Bay is no exception. There’s a demand for artisanal rum, vodka, whiskey, and gin, often mixed with unusual extra ingredients like citrus, herbs and spices, even craft beer and coffee.

According to the American Craft Spirits Association, there were just 195 small distillers in the U.S. in 2010. Eight years later, there were 1,835. Craft breweries may be more numerous and get more attention, but craft spirit distilleries represent the next wave of opportunity.

“Both craft breweries and craft distilleries are like the pioneers in experimentation with ingredients and products,” says Matthias Kozuba, VP of Kozuba & Sons in St. Petersburg. “People want something new, fresh, big, and bold that the larger standardized brands aren’t releasing. You go to a liquor store, it’s all the same.”

Florida has a reported 56 craft distilleries. St. Augustine Distillery is one of the largest and best-known in the state. Located in a restored century-old ice plant, its tasting room accommodates thousands of visitors a month. 

Tampa Bay’s craft distilleries are much smaller in size, but they’re ramping up and gaining momentum. Here’s a look at a few of them:

Dark Door Spirits, Tampa

“Be careful, don’t touch the stills,” says Matt Allen, steering a visitor away from the 26-gallon copper tanks that Dark Door Spirits uses to brew its unique blends of gin, vodka, and whiskey. 

They’ve been operating out of a warehouse near the Tampa International Airport. But they’re anticipating their next move, which includes acquiring a 1,000-liter still to increase production and scouting locations for a public face where they can open a tasting room, host tours, and offer sales through a retail shop.

Allen says it hasn’t been easy getting to this point.

“Spirits are a highly regulated business,” he says. Allen is a founding member of the Florida Craft Distillery Association, which has been lobbying to change some of the state and federal laws that make it challenging for small craft distillers to thrive.

“Many of the regulations were enacted during Prohibition and are very outdated,” says Allen. “We’re asking to be licensed in the same way as a restaurant, bar, or brewery.”

Kozuba & Sons, St. Petersburg

The Kozuba family launched their craft distillery in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District five years ago. Zbigniew Kozuba and his sons, Matthias and Jacob, had initially opened a distillery in Poland in 2005, but the future didn’t look very promising.

“We were the only privately owned microdistillery and there wasn’t really a market for it at the time,” says Matthias Kozuba. “We had to look for an evacuation route for our business.”

They considered several different European cities, before deciding to relocate to the United States.

“My brother and I spoke English pretty well and we saw the renaissance underway in the American craft distilling industry,” says Kozuba.

After thinking about California and Texas, they narrowed their search to Florida, and then St. Pete.

“We liked the smaller community and loved the vibe of the city right away,” says Kozuba. “We liked seeing all the people out on the streets. It reminded us of a small European city.”??They purchased and renovated an old seafood storage facility, taking Kozuba & Sons fully operational in 2016 with a combination production facility and tasting room. Now there’s a line of vodkas, rye malt whiskeys, and both cranberry and quince cordials.

Last year, they completed the final phase of a capital investment project and are moving forward on a major expansion to add more special event space. 

“An area for special events wasn’t part of our initial business plan, but more and more people want to rent the distillery for special events and weddings. It’s a unique venue and they love seeing the barrels,” says Kozuba. “We’ve also annexed a small building next door and hope to create a Tiki bar as a destination for people to come, relax, have a cocktail and enjoy themselves.”

Tampa Bay Rum Company, Ybor City

During the week, Sam Meyers is a chiropractic physician and owner of Bay Injury & Rehab in St. Petersburg. On the weekends, he’s at the Tampa Bay Rum Company, a craft spirit distillery he founded two years ago in Ybor City.

“A good friend from high school had a successful distillery in Seattle and when I went back for my 20th high school reunion, I spent some time there,” says Meyers. “They were producing whiskey but I felt that rum was a better choice for Tampa Bay. Then I discovered no one had ever trademarked the name Gasparilla Rum. I couldn’t believe that the city with the biggest pirate festival in the world didn’t have a rum named after it.”

He and his partners converted an old motorcycle repair shop near the Columbia Restaurant into a production facility and tasting room for Gasparilla rum with flavors ranging from coconut, key lime, and butterscotch to apple spice.

Last year, they released two new products -- Blunderbuss Cane Vodka and a Gasparilla Reserve barrel-aged rum. Sometime in the future, they also hope to add a craft brewery inside the distillery.

“Our head distiller is a brewmaster by trade and we’ll be producing a Gasparilla craft beer,” says Meyers.

In the meantime, Meyers and his distiller, Brad Bunn, are focused on cooking up their craft spirits from scratch, including driving to South Florida’s sugar cane fields to get the supplies they need.

“We drive to a mill and they load me up with about five tons of molasses,” says Meyers. “Then we get back and transfer it into 250-gallon totes with a pump so we can store and use it inside the distillery.” Definitely a home-grown, locally owned operation.

Florida Cane Distillery, Ybor City

In 2002, Lee Nelson and his wife wanted to bring a wedding gift to friends in Denmark—something that would represent Florida. They couldn’t bring citrus because of customs restrictions, Nelson says. And they didn’t want to bring cigars since not everyone smokes.

“We just had a really difficult time thinking about what would best capture the spirit of Florida and Hillsborough County,” says Nelson. “That got us thinking about starting our own business.”

For years he’d been brewing craft beer at home and was wondering what he could do to take it to the next level. One of those options was to move into distilling craft spirits.

“I started experimenting and bringing some samples to my hockey buddy Pat O’Brien. It was really just an excuse to schedule some drinking time,’’ Nelson jokes. Eventually, the idea of launching a craft spirit business caught on. 

“We said, yes, let’s do this,” says Nelson. Rather than asking for a traditional bank loan, he went online and pitched the idea in a “peer-to-peer” lending approach. “People were giving us anywhere from $15 to $85. It gave us the capital to start the business,” says Nelson. 

In 2012 Florida Cane Distillery officially launched in what Nelson calls a glorified storage unit in Brandon. The next step was to acquire a more permanent location. Like other Tampa Bay craft distillers, he bumped up against restrictive rules and regulations. He also had to confront Tampa zoning laws, which at the time, prohibited a distillery from opening in a commercially zoned area.

The city was very supportive, says Nelson, and within a short time, Florida Cane opened up shop in Ybor City. Today the microdistillery produces more than 32 spirits with some intriguing flavor profiles, including 11 different vodkas (one with jalapeno). There are also three different types of rum, whiskey, gin, and moonshine.

“I feel unbelievably blessed,” says Nelson. “I still have a day job and my partner and co-founder Pat O’Brien is a sales director for a medical device company. But we’re now at the point where we have three full-time people and seven part-time people. We’re constantly collaborating on new unique taste blends. The fun part is in the creating.”?

INTER CRUNCH TIME David Beckham’s Inter Miami new stadium still a construction site and far from finished with two months until MLS start

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/10758332/david-beckham-inter-miami-stadium-construction-site/

INTER CRUNCH TIME David Beckham’s Inter Miami new stadium still a construction site and far from finished with two months until MLS start

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/eplr2j/rowdies_acquire_df_louis_lomas_on_loan_from/

Rowdies Acquire DF Louis Lomas On Loan From Norwich City FC

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078444

ROWDIES ACQUIRE LOUIS LOMAS ON LOAN FROM NORWICH CITY FC

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/epnyf2/chad_burt_and_eric_rudland_join_rowdies_technical/

Chad Burt And Eric Rudland Join Rowdies Technical Staff

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078514

CHAD BURT AND ERIC RUDLAND JOIN ROWDIES TECHNICAL STAFF

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/eplri0/louis_lomas_joins_tampa_bay_rowdies_on_loan/

Louis Lomas joins Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan

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https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2020/january/louis-lomas-joins-tampa-bay-rowdies-on-loan/

Louis Lomas joins Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/01/17/catrinas-tacos-and-tequila-to-open-in-historic.html

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila to open in historic West Tampa storefront (Photos)

A former South Tampa Mexican restaurant will revitalize a historic storefront in West Tampa.

