Heroic Bartender Goes Viral+Fireworks Shortage+Downtown Shop Sold

Good Morning. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Tampa area with Patch News.

In this issue, you’ll learn about a St. Petersburg bartender going viral, a warning from fireworks providers, the end of an era in Ybor City, the sale of an iconic downtown Tampa shop, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 92 and the low is 76 with scattered thunderstorms. The chance of rain is 40%.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. Looking for 4th of July events in Tampa? Here’s a list of shows, parades, and other celebrations compiled by us. (Patch)

2. An iconic Tampa wig shop has been sold to The Accardi brothers in a $2.75 million deal. The store had been in the space for nearly 50 years. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

3. Cephas Gilbert, who spent 38 years in Ybor City selling Jamaican food and juices, has moved on to running an organic farm on South 56th Street. (Tampa Bay Times)

4. A St. Petersburg bartender is going viral for noticing two women being harassed by a fellow patron and stepping in to help them out. (WTSP)

5. Tampa Bay residents are facing a fireworks shortage ahead of the 4th of July due to global shipping challenges. Sellers are asking people to buy early if they are planning to celebrate. (Tampa Bay Times)

Today in Tampa:

• Barrio Latino Commission Hearing at Old City Hall. (9 a.m.)
• Ybor Community Advisory Committee/Ybor City Development Corporation Meeting. In-person or virtual participation allowed. (4 p.m.)
• City of Tampa Citizens Review Board For The Tampa Police Department meeting at Old City Hall. (6 p.m.)
• Family Cheap Skate Night at United Skates of America. (6 p.m.)
• Musical Bingo at Sparkman Wharf. (7 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• American Airlines continues to cancel hundreds of flights nationwide including multiple flights out of Tampa International Airport.
• Florida ranks 28th in the nation for COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 12 and up.
• The IRS has opened a non-filer portal for child tax credit registration. The credits will begin in July.
• Pinellas County is adding two early voting sites after high voter turnout.

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That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Tampa. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: tampadaily@patch.com

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Tampa area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.