Charter School Controversy + SiteZeus Deal + Lead Factory Update

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 dead fish in South Tampa, the fight over charter schools in Hillsborough County, a new tech partnership with Tijuana Flats, the latest on the Tampa lead factory debacle, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 87 and the low is 74 with scattered thunderstorms. There is a 60% chance of rain.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. Runners in South Tampa woke up to dead fish along Bayshore Boulevard Tuesday morning. It’s unclear if Red Tide caused the fish to die, but there are high concentrations of it recorded along Macdill. (WFLA)

2. Hillsborough County has 39 low-scoring schools in the district. The county recently came under fire from State education commissioner Richard Corcoran for not approving charter schools this year and legal battles are looming. (Tampa Bay Times)

3. Tijuana Flats has partnered with Tampa-based tech company SiteZeus, joining a list of restaurant giants that work with the firm. It is headquartered at Tampa-based innovation hub, Embarc Collective. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

4. A Tampa lead smelter has had its credit worthiness lowered after a Tampa Bay Times article revealed it had exposed hundreds of workers to extreme amounts of lead. The piece published in March prompted federal regulators to descend on the plant. Moody's cited the federal investigation, high debt levels and limited cash as reasons for the downgrade. (Tampa Bay Times)

5. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez has created a "citizen liaison" position to help guide residents through challenging inquiries related to their property. (Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• Free COVID-19 Vaccine Community Event at Mt. Olive AME Church. (10 a.m.)
• Social Media Day 2021 at The Italian Club. (4:30 p.m.)
• Yoga at the Park. Water Works Park. (6 p.m.)
• Summer Sculpt at Sparkman Wharf - HumanlyWell. (7 p.m.)
• Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning. Stanley Cup Finals Game 2. (8 p.m.)
• Lightning Plaza Party On Ford Thunder Alley Stanley Cup. Amalie Arena. Plaza will open 3 hours prior to puck drop. Must have a ticket to enter the plaza. Standard tailgate sized chairs (20" x 20" seat) are permitted. Outside food and beverages, coolers, bags, and tents are prohibited. (8 p.m.)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Events: BBQ on the Block - Outdoor Market and BBQ at CORNER CLUB TAMPA, All-American BBQ, 6th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest Sponsored by T-Mobile, Sister Hazel In Concert On 4th Of July, Freedom Fest, Tusks to Tails: A Fossil History of Florida, Tampa Theatre's Summer Classics Series

Featured Classified: Other - WANTED: Female Meyers ADULT parrot.

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.