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar, which was previously on South Macdill Avenue, has taken over the 2,500-square-foot historic bank building at 1611 N. Howard Ave. — a few doors down from where Bay Cannon Beer Co. opened in mid-2019. The bank building was previously home to Fourth of July Cafe, a West Tampa institution that closed in 2017 after a century in business.

The soft opening is slated for 11 a.m. Friday, with a limited menu, no alcohol and cash only. It is a counter service restaurant that also offers private dining in the bank's former vault space.

While interest in West Tampa's housing market has soared in recent years, the revitalization of the historic Main Street has been slower to take hold. A thriving, walkable strip filled with local businesses will drive even more interest in the surrounding neighborhood.

Owner Karol Ortiz says she wants to be a part of that resurgence.

"They want to bring back the same lively scene they had back in the day," Ortiz said of the neighborhood.

Click through the photos for a tour of the new restaurant.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/01/16/d-c-based-tech-company-expands-bringing-an-ai-lab.html

D.C.-based tech company expands, bringing an AI lab and tech jobs to Tampa

The Undercroft, a cybersecurity incubator, officially opened in downtown Ybor City on June 28.

TheIncLab, a D.C.-based technology company, is expanding to Tampa and bringing high-tech jobs along with it.

The company has opened an "Artificial Intelligence Experience" lab in The Undercroft, a cybersecurity incubator which opened in Ybor City in June 2019. TheIncLab anticipates hiring up to 15 engineers and developers in the next year.

"We were in a nationwide search for where to best put the lab," founder and CEO Adriana Avakian said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Business Journal. "We looked at other places and Florida, Texas, California, were all contenders at one point. We thought even to expand more in Nashville ... but the Tampa community is extraordinary; one of the biggest things they have is amazing community support, it has a wonderful talent pool."

TheIncLab has developed intelligent system solutions for a slew of clients including the Department of Defense and Fortune 100 companies such as Samsung.

The company will also partner with surrounding universities to offer student internships and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.

“Artificial intelligence is one of the great frontiers in the innovation economy," University of South Florida College of Engineering professor Sudeep Sarkar said in a statement. "With young companies, our students and our faculty working together, Tampa is growing to become a promising center of diverse skills and new perspectives that will shape AI’s future."

Tampa will be the company's third location, following Washington, D.C. and Nashville. The tipping point for Avakian choosing Tampa was participating in the Tampa Bay Wave's TechDiversity Accelerator program in summer 2019. The company was one of 10 in the program, beating out 432 applications from across the U.S.

"I am proud that our TechDiversity program, funded by the Nielsen Foundation, continues to not only provide critical support to talented startup teams — especially those with diverse founders like Adriana — but also helps to highlight the burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem that exists in our region today,” Linda Olson, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Wave, said in a statement.

The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council helped Avakian secure the Undercroft spot — for which she signed the lease without ever seeing — and believes she can continue a trend of tech companies coming to the region.

“TheIncLab’s announcement is further proof that Tampa’s reputation as a rising tech market is gaining national attention and attracting some really innovative companies,” Marie Chinnici-Everitt, chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, said in a statement.

Avakian believes the work done by her company will create a lasting impact for the region's tech scene.

"It takes the community and entrepreneurs that if they're funded and exit, they do it for someone else," she said, adding she is actively seeking Florida investors. "You invest in the community and hopefully I'm that story."

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/16/alejandro-bedoya-inter-miami-momentum-philadelphia-union-outlook-2020

Alejandro Bedoya on Inter Miami momentum, Philadelphia Union outlook for 2020

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/atletico-madrid-canadian-premier-league-franchise-ottawa

Reports: Atletico Madrid to buy Canadian Premier League franchise in Ottawa

Spanish club ramp up North American presence, with new team set to join league in 2020.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/19/lafcs-3252-win-tifo-year-independent-supporters-council

LAFC's 3252 win Tifo of the Year by Independent Supporters’ Council

The 3252 are singing “We are the champions,” after the LAFC supporters group took home the award for Tifo of the Year by the Independent Supporters’ Council at the organization’s 11th annual conference in Baltimore this weekend.

To celebrate LAFC’s annual Pride Night, the 3252 revealed a tifo of Queen singer Freddie Mercury, alongside the familiar sporting anthem words "We will rock you," one of the band's biggest hits, and rainbow-hued choreography cards in the background.

The Rose City Riveters, who support the Portland Thorns of the NWSL, the Timbers Army, the Portland Timbers’ supporters group and Tampa Bay Rowdies groups Skyway Casuals and Ralphs Mob were in a three-way tie for second.

ISC North America
@ISCSupporters
 And just like that, the 11th Annual Conference comes to a wrap. We hope our reps leave feeling educated and empowered! We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for us.

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Sporting Kansas City’s Cauldron won for Philanthropic Group of the Year, with Portland-based 107ist taking second and New England Revolution supporters group Midnight Riders and Atlanta United’s Terminus Legion were tied for third

Forward Madison FC of USL League One was named Front Office of the Year, with Sky Blue FC of the NWSL finishing second and Seattle Sounders FC taking third.

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/inter-miami/article239434148.html

Inter Miami opens training camp Monday. Here’s everything you need to know

Are the training sessions open to the public? For the most part, no. The practices at Barry University, and in Port Saint Lucie, Bradenton, first week in Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg are scheduled to be closed to the public. Scrimmages Feb. 7 against the Charleston Battery and Feb. 12 against New York City FC are also closed. There are two friendly matches at St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Stadium that are open to the public, and free of charge – Feb. 15 against the Philadelphia Union at 4 p.m. and Feb. 22 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 p.m. The team also plans some open sessions in Fort Feb. 22 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 p.m. The team also plans some open sessions in Fort Lauderdale the final week of camp.

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/orlando-city-sc/orlando-city-announces-eight-game-preseason-match-schedule/

Orlando City to spend part of preseason in Mexico, play eight tune-up matches

The team will begin the preseason with a nine-day trip to Mexico for two matches.

Orlando City 2020 preseason schedule:

Monday: First training season

Saturday: Preseason opener vs. Stetson (Closed)

Jan. 27: Depart for Mexico

Feb. 1: Columbus Crew at Pure Mareazul Riviera Maya; 11 a.m.

Feb. 4: Inter Playa at Pure Mareazul Riviera Maya; 9 a.m.

Feb. 4: Return from Mexico

Feb. 8: Montreal Impact at Exploria Stadium; 6 p.m.

Feb. 12: Tampa Bay Rowdies at Exploria Stadium (Closed)

Feb. 15: D.C. United at USF; Time TBD

Feb. 18: KR Reykjavík at Exploria Stadium; 6 p.m.

Feb. 21: San Antonio FC at Exploria Stadium (Closed)

Feb. 29: Season opener vs. Real Salt Lake at Exploria Stadium; 6 p.m.

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https://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2020/01/18/orlando-city-sc-announces-2020-preseason-schedule

Orlando City SC Announces 2020 Preseason Schedule

Following that match, City will face off in a closed-door contest against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday, February 12 before traveling to the University of South Florida to take on D.C. United three days later.

Wed., Feb. 12
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Exploria Stadium  |  Closed-Door

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https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/detroit-city-fc-kick-first-season-pro-team-next-month

Detroit City FC to kick off first season as pro team next month

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https://www.themaneland.com/2020/1/16/21068079/lion-links-1-16-20

Lion Links: 1/16/20

Florida Cup kicks off, Nani on Pareja, Ali Krieger’s adult soccer camp, Esports in Orlando, and more.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies added a U-23 team in USL League Two.

