🌱 $3 Million Affordable Housing Grant + 4th Of July Breaks Record

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Tampa and I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including news on:

• Tampa broke its 4th of July record temperature at 97 degrees amid a heat advisory.
• Beachgoers were undeterred on Independence Day as Tampa area beaches witnessed record crowds.
• USF is working on a plan to boost Black student enrollment after declining admission numbers.

But first, today's weather:

Hot; a p.m. t-storm or two. High: 96 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa-area beaches enjoyed a busy 4th of July holiday with visitors and locals alike enjoying the sunny Florida weather. Parking did not deter visitors from enjoying the sand and waves. Siesta Key Beach's parking lot was full by 8:30 a.m., according to officials. (Fox 13 Tampa)
2. Mirada Lagoon in Dade City offered an alternative to busy beaches on 4th of July in Dade City. The new lagoon offers a refreshing place to go during the hot summer months for a daily fee, although residents can visit for free. The lagoons use the latest technology to keep the water looking crystal clear. (ABC Action News)
3. Three Tampa natives with the Pittman Design Group have been awarded a $3 million grant to help address affordable housing in Ybor City. City of Tampa is seeking developers who want to assist create more housing and support the community. The construction of ten affordable housing units is currently underway. (Bay News 9)
4. The University of South Florida (USF) is working to address declining enrollment of Black students at the university. Consulting firm Ruffalo Noel Levitz is working with the university to develop a plan to boost enrollment. No specifics have been identified by USF in the plan. (USF Oracle)
5. City of Tampa broke its 4th of July temperature record this year at 97 degrees. The previous record was 96 degrees in 1998. The record-breaking moment came amid a heat advisory for the area. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

Wednesday, July 5

• Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful's After the 4th Cleanup at Davis Islands Boat Ramp. (8 a.m.)
• Mayor's Food Truck Fiesta at Lykes Gaslight Park. (11 a.m.)
• Happy Hour at Ocean Prime Tampa. (4 p.m.)
• Art Open Studio at Life Enrichment Center. (6 p.m.)
• Run Club at Armature Works. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Here’s a look back at some of the fun we had at this year’s Boom By The Bay on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who joined us." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "Join us next Tuesday, July 11 at New Testament Worship Center for our Town Hall Tuesdays. TPD personnel including District 3 officers will be there to answer your questions. The Town Hall starts at 6:30 p.m., we hope to see you there." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• A federal judge blocked part of a new Florida election law on Monday. The law bans non-citizens from handling or or collecting voter registration forms, among other restrictions. The NAACP and other groups are suing the state over the legislation signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. (WFLA)

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Featured events:

• Dunedin Orange Festival (July 8)
• Stained Glass Classes with Freeda (July 17)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com