🌱 Cheeseology Opens DIY Cheese Classes + South Tampa Datz Sold

Hey, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town. In today's briefing, we have these stories and more...

• Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care in Tampa was evacuated on Thursday after a toxic gas was released by lithium batteries.
• Cheeseology is a new make-your-own cheese business open in Ybor City.
• Datz and Dough are shutting down in South Tampa after a successful run for over a decade.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 94 Low: 81.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Datz and Dough, one of Tampa's most iconic restaurants, are now closing in South Tampa, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal. It marks the end of an era. A developer purchased the land for new developments in the area for $6.1 million. Other Datz locations will remain open. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal, Creative Loafing Tampa)
2. Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care in Tampa was evacuated on Thursday after toxic gas was released into the air from lithium batteries. An electrical smell was coming from the MRI room at the hospital. Three people were exposed to the gas and taken for care and another 10 people who were exposed were evaluated and cleared by health care officials. (Tampa Patch, WTSP)
3. Cheeseology is a new make-your-own cheese workshop now open in Ybor City. There are 9 classes available to choose from. The new business is partnering with Big Storm Brewing for a beer cheese making class. (That's So Tampa)
4. Gasparilla 2024 tickets will be going on-sale Friday, July 21, at 10 a.m. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the festivities. The annual pirate festival is planned for Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The invasion is free to attend, and tickets are for seating. (WFLA)
5. Tampa International Airport (TPA) has ranked third in the state of Florida, according to FloridaRentals.com. TPA was beat out by Miami International Airport. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport was ranked near the bottom of the list. (Florida Politics)

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Today in Tampa:

Friday, July 21

• Cafe Con Tampa at The Portico Cafe. (8 a.m.)
• Haley's Farmers Market Returns at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. (10 a.m.)
• Friends Book Sale! at Temple Terrace Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Angamardana at Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North. (5:30 p.m.)
• Tampa Roller Derby Home Game: Mafia vs Switchblades at Skateworld Of Tampa. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shared: "Merry Christmas in July. Join us for an immersive experience that combines the frights of a haunted house with the joy of the holiday season." (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will begin next Monday, July 24, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 6. Some of the items exempt from sales tax include jigsaw puzzles, backpack and book bags, uniforms, construction, and more." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Best wishes to our outgoing Director of Tampa Parks & Recreation, Sherisha Hills. The department hosted a celebration to thank her for everything she’s done for our residents and city." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "When preparing your evacuation checklist, don't forget about your water systems — consider using the emergency shut-off valve of your home. It may help minimize damage to your home. 🏠" (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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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