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami/fl-sp-inter-miami-2020-preseason-schedule-20200115-xe6r2qfu55cnlnrkjucstaafze-story.html

Inter Miami CF to play two preseason games open

Inter Miami CF will play two preseason friendly matches open to the public ahead of the franchise’s inaugural season in MLS.

Inter Miami will face off against the Philadelphia Union in the 2020 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational on Feb. 15 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg. The expansion team will return to Al Lang Field on Feb. 22 to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a USL Championship team, on Feb. 22 in its second contest in the 2020 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational. Admission to both friendly matches are free, and no ticket is required.

RELATED: Inter Miami CF's schedule: regular season and preseason »

Inter Miami will also play four scrimmages closed to the public in February. The club will host its first closed scrimmage at its training complex on Feb. 7 against the Charleston Battery. Inter Miami will host another closed scrimmage at its training complex on Feb. 12 against New York City FC.

The team will scrimmage against the Philadelphia Union on Feb. 15 and FC Dallas on Feb. 22 at Al Lang Field, both of which are closed to the public.

Here are the club’s six preseason friendly matches and scrimmages, which are closed to the public unless noted otherwise:

scrimmage versus Charleston Battery on Feb. 7 at the Inter Miami CF Training Complex

scrimmage versus New York City FC on Feb. 12 at the Inter Miami CF Training Complex

scrimmage versus Philadelphia Union on Feb. 15 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg

friendly match versus Philadelphia Union on Feb. 15 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg (open to the public)

scrimmage versus FC Dallas on Feb. 22 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg

friendly match versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Feb. 22 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg (open to the public)

Inter Miami will open the regular season on the road March 1 against Los Angeles FC before having its regular-season home opener on March 14 against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the new Lockhart Stadium site in Fort Lauderdale.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/01/2020-mls-preseason-schedule

MLS Preseason 2020: How to watch, stream and follow all 26 clubs

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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/84735/thursday-morning-whats-in-the-news.html

Thursday morning: What's in the news ...

Soccer America

The Tampa Bay Rowdies launched a U-23 team that will join USL League Two for the 2020 season and compete in the Southeast Division. The team ...

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https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1078538

SIGNINGS: Veteran Olum Joins Miami FC

ROWDIES ADD YOUNG DEFENDER ON LOAN FROM NORWICH; HOUNDS ADD GOALKEEPER AND DEFENDER

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/inter-miami/article239359303.html

Inter Miami announces full preseason schedule, opens camp Monday at Barry University

David Beckham’s new Major League Soccer team Inter Miami gave the media tour today of what will be the club’s new 19,000-seat Fort Lauderdale stadium.

Inter Miami will open its inaugural training camp at Barry University in Miami on Jan. 20 and train there for a week before traveling to Port Saint Lucie, Bradenton and St. Petersburg for portions of the six-week preseason training.

The team will play a total of six scrimmages and friendly matches, two of which are open to the public — Feb. 15 against Philadelphia Union and Feb. 22 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Both of those games are in St. Petersburg at Al Lang Stadium, and are free of charge.

There will be limited opportunities for South Florida fans to see the team train locally at its new Fort Lauderdale facility in February, but the majority of the camp is closed to the public.

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https://www.local10.com/sports/local/2020/01/17/beckhams-inter-miami-welcomes-fans-to-2-free-games/

Beckham’s Inter Miami welcomes fans to 2 free games

No tickets required to Miami team’s Suncoast Invitational games

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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/jeff-hunt-ottawa-soccer-canadian-premier-league-1.5432238

Redblacks owner aiming to resurrect pro soccer in Ottawa

Jeff Hunt part of bid to bring Canadian Premier League club to nation's capital

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https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/soccer/mls/ottawa-fury-fc/pro-soccer-back-in-ottawa-group-hoping-to-field-team-in-2020-cpl-season/wcm/913f4f77-7387-4d70-a3e2-bef45c5d4c8b

Group looking at possibility of fielding Ottawa CPL club for the 2020 season

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https://www.thesudburystar.com/sports/soccer/mls/ottawa-fury-fc/pro-soccer-back-in-ottawa-group-hoping-to-field-team-in-2020-cpl-season/wcm/71be49f9-dc70-4ed5-af4b-0281f4bc5975

Pro soccer back in Ottawa? Group hoping to field team in 2020 CPL season

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https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/ottawa-fury-fc/pro-soccer-back-in-ottawa-group-hoping-to-field-team-in-2020-cpl-season/wcm/71be49f9-dc70-4ed5-af4b-0281f4bc5975

Pro soccer back in Ottawa? Group hoping to field team in 2020 CPL season

ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep3i36/rowdies_announce_sixgame_preseason_slate/

ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

The Suncoast Invitational games are free, and we get a good chance to see Outer Miami for the first time!

Anyone know if there are any other MLS teams coming down to IMG for pre-season?

I know of Philadelphia and Atlanta are coming as well

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078118

ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep8kd3/rowdies_launch_wpsl_team_in_partnership_with/

Rowdies Launch WPSL Team In Partnership With Pinellas County United SC

Very excited about this. Still not sure how working with all three of these youth clubs who compete with each other is going to pan out (TBU, Chargers, PCU), but a really good thing nonetheless...

I look forward to this!

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078173

ROWDIES LAUNCH WPSL TEAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PINELLAS COUNTY UNITED SC

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep6ncs/tampa_bay_rowdies_add_u23_team_in_usl_league_two/

Tampa Bay Rowdies Add U23 Team in USL League Two

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https://www.uslleaguetwo.com/news_article/show/1077966

Tampa Bay Rowdies Add U23 Team in USL League Two

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https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2020-01-14/galaxy-closing-in-on-deal-with-mexican-star-chicharito-hernandez

Galaxy closing in on deal with Mexican star ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez

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https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1077946

Morrell Makes Jump to Greenville from Tormenta FC

FIRST GOALSCORER IN LEAGUE ONE HISTORY JOINS TRIUMPH AHEAD OF SECOND SEASON

New Greenville Triumph SC signing Alex Morrell scored the first goal in League One history against his new club for South Georgia Tormenta FC last March. | Photo courtesy South Georgia Tormenta FC

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenville Triumph SC announced the addition of another offensive threat ahead of the 2020 season on Tuesday, announcing the signing of former South Georgia Tormenta FC player Alex Morrell to their roster, pending league and federation approval.

Morrell has played in all three flights of professional soccer in the United States, beginning his career in Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire in 2016 after a standout collegiate career at the University of North Florida. Morrell made four appearances with the Fire before he was loaned to Saint Louis FC of USL Championship for the remainder of the 2016 season.

From Saint Louis, Morrell spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the USL Championship's Tampa Bay Rowdies. He made 35 appearances for the Florida side, netting three goals and three assists before being signing with South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2019.

“Everything about the move to join the club feels right,” said Morrell regarding his move to the Triumph. “I believe Greenville will challenge me and I look forward to it. I'll give everything I have to the organization, coaching staff and players. I'm beyond excited to get started.”

The Lakeland, Florida native appeared in 27 matches for Tormenta FC in League One’s inaugural season, logging 2,257 minutes with four goals and three assists, including the first goal in League One history that earned Tormenta FC a victory against the Triumph.

“We are really excited to bring Alex on board, a guy that has great experience and a competitive edge to win,” said Greenville Head Coach John Harkes. “I've admired him as a professional for years with his ability to run at players in the final third and finish. We're really looking forward to working with him as a member of the Greenville Triumph.”

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https://hoodline.com/2020/01/tampa-s-5-top-bakeries-that-won-t-break-the-bank

Tampa's 5 top bakeries (that won't break the bank)

La Segunda Central Bakery | El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant | Alessi Bakery | Faedo Family Bakery | Sami's Bakery

Looking to try the top bakeries around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable bakeries in Tampa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fulfill your urges.

