🌱 7venth Sun Closing Seminole Heights Location + MORPH'D Gallery

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening locally. Including news on...

• A former Bucs player survived a vehicle fire on Tuesday in Tampa.
• The Florida Aquarium is opening its new MORPH'D gallery to visitors this week.
• 7venth Sun Brewery is shutting down its Seminole Heights location in Tampa.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the a.m. High: 97 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette safely escaped his vehicle after it caught on fire on I-275 Tuesday. The incident happened on northbound I-275 at the Fowler Avenue overpass at 10:35 a.m. No one else was harmed in the incident. (Tampa Patch)
2. Former state legislator and realtor Dean Saunders is lamenting a state budget veto by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Saunders is based in Lakeland. The funding was a priority for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. The influx of residents to Florida is putting pressure on rural Florida. Stakeholders said the vote could have implications for the 2024 election. (WUSF)
3. The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa is opening its new MORPH’D gallery to visitors this week. The gallery features 18 species from around the world with special adaptations. It is part of an expansion project for the aquarium that will cost $40 million. (WFLA)
4. Clearwater's new music venue, The Sound at Coachman Park, is now open. The city is spending $84 million redeveloping the waterfront area near downtown. The opening concert with 1970s band, Cheap Trick, was held on Wednesday to a sold out show. (WTSP)
5. 7venth Sun Brewery is shutting down its Seminole Heights location in Tampa on Friday, June 30. The closure comes as numerous small businesses shut down in the area. The Dunedin location will remain open, and beer will still be available through a distributor for fans to enjoy. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

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Today in Tampa:

Thursday, June 29

• Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. (10 a.m.)
• Free HIV Testing, Resources at New Walmart Specialty Pharmacy Of Community Brandon. (10 a.m.)
• Canvas Painting For Kids at John F. Germany Public Library. (11 a.m.)
• Bingo Night at Two Shepherds Taproom. (7 p.m.)
• The Cure at Amalie Arena. (7 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We have acquired a second-round pick, 37th overall, in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Ross Colton." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Krewe, come see your Bucs at training camp this summer ‼️ Learn more. ➡️ bccn.rs/3XvKWMN." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Joining us for Boom by the Bay this Saturday? We recommend parking at the Fort Brooke or Poe Parking Garages and taking the free Jolley Trolley to Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. The shuttle service will run from 3:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Summer BreakSpot provides free, nutritious meals to kids and teens under 18 while schools are closed. Find a Summer BreakSpot near you by visiting: SummerBreakSpot.com." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Free HIV Testing, Resources At New Walmart Specialty Pharmacy Of Community (June 29)
• Bingo Night At Two Shepherds Taproom (June 29)
• Improv Show To Celebrate Pride Month (June 30)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 1)
• Stained Glass Classes with Freeda (July 17)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - Sizzling Summer Sale!! (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another 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