🌱 Alligator Joins Lacrosse Practice At Alonso High + Chiselers Market

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days. Including updates on:

• Businessman Don DeFosset has been appointed to the Tampa Sports Authority .
• The Chiselers Market is coming to the historic Plant Hall at UT on March 11.
• An alligator was captured at lacrosse practice in a viral video at Alonso High School last week.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 79 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. The Chiselers Market is coming on Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to the historic Plant Hall at University of Tampa. The market will feature gently-used household items including furniture, china, silver, collectibles, kitchenware, appliances, and more. The event is free to attend. (That's So Tampa)
2. An alligator was captured on film at lacrosse practice at Alonso High School last Thursday. Several students were on the field at practice when the filming happened. Footage of the encounter went viral on Instagram. (WFLA)
3. Businessman Don DeFosset has been appointed to the Tampa Sports Authority by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeFosset is the founder of DJD Industries and was previously President and CEO of Walter Industries. He is also a trustee at the University of Tampa and is on the Florida Council on Economic Education and the Florida Council of 100. (Florida Politics)
4. Hillsborough County school board members being targeted by Governor Ron DeSantis and Moms For Liberty said they will not be distracted by the political attacks being waged against them. "I was disappointed, but not surprised," said school board member Jessica Vaughn. Neither board member has said whether they will seek re-election. (Fox 13 Tampa)
5. Topgolf Live tour is coming to Tampa's Raymond James Stadium from May 4 to May 7. Tickets are now available. Tickets start at $60 and safety protocols will be used at the event. Spectators are also invited to enjoy the event with friends and induldge in food and drinks. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Creative Writing For Adults at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (2 p.m.)
• School Support Committee Meeting at Temple Terrace City Council. (4 p.m.)
• Beginner Ukulele at Bruton Memorial Library. (5 p.m.)
• Guest Speaker Series: Dr. Gary Mormino at Temple Terrace Public Library. (6 p.m.)
• What's Happening Tonight? Tampa Comedy Show at Cafe Hey. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• More than half of the funding for Janet Cruz's campaign for Tampa City Council is coming from sources outside of Tampa. Meanwhile her opponent, incumbent Lynn Hurtak, has received 70 percent of funding from within Tampa. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Calling parents, grandparents, guardians, and nannies! You are invited to bring your tots to Pets & Tots on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. This program is great for children up to 4 years old." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Tampa City Council is hosting a regular meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 9 a.m.. See the agenda and options for public comment at: https://www.tampa.gov/city-cou..." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, MacDill Ave - Julia St shared: "Lost dog! - Please call if you find her. 813-240-8508 or 813-240-2621." (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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