1. La Segunda Central Bakery

Topping the list is La Segunda Central Bakery. Located at 2512 N. 15th St. in Ybor City, the bakery and Cuban spot, which offers coffee and tea and more, is the highest-rated budget-friendly bakery in Tampa, boasting 4.5 stars out of 217 reviews on Yelp.

This spot specializes in Cuban sandwiches, baked breads, pastries and desserts that range from flan to cheesecake cups and rainbow cake. Enjoy a media noche sandwich or guava and cheese turnover with a cafe con leche.

The site can tell you a thing or two more about the history of La Segunda Central Bakery that Juan More founded in 1915 after spending time in Cuba.

"He brought the recipe of Cuban bread from Cuba to Tampa to feed the cigar workers at the beginning of the 20th century," the business notes in its Yelp profile. "For over 100 years, we've used the same hand-baked process and traditional recipes to ensure a taste and texture that can't be duplicated."

2. El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant

Gandy-Sun Bay South's El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant, located at 6241 S. Dale Mabry Highway, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the low-priced bakery, Colombian and breakfast and brunch spot 4.5 stars out of 85 reviews.

If you're looking for more, we found these details about El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant.

"Established Colombian restaurant specializing in desserts and natural juices with the mission of offering good food and excellent service to the customer," according to the history section of the business's Yelp profile.

3. Alessi Bakery

Alessi Bakery, a bakery and deli that offers sandwiches and more in Oakford Park, is another budget-friendly go-to, with four stars out of 244 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2909 W. Cypress St. to see for yourself.

If you're curious for more, we found these details about Alessi Bakery, a family owned business for 107 years, which offers bakery and deli items, wedding cakes and catering services.

Curious to know more about the history and people behind this business?

"In 2011, owner Phil Jr. began to remodel the bakery, adding new menu items, a wonderful area for patrons to enjoy their meals, and a large window to watch Alessi's cake decorators create their famous cakes," the business states on Yelp, this time in the bio section of its profile.

4. Faedo Family Bakery

Over in South Seminole Heights, check out Faedo Family Bakery, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 72 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the bakery by heading over to 5150 N. Florida Ave.

The site has lots more information on Faedo Family Bakery, which has been around for more than 35 years.

"We want to be your number one bakery providing the best authentic Cuban bread and pastries. We offer a variety of traditional breads along with other sweets,"  it notes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties.

5. Sami's Bakery

Finally, there's Sami's Bakery, a local favorite with four stars out of 44 reviews. Stop by 2399 E. Busch Blvd. to hit up the middle eastern bakery, which offers cupcakes, low carb breads and more, next time you're in the mood for cheap eats. It also has a gluten-free pastry section with muffins, brownies and cheesecake.

Yelper Joshua B. wrote, "We picked up a chocolate covered baklava, tzatziki sauce, grape leaves and a warm cheese bread fresh out of the oven. Everything we had was very tasty."

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https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/florida-lawmaker-files-measure-urging-members-to-support-cigar-exemption-bills

Florida Lawmaker Files Measure Urging Members to Support Cigar-Exemption Bills

Between Tampa’s Ybor City and Miami’s Little Havana neighborhoods, Florida’s history of cigarmaking runs deep. The cigar industry is not only ingrained in many Floridians culturally, but also economically.

Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-32) introduced a memorial bill yesterday in the Florida House that commemorates these facts and also encourages his fellow lawmakers to support two federal bills that would protect premium cigars from regulation: H.R. 1854 and S. 9. (Largely symbolic, memorial bills are the method by which the legislative bodies petition Congress and other governments or governmental agencies.)

S. 9 was introduced last year by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), while H.R. 1854 was submitted by Florida Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14). Both bills seek to protect premium cigars, with Castor’s bill going one step further by specifying that cigars with “flavor additives” would not be protected like premium cigars.

“Cigar Rights of America would like to commend the initiative of Florida State Representative Anthony Sabatini for introducing H.M. 1093, calling upon Congress to advance S. 9 and H.R. 1854, which demand the U.S. Food & Drug Administration exempt premium cigars from their onerous regulations,” said Glynn Loope, executive director of the Cigar Rights of America. “This is an opportunity for the Florida legislature to send a profound message to the Trump administration that premium cigars are important to the Florida economy. … This is also a message to the remainder of the Florida congressional delegation that hasn’t signed onto H.R. 1854, given that Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are working together on S. 9. It’s time for the Trump administration to act, and this resolution sends that message.”

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https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/how-to-enjoy-watching-soccer/

How to Enjoy Watching Soccer When You’re Not a Diehard Fan

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https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2020/01/15/what-city-leaders-want-to-see-before-spending-110m.html

What city leaders want to see before spending $110M in support of MLS

City government negotiators want a framework for a series of projects before freeing up $110 million for an expansion Major League Soccer training complex.

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https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-fc-celebrates-first-year-of-existence-work-still-to-be-done-ahead-of-opening-kick

Austin FC celebrates first year of existence, work still to be done ahead of opening kick

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https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/charlotte-can-afford-110-million-mls-commitment-but-its-far-from-a-done-deal/275-9683149c-1449-4bb8-b088-07379a9ef861

Charlotte can afford $110 million MLS commitment, but it's far from a done deal

One obligation for the city's investment in Major League Soccer is the commitment that the Panthers will stay in the Queen City long-term.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/01/15/shake-shack-is-coming-to-midtown-tampa.html

Shake Shack is coming to Midtown Tampa

Shake Shack, the New York burger joint with a cult following, is finally bringing Shack Stacks and custard concretes to Tampa Bay.

New York-based Bromley Cos., the developer of Midtown, said Wednesday that Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) has signed a deal for 3,200 square feet at Midtown's main entrance off of Cypress Street.

Bromley did not provide an opening date for Shake Shack but said that the district, which began vertical construction in May 2019, should open in early 2021. Midtown spans 22 acres at Dale Mabry Highway and Interstate 275 and is set to include three office towers, 390 upscale apartments, a dual-flag hotel and 220,000 square feet of retail.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal first reported that Shake Shack was working on a location in Midtown in September. The burger chain's interest in the bay region dates back to at least 2016, when it first started scouting real estate in the area.

Bromley Cos. CEO Nick Haines called Shake Shack "another first-to-market restaurant that we’re thrilled to bring to Tampa." The developer has also signed deals with True Foods Kitchen, the Oprah Winfrey-backed health food restaurant, as well as REI, an outdoor gear store. Both are new to the Tampa Bay area.

Shake Shack opened in Sarasota's Mall at University Town Center in 2019. It has more than 170 locations, 70 of which are outside the U.S.

“We’ve followed Shake Shack from its first location next to our office in New York’s Madison Square Park, and appreciate the delight and appeal it has to its customers," Haines said in a statement.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/alan-pulido-arrives-sporting-kansas-city-he-explains-mexican-players-recent-mls

As Alan Pulido arrives at Sporting Kansas City, he explains Mexican players' recent MLS interest

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/mls-bodyarmor-announce-partnership-with-support-from-kobe-bryant/

NEWS

Kobe Bryant helps announce MLS, BodyArmor partnership

Through the partnership, Bryant will look to help support the continued expansion of MLS.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/media-reacts-javier-chicharito-hernandezs-possible-move-la-galaxy

Media reacts to Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez's possible move to LA Galaxy

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/kobe-bryant-praises-mls-growth-probably-wont-be-latest-nba-star-turned-mls-owner

Kobe Bryant praises MLS' growth, but (probably) won't be the latest NBA star turned MLS owner

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https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/reports-chicharito-to-la-galaxy-is-nearly-a-done-deal-011641100.html

Reports: Chicharito to LA Galaxy is nearly a done deal

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https://stpetecatalyst.com/influencers/brian-auld/

INFLUENCER

BRIAN AULD

President - Tampa Bay Rays - Vice Chair - Tampa Bay Rowdies

INTRODUCTION

The Tampa Bay Rays are used to skepticism, but they're also known for surprising people. One key ingredient in surviving their toughest years and successfully playing their most difficult cards has been President, Brian Auld. The Ivy League-educated former teacher arrived in St. Pete more than a decade ago as a single person with a love of baseball. In the years since, he's become not just the President of the Tampa Bay Rays and Vice Chair of the Tampa Bay Rowdies,but the father of three kids he's educating in St. Pete's public schools. Auld has made a home in St. Petersburg, and shown his investment in the city by rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. With seven years left in the Rays' contract at Tropicana Field, our eyes will be on Auld to find an innovative and surprising way to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW ABOUT YOUR WORK 3 YEARS AGO?

