🌱 AP Psychology Returns To Hillsborough Co. + World Car Free Day

Morning, neighbors! Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• World Car Free Day is coming to Tampa for the first time on Sept. 23.
• Bavaro's is expanding from Tampa to Pinellas County.
• AP Psychology has been restored to Hillsborough County Public Schools after weeks of confusion amid a fight between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the College Board.

But first, today's weather: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 93 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Tampa man has been arrested by authorities after police said he drove the wrong way on North Albany Avenue in Tampa. Police used the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle after the driver refused to surrender. The suspect has been charged with resisting an officer without violence, giving a false name to law enforcement, possession of counterfeit bills, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing and felony fleeing to elude. (Tampa Patch)
2. Tampa-based Bavaro's is expanding to Clearwater Beach. The new location will be at 468 Mandalay Ave. and has a planned opening by the end of the year. Owner Dan Bavaro is planning to open multiple locations around Florida in the near future. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal, Free: Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. Tampa will celebrate World Car Free Day for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is a collaboration between City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Westshore Alliance, Pedal Power Promoters and Sidewalk Stompers. There will be events in downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and Westshore. (That's So Tampa)
4. Hillsborough County Public Schools has restored AP Psychology to schools after weeks of confusion over the course when the College Board and state leaders publicly battled over course content. The county said the state has now told them they can teach the course. The county plans to reach out to students who were planning to take the course and try to offer the course to them. (WFLA)
5. The Polk County Property Appraiser has fined a man $95,000 for housing the homeless on his property without following housing code. The owner allows homeless residents to setup tents and live in their vehicles and RVs on the property. The homeowner, who was given the land, claims it a plot by the county to take his land away for developers. The county said they are willing to work with the homeowner on a resolution if he stops housing the homeless. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

Wednesday, August 16

• Reduction Printmaking at TMA @ Firehouse. (9:30 a.m.)
• Introduction To Genealogy at North Tampa Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Hillsborough County Esports Themed Night: Mario Party at Northdale Recreation Center. (6:30 p.m.)
• Small Batch Trivia at Zydeco Brew Werks. (7:30 p.m.)
• Open Mic Night at Kava Culture Kava Bar. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "HC Todd Bowles surprised the recipients of the fourth annual Buccaneers Girls in Flag Football Scholarship." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Over the last 2 weeks, our Fix It Fast team has completed 55 project requests. The program focuses on delivering results within 72 hors of receiving a report of potholes, cave-ins, sign, and roadway obstructions, and sign repair." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa is Awesome: "Join us at Hula Bay this Saturday, Aug. 19, for an unforgettable luau experience. Revel in authentic Hawaiian entertainment, savor delectable island cuisine, and in the true spirit of 'Ohana, a portion of the proceeds will go towards the Maui Strong Fund." (South Tampa is Awesome via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Thinking of going solar, but need to learn more? Residents and small businesses within Hillsborough County are eligible to join the Solar United Neighbors Co-Op.☀️" (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good 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