🌱 Activists Call For Tampa Police Reforms + Tampa Bay Times Layoffs

Hello, friends. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally. Including updates on...

• Activists gathered in downtown Tampa this weekend to call for local police reforms after the death of Tyre Nichols.
• Newspaper staff layoffs have arrived at the Tampa Bay Times for the first time in nearly three years.
• Hillsborough County Public Schools is facing scrutiny by state officials over an LGBT book at Pierce Middle School.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny, showers around. High: 79 Low: 60.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Florida seeks to require high school athletes to submit their menstrual period information to the the state, creating data privacy concerns for parents. Florida High School Athletic Association will address the issue in the next few weeks, impacting locals in Tampa Bay as well. A decision is expected by the end of the month by the board, which is comprised of 14 men and two women. (Bay News 9)
2. The Tampa Bay Community Action Committee gathered in downtown Tampa this weekend after the tragic death of Tyre Nichols. Organizers said the gathering was meant as a day of remembrance and a call to action for the community. Activists called for the Tampa City Council to bring an independent board over the Tampa Police Department (TPD). (ABC Action News)
3. Hillsborough County Public Schools is facing scrutiny by Florida state officials over a challenge at Pierce Middle School over a book called "This Book Is Gay," which state officials have labeled "obscene." Hillsborough County Superintendent Addison Davis said the district is working to address the concerns of Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, an elected Republican from Palm Coast. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: ABC Action News)
4. Tampa Bay Times has laid off two full-time staffers and two part-time staffers. The layoffs come amid relative calm at the paper over the last three years. It is unclear who was impacted by the cuts at the local newspaper. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Shumaker Partner and Public Sector Chair Andy Mayts has been elected to the University of South Florida (USF) Financing Corporation Board, according to Florida Politics. Mayts is a USF alumnus and a former director of the USF Alumni Association and former chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board. (Florida Politics)

Today in Tampa:

• Market At Water Street. (9 a.m.)
• Fresh Market at Hyde Park. (10 a.m.)
• Yoga In The Park at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. (10:30 a.m.)
• Monster Jam at Raymond James Stadium. (3 p.m.)
• Guest Artist: Paul Barnes, Piano at The University Of Tampa College Of Arts And Letters. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The University Of Tampa shared: "Nicolette Barone, a part-time faculty member at UT was named the Teacher of the Year by the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Congrats, Nicolette. " (The University of Tampa via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "One week left to register for the 2nd Annual Race for Education 5K at a discounted rate! Join us on April 1, 2023, to improve mental and physical wellness while supporting our students, teachers, and district initiatives." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Community News: New craft cocktail bar, Bouzy, debuts in Hyde Park Village!🍹 ✅" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 6)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at John F. Germany Library on February 7th & 8th (February 7)
• Hope Spot Festival (February 11)
• Valentine's Day Dance Party| Live Music (February 14)
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For sale:

• Tarot Card Read Readings & Home or Office Energy Cleansings! (Details)
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Gigs & services:

• Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning offers LifeCare Plans in United States. (Details)
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Housing:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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