The stadium saga, as I think we've nicknamed it around here has been constantly hanging over the Tampa Bay Rays to the point where I think it influenced the way the Rowdies acquisition was seen. I'm not sure I appreciated quite to the degree of how that would affect our employee base.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We're gonna figure out how to keep the Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies in the Tampa Bay for generations to come. We're gonna bring every ounce of energy, creativity and influence to the process and keep our always optimistic heads above the water as we figure out a solution to what is a pretty complex problem.

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https://stpetecatalyst.com/zaps/rowdies-unveil-plan-for-amateur-soccer-team/

Rowdies unveil plan for amateur soccer team

The Tampa Bay Rowdies will field a team this year in USL League Two, the leader in pre-professional soccer in the United States and Canada. The Rowdies team,  Rowdies U23s, will be run in partnership between Chargers Soccer Club and the Rowdies technical staff. Former Rowdies defender and 2012 Champion Andres Arango will coach the team. The League Two team demonstrates the Rowdies' commitment to developing pathways for young players in Tampa Bay, Neil Collins, Rowdies head coach and technical director, said in a news release. The 2020 season will run from May to July and all Rowdies U23 home matches will be held at Al Lang Stadium with free admission, the news release said.

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https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1078208

SUNCOAST SLATE: Rowdies to Host Impact, Inter Miami

TWO MAJOR PRESEASON EXHIBITIONS AT AL LANG STADIUM WILL SEE FREE ADMISSION TO PUBLIC

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https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/01/15/soccer/toronto-midfielder-tsubasa-endoh-awaits-breakthrough-moment-mls-japan/#.XiAWNdDPwV0

Tsubasa Endoh hopes the arrival of Yuya Kubo will lead to increased MLS coverage by Japanese media.

Toronto midfielder Tsubasa Endoh awaits breakthrough moment for MLS in Japan

When newly minted FC Cincinnati striker Yuya Kubo makes his MLS debut in March, few will be more eager to welcome him than Tsubasa Endoh.

The Toronto FC midfielder, who in 2016 became the first Japanese player selected in the MLS SuperDraft, told From the Spot earlier this month he hopes the presence of the former Samurai Blue player will help bolster the league’s exposure in Japan.

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https://www.goal.com/en-qa/news/former-nba-star-bryant-reaffirms-love-for-soccer-as-face-of/gbg14p2xrnj41anaj4n7w4nmi

Former NBA star Bryant reaffirms love for soccer as face of major MLS sponsorship

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https://www.fashion.ie/2020/01/16/david-beckham-launches-his-own-eyewear-collection-with-safilo/

David Beckham launches his own eyewear collection with Safilo

Footballing star, David Beckham is set to launch his debut eyewear collection, Eyewear by David Beckham. The 44-year old ex Manchester United and Real Madrid soccer star will release his new collection he has created with Safilo.

Beckham who is husband to ex-Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria Beckham announced the news in Milan earlier this week. David’s new designs are part of his collaboration with leading Italian luxury eyewear manufacturer Safilo.

David Beckham’s assemble will include a selection of eye wear frames that are constructed using some of the best materials available.

The theme of the collection is designed around David’s own personal taste. His collection has been described by critics as being contemporary aesthetic with traditional craftsmanship.

As part of the first stage of the promotional campaign, Beckham took to Instagram where he thanked Safilo for their continued support.

The Beckhams are seen as one of the leading UK brands with international appeal. Their empire extends out to business arrangements and partnerships with some of the biggest and well known fashion and beauty brands today.

Already David has collaborated with labels such as Adidas and L’Oreal. Only last year, David and his wife Victoria Beckham took full ownership of David’s branded company by buying out their long-term business partner, Simon Fuller.

David is also president of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Manchester based Salford City soccer club which he owns with fellow Manchester United team mates, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.

Beckham also plays a major part in helping bring awareness and raising the profile of British fashion industry. He is the Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council

Eyewear by David Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection will be available to buy at selected retailers from this coming March 2020.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/epe4af/kristian_dyer_on_twitter_per_source_im_hearing/

[Kristian Dyer on Twitter] Per source, I'm hearing that former #RBNY goalkeeper Evan Louro will sign in the USL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The pipeline to Tampa continues.

Tinari was a great pickup last year but sadly another year wasn’t picked up by the Rowdies. Neill Co…

Just couldn’t stay healthy...that was a bummer...

Louro is definitely a good shot stopper...wonder about that kid from Wolves that was rumored as a loan. And maybe if both sign, does Robinson go on loan to a League One team (probably should get the starts to see what he can do)...

Louro is a step above Robinson. A little bit of competition is good but I can't see Robinson starting over Lauro, especially if the Wolves kid arrives.

For sure. I’d say Louro is quite a few steps above Robinson.

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https://twitter.com/kristianrdyer/status/1217634000191344640?s=21

Kristian Dyer
@KristianRDyer
Per source, I'm hearing that former #RBNY goalkeeper Evan Louro will sign in the USL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The pipeline to Tampa continues.
9:25 PM · Jan 15, 2020·Twitter Web App

Tampa Bay Rowdies 2020 THEME NIGHTS

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https://mailchi.mp/d81b0b04b4ca/ctqxixnd42-12132607

Tampa Bay Rowdies

2020 THEME NIGHTS

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https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/01/14/manchester-united-and-inter-miami-compete-for-agustin-almendra/

Manchester United and Inter Miami Compete for Agustin Almendra

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https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/lewis-morgan-link-up-david-21276226

Lewis Morgan to link up with David Beckham as former St Mirren star agrees to join Inter Miami

The Buddies are expected to receive a percentage of the Celtic winger's transfer fee due to a sell-on clause.

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https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-01-14/soccer-newsletter

Soccer newsletter: Signing ‘Chicharito’ would solve two problems for Galaxy

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami/fl-sp-inter-miami-diego-alonso-coaching-staff-20200113-iw3oldwzzvci5jnutpxbuaj3iy-story.html

Inter Miami CF announces coach Diego Alonso’s coaching staff

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https://www.83degreesmedia.com/features/Tampa-Bay-Area-developments-to-watch-in-2020-011420.aspx

Building anticipation: New places and spaces opening soon in the Tampa Bay Area

The Fly Bar re-opens in 2020 on Grand Central next to Mise en Place.

The Tampa Bay Area’s forward march continues into the 2020s as builders and other contractors put the finishing touches on several major residential and commercial developments expected to open this year.

In Tampa alone, dozens of construction projects are underway in response to population growth of 194 percent in the past decade and projections that the region will grow by another 6-to-7 percent from 2020 to 2023. Others are aiming to open in time for Tampa to host the Super Bowl in 2021. While still others are in the works but won't open till 2022 and beyond.

Downtown St. Petersburg continues to evolve as a major arts and culture destination, and smaller communities like Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Gulfport, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and others are working diligently to reimagine themselves to attract merchants, restaurants, and galleries to their downtowns and people from around the globe to live in local neighborhoods.

Luxury apartment and condominium towers are popping up on both sides of the Bay as are office buildings, restaurants, and co-working spaces, making this area of Florida one of the fastest-growing region's in the nation.

