Tampa Bay News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

The U.S. Department of Agricultures final food security report has left nonprofits like United Way Suncoast in Tampa Bay scrambling for data. Aaron Neal, their director of data analysis, relies on these reports to track food insecurity, particularly among working households. With around 30-40% of Florida households struggling with food needs tied to SNAP benefits, the loss of this data could erase the problem instead of solving it. The impact extends beyond nonprofits, affecting businesses and grant writers who use the data to secure funding. Now, analysts are turning to census data and local partners to fill the gaps, but the loss of this national overview makes it tougher to direct resources where theyre needed most. Checkout Solipillow.com

Thousands gather in Tampa to protest ICE operations, linking Renee Goods death to broader issues. Protesters demand an end to the 287(g) program, which allows local police to partner with ICE on immigration matters. The rally remains peaceful, with another protest planned for January 20th. Checkout Solipillow.com

AquaFence, a Norwegian company known for its life-saving flood barricades, is considering Tampa as the new home for its U.S. headquarters. The companys chief revenue officer, Patrik Hansson, praised Tampas business-friendly environment, universities, and welcoming atmosphere. Tampa tied for fifth place in a recent survey of top spots for business headquarters, with factors like tax policy and workforce quality ranking high. AquaFence plans to maintain a presence in the Northeast while expanding in Tampa, with no final move date announced. Checkout Solipillow.com

Main Street, the company behind FanDuel Sports broadcasts, faces potential shutdown after emerging from bankruptcy. DAZNs withdrawal from acquisition talks leaves the networks future uncertain. Multiple MLB teams have terminated contracts, seeking better deals. Floridas mental health programs show promising results. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tampa City Council to Vote on Mirasol Building Rezoning: From Apartment Complex to Boutique Hotel The Tampa City Council is set to decide on a rezoning request for the historic Mirasol building on Davis Islands, transforming it from a fifty-eight-unit apartment complex into a boutique hotel. Owners Frank and Lindsey Carreira propose up to one hundred eighteen hotel rooms, twelve condominium units, extra parking, a restaurant, and a coffee bar. The Mirasol, originally built in nineteen twenty-six, aims to restore its exterior while adding condos on the north lot. The conversion is intended to preserve the building long-term, following recent hurricane damage and potential future storms. Checkout Solipillow.com

Naha Oliveros, a ten-year-old dancer from Tampa, is among hundreds of young talents at the Youth American Grand Prix, often dubbed the American Idol of dance. This week-long competition offers auditions, workshops, and feedback from top judges, with younger dancers seeking scholarships and older ones aiming for job offers. The public can watch most of the event for free, with Saturdays gala show featuring ballet stars. Meanwhile, new mental health programs in Florida are showing promising results, as reported by Scott Burgess from the Florida Behavioral Health Association. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tragedy strikes at Cebu City landfill: A massive garbage collapse traps workers, leaving one dead and dozens missing. Rescue efforts ongoing, with local leaders providing support and search teams working tirelessly to find the missing. Checkout Solipillow.com

Two wounded in Portland shooting involving federal agents, FBI takes lead; separate incident in Minneapolis leaves one dead; both agencies under Department of Homeland Security. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tampa Bay Rays Edwin Uceta Heads to Arbitration Hearing; Team Has $15-20M Left to Spend After a flurry of deals and trades, the Tampa Bay Rays have just ten arbitration-eligible players remaining, with right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta being the only holdout. Uceta, who posted a 3.79 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 76 innings last season, is now set for an arbitration hearing with the team. Analysts had projected him for a $4M salary, but both sides will make their case for his 2026 salary. With Ucetas deal still pending, the Rays have $15-20M left to spend on starting pitching help and another bat, particularly to fill the void at second base following Brandon Lowes trade to Pittsburgh and ongoing needs at catcher. Checkout Solipillow.com