🌱 Bat Infestation Rattles Brandon Restaurant + Clearwater Boa Capture

Morning, friends! I'm here with your Tuesday edition of the Tampa Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• A Tampa chef is offering dim sum for delivery on Saturdays as well as catering.
• Clearwater Police Officer Devin Matheny captured a 5-foot boa constrictor on Monday in a restaurant.
• A Brandon resident is complaining about a bat infestation in her apartment building and not finding help in her situation.

But first, today's weather: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 87 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Clearwater Police Officer Devin Matheny captured a 5-foot-long red-tailed boa constrictor inside El Rincon Boricua Mexican restaurant on Monday morning at around 5 a.m. The snake was taken to Tampa Bay Specialists and Emergency Care. The officer said she preferred snakes to spiders. (Clearwater Patch)
2. Orlando-based Hamburger Mary's, which once had numerous locations throughout Tampa Bay, filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday after DeSantis signed legislation targeting drag shows and the LGTBQ community. The business, which is known for its drag shows, said the law is a violation of the First Amendment rights of the business and Freedom of Speech. Florida is facing numerous lawsuits around the First Amendment at the moment including a lawsuit from Walt Disney Company. (WFLA)
3. A resident in Brandon who lives at Woodberry Woods apartment complex is concerned about a bat infestation in her building. The resident said she has health concerns and showed ABC a video of bats allegedly flying out of a part of building. Hillsborough County said they cannot do anything about the infestation because it is mating season between April 15 and Aug. 15 for bats. (ABC Action News)
4. The University of South Florida (USF) College of Behavioral and Community Services along with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is planning to offer a free course that lasts seven sessions on mental health in the workplace. The free course will begin on June 12 and is open to the public. The dean of the college hopes the course can help companies save money by identifying and addressing mental health early. (Business Observer)
5. Heritage Dim Sum in Wesley Chapel is offering three generations of dim sum through delivery and catering as well as a monthly market at Felicitous in Tampa. Owner Meishan Lu went to culinary school in Miami. Orders can be placed online for dim sum and are delivered Saturdays. (WTSP)

Today in Tampa:

• Crochet Buddies at Bruton Memorial Library. (3 p.m.)
• COMPASS Young Professionals Tampa Bay Launch Party. (6 p.m.)
• Bonsai & Brews at Zydeco Brew Werks. (7 p.m.)
• Music Bingo at Midtown Tampa. (7 p.m.)
• Trivia Tuesday at Sparkman Wharf. (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "We recently celebrated new nonstop service from TPA to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo aboard Frontier Airlines. (And that means TWO cakes!) It’s never been easier to visit the DR." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Staff writer Brianna Dix sat down with first-round pick Calijah Kancey to break down the way he sees the game." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Summer officially kicks off next week at HSTB with the start of Critter Camp. Critter Camp has been sold out, but two spots were added for the week of May 30. Sign your kids up to have the best week with the animals." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "On Thursday, May 25, Tampa City Council is hosting a Workshop Meeting at 9 a.m. and a Quasi-Judicial and Land Use Hearing at 5:01 p.m. See the agendas at tampa.gov/CityCouncil Watch at tampa.gov/livestream." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

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• FREE WEBINAR | "Ten Beautiful Italian Cities" (May 23)
• Understanding Social Security - Free Online Course (May 24)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 26)
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• Memorial Day Service (May 29)
• Social Security Webinar on May 30th and 31st (May 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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