Here are some of the projects building anticipation:

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute

Classes began this week at the University of South Florida’s new downtown medical school. The project culminates nearly five years of design and construction of a 13-story building, which is already helping to attract the best in education and research. Offering cardiovascular and other specialty med school courses as well as a research facility that focuses on active learning vs. lecturing, USF decided on the Water Street Tampa location for the Morsani College of Medicine to be in close proximity to Tampa General, USF's longtime teaching hospital. Tampa General will operate an urgent care clinic on the first floor of the med school and clinical practice space on the ninth floor.

A Physician Assistant program begins there in May 2021, and courses will begin to train future pharmacists in the fall of 2021.

“When we broke ground in late 2015, we said we would build the future of USF Health and the Morsani College of Medicine,” says Charles Lockwood, Senior VP of USF Health.

“One thing to be sure of: This building is a mecca of modern innovations in both form and function. From classroom and lab layouts to technology capabilities and beyond, this is one of the most sophisticatedly-designed spaces in the city.”

According to USF estimates, the building is projected to have a local and statewide economic impact of more than $70 million.

Embarc Collective

Describing itself as “a startup collective -- curators of experiences, resources, and environment that help forward-thinking founders and their teams thrive in Tampa Bay,” Embarc Collective celebrated its brick-and-mortar soft opening last week in the former District 3 warehouse north of Amalie Arena.

Part of the Water Street Tampa development by investors Jeff Vinik and Bill Gates, the new state-of-the-art office space in downtown Tampa sports sleek spaces designed by KWJ and the Kreher/Barna Design Studio and amenities such as podcasting and event facilities, an event space for groups of 250 or more, a public cafe, a lending library, and an outdoor lounge.

The 501c3 nonprofit assists startup executives and entrepreneurs with individualized support from executive advisors and function-specific experts. The 32,000-square-foot collaboration facility at East Whiting and North Jefferson streets houses Endeavr Coffee, a new cafe concept from Blind Tiger Cafe owner Roberto Torres, which also soft-opened to the public this past week. Torres recently acquired the New York-style Jewish deli, Cass Street Deli. Working with the deli staff at 1331 W. Cass St., Endeavr will fulfill catering orders at the Embarc building, where his team is the preferred caterer.

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay has also launched an entrepreneurship academy and lab with Embarc Collective, who’s also planning to partner with the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Tampa Bay Wave and the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator.

Heights Union

With an overall design harmonious with the historic character of the Tampa Heights neighborhood, Heights Union can be found on the southwest corner of West Palm Avenue and North Tampa Street -- near Armature Works, Water Works Park, The Pearl apartments, and the Tampa Riverwalk. The two, six-story, Class AA office buildings will have an adjacent 1,500-space parking garage, 42,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail, and a tree-lined linear park. A rooftop deck will offer a panoramic view of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River. Amenities at the 2002 N. Tampa St. project, designed by Alfonso Architecture of Tampa, will include bike share and bike storage, a fitness center, and showers. It will have exposed structural elements, high ceilings, and large industrial windows as well as a communal workspace with WiFi and meeting areas. It is scheduled to open in mid-2020.

JW Marriott Tampa

The 26-story hotel tower marks the debut of Marriott International’s luxury brand in Tampa Bay. Expect the Water Street Tampa hotel to feature four distinct dining and drinking options, a full-service spa, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center, two expansive rooftop pools, a rooftop lawn and sun terrace, and street-level retail space.

A glass-enclosed four-story atrium, which developer Strategic Property Partners says has been “designed to encourage socialization and collaboration” will welcome guests in the lobby, while the hotel’s 26th floor will feature an indoor and outdoor rooftop venue space that offers “sweeping 360-degree views of downtown Tampa and Hillsborough Bay.”

The JW Marriott Tampa will also provide 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Tampa Bay -- at 30,000 square feet -- located steps from the existing Tampa Marriott Water Street via a new skybridge. Together, the two hotels will create the largest collection of hotel rooms and meeting space in Tampa Bay, with 1,246 rooms and 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space across the street from the Tampa Convention Center.

St. Pete Pier

For many of us, the demolition of downtown St. Pete’s iconic inverted pyramid feels like it happened yesterday, but its redesign process has been underway for more than a decade.

When Mayor Rick Kriseman took office in 2014, the inverted pyramid was closed and the pier leading to it had been fenced off and locked up. One of his first acts as mayor included unlocking that fence. He initiated a rigorous process of public engagement, including forming a citizen committee to oversee citizen input around pier function. The Pier Selection Committee deliberated and voted for the new St. Pete Pier slated to open this spring.

A top request from residents: Make the new Pier more family-friendly. The new site accommodates. At the heart of Pier Plaza will be an interactive feature that’s both a water fountain and a splash pad.

The Tilted Lawn provides a relaxing, grassy spot to take in views of the waterfront and skyline, and The Coastal Thicket teaches kids about native vegetation. In addition, the Discovery Center will provide information about the Tampa Bay Estuary, and an expanded Spa Beach will refresh with watersports and sunbathing.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille will serve seafood, sandwiches, salads, and much more. The Driftwood Café at the Pier Head will offer casual fare and the café at the Pavilion will provide several quick-serve items to enjoy at the beach or Family Park.

“The new St. Pete Pier will be an endless source of activity where kids of all ages can have a place to burn off energy in a safe, creative environment,” says Kristin Brett, Pier communications director.

Museum of the Arts & Crafts Movement

The five-story museum, designed by famed Tampa-based architect Alberto Alfonso, has a list of postponed opening dates going back to 2017, but should be completed in early 2020, we hear. The museum will house collector Rodolfo “Rudy” Ciccarello’s collection of more than 2,000 objects from the early 20th century. Works include furniture, ceramics, tiles, glass, and lighting. In addition, there will be 40,000-square-feet of permanent gallery space, a grand atrium, a museum store, a cafe, Ambrosia restaurant, and a research library. The website is also still under construction but will ultimately be live at museumaacm.org.

Ground-breaking, immersive art attractions

A trend spurred by the popularity of Meow Wolf in New Mexico, immersive art installations resembling carnivals, roadside attractions, and amusement parks have pooled the talents of artist communities across the country. Similarly in St. Petersburg, the new Fairgrounds will mix enlightenment with entertainment while providing a creative space for artists at The Factory in St. Pete’s Warehouse District, 2788 Fairfield Ave. S. The project will encompass 12,000-square-feet as an immersive experiential art exhibition featuring artworks by local and international artists, performers, writers, musicians, and storytellers. Follow Fairgrounds Projects on Facebook for updates on progress and upcoming calls to artists.

And in Tampa, multimedia arts collective Crab Devil is getting off the ground in Seminole Heights. Project partners include Tempus Projects, Cunsthaus, LiveWork Studios, Experimental Skeleton, and others. To start, Crab Devil plans to open Deviant Libation, a new brewery, and new Tempus Projects galleries at a 2020 date to be announced. The collective plans to produce Peninsularium, “one of the largest, collaborative, multi-disciplinary arts efforts that Florida has ever seen” in 2021.

Deviant Libation, Tempus, and the Peninsularium will be sharing approximately 8,000-square-feet of building space, says member Devon Brady of LiveWork Studios. The collective’s concept will invoke the roadside attractions of yesteryear with a family-friendly cabinet of curiosities.

“Crab Devil will be using the common spaces and a small portion of the gallery as an entrance to the Peninsularium,” adds Brady. “The majority of The Peninsularium will be built out in shipping containers on the adjoining lot over the next year. There will be signage for all three entities at 3800 N. Nebraska Ave. There's already a big Crab Devil sign flying over the site.”

Virage

Nearing completion, the tallest condo tower on Bayshore Boulevard, the Virage, boasts 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views of Hillsborough Bay and downtown Tampa, private elevator entrances, an infinity-edge pool overlooking the waterfront, a state-of-the-art wellness center, pet grooming facilities, and a 24-hour staffed reception. At the center of the property, a grand oak tree remains unharmed under the continuous care of an arborist. More than 150 years old, the oak is the signature element of the Virage's arrival court. A handful of units are left with prices ranging from $1 million to a little less than $5 million. Move-ins are expected in March.

