🌱 Citrus County Drug Bust + Florida State Fair Returns To Tampa

Good morning, friends! It's Monday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today. Today's issue includes updates on:

• Tampa International Airport was evacuated on Saturday after a bomb threat against a Spirit Airlines flight. No one was injured.
• Three people have been arrested in a Citrus County crystal meth drug bust.
• The Florida State Fair is running now through Monday, Feb. 20.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 69 Low: 44.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Tampa, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Tampa Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa International Airport (TPA) was evacuated during a bomb threat on Saturday against a Spirit Airlines flight at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) that was heading towards TPA. The flight was searched and cleared by law enforcement following the threat. (ABC Action News)
2. Three people have been arrested in Citrus County in what Citrus County Sheriff's Office said is the largest crystal meth bust in agency history. Deputies said they arrested the suspects at South Kik Point in Floral City, Florida. (Fox 13 Tampa)
3. An abortion clinic in Clearwater is receiving a flood of protests much like clinics nationwide and the clinic is now asking City of Clearwater for help moving protesters further from the building. Safety is now a concern. Assault and battery incidents at abortion clinics rose 128 percent in 2021 from 2020, according to a report from the National Abortion Federation. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
4. The Florida State Fair is running now through Feb. 20. Tickets range from $6 to $15 to visit the fair. All guests ages 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older after 6 p.m. This year guests can enjoy the Tampa Cuban Funnel Cake Sandwich, Walking Nacho Dog, Hot Cheeto Burger, and more. (Bay News 9, Tampa Bay Times)
5. St. Joseph’s Hospital - South has opened its fourth cardiac catheterization laboratory. The growth in population in Riverview led to the expansion with the center doubling capacity since opening. Over 3,000 patients are served a year at the facility. (Osprey Observer)

Today in Tampa:

• Figure Drawing at Tampa Museum Of Art. (10 a.m.)
• School Board Workshop at Hillsborough County Schools. (10 a.m.)
• 35th Annual City Of Tampa Black History Celebration at Tampa Convention Center. (11 a.m.)
• Ukulele Strum & Sing at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (6 p.m.)
• American Sign Language Basics at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "30 regular season games remain for the Bolts. Dave Mishkin gives us his thoughts as we look at the final stretch." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "It was a Knight Parade to remember! ✨" (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Reuben is still waiting for his forever home! He is a four-month-old potbelly pig, and even though he only weighs 45 pounds now, he can grow up to 200 lbs." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Congratulations to all our learners who competed in the Black History Brain Bowl at Middleton High." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Valentine's Day Kids Party (February 14)
• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
• Add your event

That's it for today. 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