Navigating By Foot Just Got Easier
IKE Smart City interactive kiosks have come to Tampa to help residents and visitors navigate the city. They also offer a Wi-Fi hotspot, information about the city and an emergency call system. When not in use, the kiosks will display community art and commercial messaging. Over 20 kiosks are being installed throughout the city.
Water Street Tampa Lands International Restaurant
Modern Asian restaurant Wagamama plans to open in early 2022 in Tampa. The international establishment has over 200 locations and will stake its first Florida destination at the base of 1050 Water Street, a future residential development. Wagamama will offer signature noodle dishes, ramen, shareables and craft cocktails.
Boba & Waffle Shop Opens
Gong Cha, a bubble tea, coffee and juice bar, recently opened near Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. The new spot offers sweet drinks and bubble waffles in flavors such as matcha and brown sugar ginger. Gong Cha, which is in four states, invites customers to customize their drinks right down to the sweetness and amount of ice.
Another Ride-Sharing Option Arrives
The Texas-based ride-sharing app Hitch just made its way to Tampa, along with other Florida cities. Founders Kush Singh and Tanuj Girish aim to provide a cheaper alternative to intercity travel that fills the 50- to 350-mile gap missed by other transportation options. The company plans to hire over a thousand Florida drivers in the upcoming months.
I Scream For Boozy Ice Cream
One of Southwest Florida’s oldest ice cream parlors, Ice Sssscreamin, has opened another location, on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The parlor serves homemade ice cream, shakes, Italian ice and sorbet. Ice Sssscreamin also offers “tipsy scoops” soaked in bourbon or rum, along with imported ingredients from Italy. The flavors range from classic to unique, with white chocolate raspberry and rum raisin.
NASA Scopes Out Air Taxi Spots
NASA identified downtown Tampa and Westshore as two promising locations for air taxis in Hillsborough County. The recent study was funded by the Florida Legislature. German air taxi company Lilium is in talks with Tampa to build launch sites for the short trips. This could help speed up commutes between major Florida cities in the future.
New Korean Fast Food Option
Sa Ri One Kitchen recently welcomed its third location in Tampa. Aiming to make this spot a more fast-casual restaurant, Sa Ri serves authentic dishes, such as Bi Bim Bob, along with premade grab-and-go meals, including red bean buns. The restaurant also serves drinks, such as rice punch, cinnamon punch and coffee.
High-Five This Tampa University
Niche ranked the University of South Florida (USF) as the fourth best college in the state in its 2022 rankings. USF received an A+ for student life and an A for academics, diversity, professors and athletics. The college got an A- for its campus food and its party scene, and a B for its dorm life, location and safety.