Sanctuary at Alexandra Place

Located next to the iconic Fred Ball Park, another tall structure adds to the emerging skyline of Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa. The Sanctuary, named to convey the building’s verdant, natural surroundings, is estimated to cost around $45 million with units starting at $2.7 million. Impressing prospective residents with more than unobstructed views, the residential tower provides residents an “impact-rated” frameless glass system -- the first of its kind in the state of Florida. The Sanctuary is the only condo tower in Tampa offering one condominium per floor. The amenity deck, nestled next to Fred Ball Park’s tree canopy, will offer private poolside cabanas, a fire pit, a hot tub area, and an outdoor kitchen. Two units are still available through Smith & Associates. The completed building is scheduled to open in late 2020.

Hotel Haya

The four-story boutique hotel will open in the heart of Ybor City in 2020. "Hotel Haya offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the deep layers and stories of one of America’s most unique, historic neighborhoods, and bring new life into its future evolution in a very meaningful and purposeful fashion,” says the hotel group’s co-founder, Kevin Robinson, in a prepared statement. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can visit an Italian-Cuban cafe on the property.

Fly Bar & Restaurant

A favorite of local cocktail connoisseurs, the Fly Bar, once situated on North Franklin, expects to emerge from its cocoon and land within the historic Lafayette Arcade at Grand Central flat-iron-esque building on Kennedy Boulevard just west of downtown Tampa. Neighbors will include the Oxford Exchange, Falk Theatre, Mise en Place, and the new Altis Grand Central apartments. Diners seated at north-facing tables can enjoy a lovely view of the University of Tampa and its iconic minarets. Expect jazz-inspired drinks, their famous nachos, a new look, and a fresh drink menu.

Cigar City Taproom

Brew and Bolts fans: The Cigar City Brewing Taproom, as part of a sponsorship deal with Cigar City Brewing, is now officially open at Amalie Arena. You can find it under the Pam Iorio Parking Garage, just off the west plaza. It will be open on event days and select non-event days. The Amalie will also host Hunahpu’s Beer Festival on March 13. Hunahpu's, Cigar City’s popular celebration of the brewery's Hunahpu's Imperial Stout, which comes out only once a year. This year's festival marks the 11th anniversary of the event. Cigar City's Jai Alai, Guayabera, and Florida Cracker are available for sale throughout the arena, as well as on tap at the Cigar City Brewing club level bar located at section 211/212.

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar

This new addition to NoHo, in Old West Tampa’s late 1800s Bank of Tampa building, should delight with authentic, robust Mexican fare served in a stylishly colorful setting filled with Day of the Dead imagery. Karol Ortiz and Tisbeth Mejia, owners of the now-shuttered Cocina Y Galeria on MacDill Avenue, have rebooted in the historic quarter with counter service/made-to-order service and a private speakeasy vault room that can be reserved for up to 10 people. The 1,500-square-foot Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar eatery will feature familiar menu items and sangrias, freshly made tortillas and an open-kitchen concept. A soft opening is planned for Jan. 17.


Xochitl Cocina Mexicana

Pronounced So-Cheel, the Tampa Heights Mexican restaurant will feature handcrafted, elevated Mexican cuisine, a full roster bar in an upscale setting, located near the Tampa Riverwalk on the ground floor of The Pearl apartment complex. It’s just across the street from Armature Works. When entering, a 12-foot-by-5-foot mural, depicting the restaurant’s Aztec princess-namesake, welcomes diners with open arms. St. Petersburg-based artist Daniel Barojas, nearly finished with the majestic figure, has painted her with vivid color and adornments. It is scheduled to open by March.

La Pergola St. Pete

Lanfranco Pescante, David Anderson, Lou Dommer, and Executive Chef Fabio will bring a high-end Italian concept to the heart of downtown St. Petersburg this spring. Anderson and Pescante, co-founders of the Nocturnal Hospitality Group, gained recognition in the nightlife scene with Tampa Heights’ Franklin Manor. Renowned chef Viviani has appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” La Pergola will be Nocturnal’s first restaurant outside downtown Tampa, where the team opened restaurants along Franklin Street, including Osteria Bar & Kitchen and Mole y Abuela, and the upcoming Shibui. Their new 6,000-square-foot, high-end Italian restaurant will occupy the former Raymond James offices at 200 Central Ave. and feature café sidewalk seating. “La Pergola will feature Nocturnal’s signature flair for mixing exquisite food with a lively lounge and bar scene serving unique craft cocktails,” says the restaurant’s news release.

Semolina

David and Erica Benstock, owners of Best of the Bay-winner Il Ritorno in downtown St. Petersburg, will soon serve fast-casual Italian fare at Sparkman Wharf in Water Street Tampa. The pasta-centric, waterfront-facing restaurant plans to open at 615 Channelside Drive later this year. Semolina outsizes its shipping container neighbors with 1,600-square-feet, 42 seats inside and 20 outside. The eatery promises fresh pasta made in-house daily, wine, bread, cheeses and more.

Book + Bottle

Sip some vino and hash out allegories and narrative structure with literary-minded cohorts in a new bookstore bar opening in St. Pete this spring. Not sure what to read? Not to worry: The staff recommends monthly wine and book pairings. According to the Book + Bottle website, the new venue curates the best in literary fiction, celebrity book club picks, bestsellers, and other mind-opening reading material. Additionally, there are small sections dedicated to women, local lit, and Russian lit (as a tribute to St. Petersburg’s founding father, Peter Demens from St.  Petersburg, Russia). No opening date is scheduled yet, but the website says “early 2020.”

Two Shepherds Taproom

Tampa's first and, so far, only indoor and outdoor dog bar and park will soon be available by the day for $7; monthly memberships are available for $25 and annual memberships cost $250. Human customers can enjoy craft brews from 20 rotating taps and a respectable selection of wines. Their furry counterparts can romp around in 7,000-square-feet of indoor, air-conditioned play space. The taproom will be centrally located off Dale Mabry next to Al Lopez Field. Proof of vaccinations required. Upload documents to the Two Shepherds Taproom website. An opening date is expected to be announced soon.

Sunshine Kitty Catfe

Cats finally have their moment away from dog bars that are more common. But you don’t bring your pet kitties here. You (shhh!) hang out with other furry friends. St. Pete's first feline haunt has cats on-site and offers opportunities to adopt a cat and take one home. The Catfe’s purpose, according to Founder Amanda “AJ” Jones, is to supply a cage-free foster home for cats while they await adoption. The Sunshine Kitty Catfe is partnering with Friends of Strays, a no-kill animal shelter in St. Petersburg, to provide their future guests with the opportunity to give a forever home to a pretty kitty.

Sundial food hall

The developers behind the Heights Public Market at Tampa’s Armature Works are crossing the Bay to open a new food hall in part of downtown St. Petersburg’s Sundial. The 25,000-square-foot space at 153 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, will include the real estate occupied by Locale Market and FarmTable Cucina and is slated to be completed by the end of 2020. “We’re reimagining the whole space,” says Eric Blankenship, Armature Works’ chief marketing officer. “I wouldn’t expect to see the same food concepts as (Armature Works). The plan will be to have all-new, unique concepts for St. Petersburg residents.”

Busch Gardens & Adventure Island

No more teeth-rattling on a wooden coaster. The Iron Gwazi steel roller coaster expects to open in the Spring at Busch Gardens Tampa. It is being built and designed by Rocky Mountain Construction using RMC's patented I-Box Track technology. The coaster will be 206 feet tall at its peak and features a 91-degree drop and speeds up to 76 mph. Adventure Island plans to celebrate its 40-year anniversary with the launch of America’s first dual tailspin water slide. Solar Vortex will have a 52-foot tower and send you whooshing up to 20 mph.

