🌱 Charges Dropped Against Tampa Man In Voter Fraud Probe + Turkey Day

Hi all. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Tampa Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today, including:

• ⚖️ Charges have been dropped against a Tampa man caught up in a controversial voter fraud investigation launched by Gov. Ron DeSantis that targeted 20 former felons.
• 🗳️ Hillsborough County's new Republican-led commission was sworn-in on Tuesday.
• 🦃 Publix released their touching Thanksgiving ads this week for all to cry about.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a shower. High: 79 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The majority of Hillsborough County offices and facilities will close on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no trash, recycling or yard waste pick-up on Nov. 24. Regular hours will resume on Nov. 25. (Tampa Patch)

2. Charges have been dropped against Tony Patterson, a Tampa man swept up in the arrest of 20 people last August over a controversial voter fraud program launched by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that targeted ex-felons who voted. DeSantis held several press conferences attacking widespread voter fraud during the midterm elections, without evidence. Legal experts noted at the time that the cases would be very difficult to prove in court since the ex-felons were issued voter cards by the state of Florida and onus would be on the state to prove intent to commit fraud. (WTSP)

3. The Hillsborough County Commission has a Republican majority after the 2022 midterm election for the first time quite a while. A swearing-in ceremony was held at Frederick B. Karl County Center on Tuesday. (Tampa Patch)

4. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) arrested a man who allegedly threatened to burn down St. Joseph's Hospital on Monday night. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect is facing a charge of felony fleeing to elude, according to police. (ABC Action News)

5. Lakeland-based grocery giant Publix debuted its annual wholesome Thanksgiving Day commercials this week. One ad called "A recipe for what matters," features a mother and daughter preparing Thanksgiving meals and being reunited over a video call. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Turkey Trot On The Riverwalk at Publix GreenWise Market Water Street Tampa. (9 a.m.)
• 1 Million Cups Tampa at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Macs Thanksgiving Eve Party at MacDinton's Irish Pub. (4 p.m.)
• Wednesday Cyber Skate at Skateworld of Tampa. (6 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Eve/Grass Is Grunge at Independent Bar and Cafe. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Police Department shared: "It’s with our deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of K9 Indo, who passed away earlier today. He was a great K9 and even better partner to K9 Officer T. Bergman." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Our offensive line distributed 1,000 Thanksgiving meals at the 16th annual Turkey Time with the O-Line, presented by Publix and supported by Peoples Gas. 🦃🙏 📰" (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Winter Village is bringing all the holiday vibes to kick off the season. Check out these great photos by Kimberly DeFalco." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "THANKSGIVING HOURS 🐾 The shelter and animal hospital will be closing at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be CLOSED Thursday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving! From our paws to yours, have a wonderful holiday!" (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com