🌱 Buy Buy Baby Shutting Down + South Tampa Sweet Dog Bakery Now Open

Morning, friends! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your fresh edition of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including...

• A judge has allowed a case from Black Lives Matter organizer Marlowe Jones suing New Port Richey in civil court to proceed forward.
• Buy Buy Baby is closing all its locations including in Tampa Bay and the rest of Florida.
• Sweet Dog Tampa Bakery is now open in South Tampa.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 92 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Buy Buy Baby is closing all its locations, including those throughout Florida and the Tampa area. The Brandon location is the closest to Tampa and is located at 11345 Causeway Blvd. Liquidation sales have started already. (Florida Patch)
2. A judge is allowing New Port Richey Black Lives Matter organizer Marlowe Jones to sue City of New Port Richey for damages. Jones was acquitted of charges filed by police against the organizer of felony obstruction and battery on a law enforcement officer and is suing the city in civil court. Jones is suing for $2 million in damages. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. Florida Highway Patrol is seeking a speeding Tesla Model 3 driver who seriously injured a driver on a motorcycle early Sunday morning on the Gandy Bridge and then fled the scene of the crash, according to authorities. The car was seized as evidence and investigators are now seeking the identity of the driver, FHP said. Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement. (St. Pete Patch)
4. The controversial Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security created by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made 1,479 criminal referrals during its first year. One of the only guilty pleas came from Tampa. Democrats are accusing DeSantis of using the office to attempt to intimidate minorities from voting. The office has cost taxpayers over $2.6 million so far from the state budget. (WUSF, Tampa Bay Times)
5. Sweet Dog Tampa Bakery has opened in South Tampa. The opening for the bakery was attended by City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. It is located at 212 West Platt St. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. (99.5 QYK, Fox 13)

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Today in Tampa:

Tuesday, July 18

• Fossils: Clues Of The Past at Port Tampa City Library. (11 a.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• Bodybar Pilates & Bubbles at Hotel Haya. (6 p.m.)
• Ann Napolitano Live | HELLO BEAUTIFUL BOOK TOUR at Oxford Exchange. (6:30 p.m.)
• Hillsborough County Esports — Video Game Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Take your landscaping skills to the next level. Sign up for our virtual 'Level Up Your Landscape Workshop' on July 18 at 11 a.m. Use the 9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles to turn your yard into a sustainable garden oasis." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Would you support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in your neighborhood? We are considering further expanding the areas where ADUs are allowed in our city." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Rene's Mexican Kitchen is expanding to Ybor City. The second location will be at 2802 N. 16th St. in North Ybor. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
• Activists in Pinellas County joined together on Saturday to protest a $17 million increase in funding for St. Petersburg Police. The protest was held outside President Barack Obama Main Library, which is under construction. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• The Bullard Family Foundation is giving away more than 30,000 backpacks to families in need on July 29 at Raymond James Stadium. The annual event is put on in partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and presented by AdventHealth, Fran Haasch Law Group and Skanska. (That's So Tampa)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 19)
• Free Dinner Seminar July 19 at Outback Steakhouse (July 19)
• TAMPA BAY JOBLINK 2023 Job Fair! (July 20)
• Navigating the new Estate Planning Rules - Private Online Course (July 27)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live! (August 5)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! See you all tomorrow morning for another 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