Dunedin Stadium

Hand-picked as the Spring Training home for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977, Dunedin has rallied to remain the Canadian team’s home away from home. The renovated and upgraded TD Ballpark will be home to the Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training and the Dunedin Blue Jays under a new 25-year lease agreement between the Blue Jays, the City of Dunedin, Pinellas County, and the state of Florida. The renovated stadium is slated to open to the public on February 24.

Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park

Florida's first snow park will open in Dade City next to TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park at 27839 Saint Joe Road in time for next winter. The chilly fun will include snow tubing, snow play, and an Alpine Village. It is scheduled to open in November.

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https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/josh-barnett-vs-jon-moxley-official-josh-barnett-s-bloodsport-iii

Josh Barnett vs. Jon Moxley Official For Josh Barnett's Bloodsport III

The highly anticipated bout between Josh Barnett and Jon Moxley is official for Josh Barnett's Bloodsport III on Apr. 2.

The two men were set to clash at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport II on September 14, 2019, but the bout was canceled after Moxley suffered a MRSA infection in his elbow. Both Barnett and Moxley promised they would reschedule the bout and they made good on their promise, bringing the fight to WrestleMania 36 weekend in Tampa, FL.

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗
✔
@JoshLBarnett
 The match you've waited for

Barnett vs @JonMoxley

Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport III
4/2 from The Cuban Club in Ybor City

Get your tickets now! http://Bloodsport2020.eventbrite.com

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Josh Barnett's Bloodsport III is part of GCW The Collective and will take place at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. Bloodsport is a mix of wrestling and MMA where matches take place in a ring with no ropes and end via (T)KO or submission. The only other competitor announced for the Bloodsport is ROH and NJPW star Jeff Cobb.

More announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

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https://www.ringsidenews.com/2020/01/14/jon-moxley-confirmed-for-wrestlemania-weekend-match/

JON MOXLEY CONFIRMED FOR WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND MATCH

Jon Moxley was set to wrestle Josh Barnett at Bloodsport a few months ago, but a MRSA infection in his elbow kept him out of that match. He also had to cancel his All Out contest against Kenny Omega. Now Mox is feeling much better.

Josh Barnett has confirmed that he will throw down with Jon Moxley at the upcoming Bloodsport event in Tampa, Florida on WrestleMania weekend.

The match you’ve waited for Barnett vs @JonMoxley. Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport III 4/2 from The Cuban Club in Ybor City. Get your tickets now!

The Bloodsport event, named in honor of the film, is an MMA/pro wrestling/shoot style event where you never know what kind of match you’ll next. Mox vs Barnett should be a very stiff affair.

AEW has stated in the past that they are going to stay away from running WrestleMania weekend events.

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗
✔
@JoshLBarnett
 The match you've waited for

Barnett vs @JonMoxley

Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport III
4/2 from The Cuban Club in Ybor City

Get your tickets now! http://Bloodsport2020.eventbrite.com

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10:35 PM - Jan 13, 2020
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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/01/14/jollibee-the-filipino-fast-food-joint-with-a-cult.html

Jollibee, the Filipino fast food joint with a cult following, will open its first Tampa Bay location

The Tampa Bay region will be among the few dozen U.S. metros that are home to a Jollibee by the end of the week.

Jollibee, a Filipino fast-food chain, will open its 40th location in the U.S. in Pinellas Park on Friday, the company said. It describes its fare as "as a joyous mash-up of Western comfort food and Asian flavors."

The restaurant at 4057 Park Blvd. N will open its doors at 7 a.m. Friday, with giveaway events for the first people in line. Jollibee's first Florida location opened in Jacksonville in 2017.

Jollibee said in a statement that Pinellas Park "is known for its diverse food scene with Southern and Latin American influences." The company opened its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles in 2019 and has ambitions of reaching 150 U.S. locations by 2023.

In April 2019, CNBC explored "why everyone is obsessed with Jollibee." The restaurant is best known for its Chickenjoy, a crispy, juicy fried chicken made with a secret marinade. Its sweet spaghetti is also a customer favorite.

New and growing restaurant concepts are a key driver of new retail developments, with retail developers relying on restaurants to fill space that was once was occupied by traditional retailers. Beyond Jollibee, Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar, Chicken Salad Chick and First Watch are among the concepts opening new locations in the Tampa Bay region.

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https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/01/14/manchester-united-and-inter-miami-compete-for-agustin-almendra/

Manchester United and Inter Miami Compete for Agustin Almendra

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https://www.statesman.com/sports/20200114/soccer-notebook-lsquoaustin-fc-dayrsquo-celebration-planned-for-wednesday

Soccer notebook: ‘Austin FC Day’ celebration planned for Wednesday

Don’t Expect Orlando City’s Draft Picks to Play for Orlando City B

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https://www.themaneland.com/2020/1/13/21061808/dont-expect-orlando-citys-draft-picks-to-play-for-orlando-city-b

Don’t Expect Orlando City’s Draft Picks to Play for Orlando City B

OCB is a development team for Orlando City but the recent draftees may play elsewhere.

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https://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2020/01/13/orlando-city-sc-signs-brazilian-midfielder-j-nior-urso

Orlando City SC Signs Brazilian Midfielder Júnior Urso

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/10721986/celtic-lewis-morgan-inter-miami-transfer/

GOING STATESIDE Celtic star Lewis Morgan ‘accepts Inter Miami deal’ with winger set to join MLS side

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https://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/2020/01/13/ex-sunderland-winger-lewis-morgan-set-to-join-inter-miami/

Ex-Sunderland winger Lewis Morgan set to join Inter Miami

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http://www.scotzine.com/2020/01/back-page-bulletin-morgans-miami-move-hearts-dons-in-transfer-clash-gers-teen-returns-cadden-cash-row/

BACK PAGE BULLETIN: MORGAN’S MIAMI MOVE, HEARTS, DONS IN TRANSFER CLASH, GERS TEEN RETURNS, CADDEN CASH ROW

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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2020/01/the-mls-youth-movement-continues.html

THE MLS YOUTH MOVEMENT CONTINUES

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/12/five-top-under-radar-signings-mls-offseason-greg-seltzer

Five top under-the-radar signings in MLS this offseason | Greg Seltzer

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/espn-copa-del-rey-2020-us-streaming-rights

ESPN+ scores US Copa del Rey rights

OTT service to show 65 Spanish soccer cup games per season.

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https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/Soccer/2020/01/13/Los-Angeles-Galaxy-in-talks-to-bring-Chicharito-to-MLS/5981578926033/

Los Angeles Galaxy in talks to bring 'Chicharito to MLS

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https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2020/01/13/espn-gets-copa-del-rey-rights-in-us/

ESPN+ gets Copa del Rey rights in US

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https://www.telecompaper.com/news/espn-to-air-spains-copa-del-rey-more-live-sports-in-spanish--1322465

ESPN+ to air Spain's Copa del Rey, more live sports in Spanish

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https://www.sportsvideo.org/2020/01/13/espn-lands-rights-to-copa-del-rey-expands-lineup-of-live-sports-available-in-spanish/

ESPN+ Lands Rights to Copa Del Rey, Expands Lineup of Live Sports Available in Spanish

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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2020/01/13/yuya-kubo-new-fc-cincinnati-player-impact-japanese-local-community/4454652002/

Here's how FC Cincinnati's signing of Yuya Kubo makes MLS history

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https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/beckham-threatens-man-utd-plans-for-boca-juniors-wonderkid-almendra-4311462

Beckham threatens Man Utd plans for Boca Juniors wonderkid Almendra

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/13/extratime-dreaming-chicharito-la-galaxy-paul-tenorio-other-moves

Extratime: Dreaming of Chicharito to the LA Galaxy, Paul Tenorio on other moves