🌱 Bucs WR Russell Gage Seriously Injured + USF Class Action Lawsuit

Hello, friends. I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's issue includes:

• A federal judge has approved a class action lawsuit against the University of South Florida over fees collected during an earlier COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
• Bucs WR Russell Gage has suffered a serious and potentially season-ending injury.
• Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw has created a deputy chief of Community Outreach and Professional Standards role.

But first, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 90 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The Florida state legislature will consider whether to pay $1.5 million to a Pasco man permanently injured in school bus crash back in 2006. The legislature has been attempting to pay the man since 2010. The man cannot walk, has lost his vision in one eye and can no longer smell. (Florida Politics)
2. The Association for Pediatric Vision with Lions World Vision Institute in Tampa is launching a free vision screening curriculum. Caregivers can benefit from also obtaining a certification in the process. Those interested in the training can sign-up online. (Tampa Patch)
3. Tampa Bay Bucs wide receiver (WR) Russell Gage suffered from serious and potentially season-ending injury to his knee this week during training ahead of the NFL football season. The Bucs posted a video where head coach Todd Bowles explained the injury to supporters. Gage was hospitalized last football season after a neck injury and concussion. (WFLA)
4. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw has created a deputy chief of Community Outreach and Professional Standards role at the Tampa Police Department (TPD). The position will aim to boost the connection between police and the local community. TPD is also focusing on Town Hall Tuesdays to strengthen local bonds. (Fox 13)
5. Students could get refunds from the University of South Florida (USF) after a federal judge approved a class action lawsuit stating that a refund to fees is owed after a COVID-19 shutdown early in the pandemic. It is one of several cases happening across the country and in Florida. (WTSP)

Business owners and marketers in Tampa: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in Tampa:

Thursday, August 17

• Mommy & Me: Stroller Sculpt at Midtown Tampa. (9 a.m.)
• Friends Of The Riverview Public Library Monthly Meeting. (1 p.m.)
• Recording Studio Orientation at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Art On The House at Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)
• Third Thursdays With Fifth Third Bank at 7th + Grove. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa was awarded $10,000 from the Florida Humanities Council as part of the Greater Good: Humanities in Academia grant to go toward UT’s Center for José Martí Studies Affiliate (CJMSA)." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Our City of Tampa Homeownership event is back. 🏘️ Attend this free event to learn about the home-buying process with industry experts and the financial assistance programs that may be available to you. 🗓️: Sept. 9 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "Tampa City Council is hosting two meetings today, Thursday, Aug. 17: A Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting at 9 a.m. A Quasi-Judicial and Land Use Hearing at 5:01 p.m. See the agendas at: tampagov/CityCouncil." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Fashion's Finest Tampa Bay™ (August 18)
• "Francine Wolf: Please Don't Tell My Kids!" - A solo storytelling show (August 19)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Attention Retirees: Take Control Of Your Financial Future With Precious Metals Today! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning 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