🌱 Colombian Drug Smuggler Sentenced In Tampa + New Pizzeria Coming

Hey, neighbors! It's Thursday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community today. In this issue, you'll learn about:

• An accused Colombian drug smuggler has been sentenced to over 20 years in prison by a federal judge in Tampa.
• Tampa's iconic Mel's Hot Dogs is up for sale after 50 years of business in Temple Terrace.
• A new mobile pizzeria is giving away 500 slices for its grand opening to Tampa Bay residents.

But first, today's weather: Hot and humid; a p.m. t-storm. High: 93 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A prolific drug smuggler from Colombia named Oscar Adriano Quintero Rengifo, aka Guatala, has been sentenced to 20 years and 10 months in federal prison. His sentencing was handed down by Tampa U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell. Rengifo is known for using mini subs. (Tampa Patch)
2. A judge has ruled that Hillsborough County must approve 204 homes in a rural community after a home builder sued to force the county to allow them to build, despite the objections of residents who claim the development will lead to flooding and other problems. The county initially sided with the residents but was forced by Judge Jennifer Gabbard to overturn its decision. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. Mel's Hot Dogs is up for sale after 50 years of business in the Temple Terrace area near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Owner, Mel John, is 76 years old and ready to retire. The owner is seeking someone to continue the legacy of the Chicago hot dog business. (Fox 13)
4. Cipriano Zonin, a new Italian mobile pizzeria, will host its grand opening on Friday, May 19 at Tiny Tap Tavern. The pizzeria will give away 500 slices to hungry visitors. The concept is owned by John and Ashley Salmon. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Hillsborough County's Transportation Planning Organization Board is planning major changes to Florida Avenue and Tampa Street. The changes will slow down drivers and seek to improve safety for those in the area. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Taste Of Success at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (noon)
• Art On The House at Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)
• Grandma Luther King: Rod Martinez Local Author Visit at Bruton Memorial Library. (5 p.m.)
• Bike Month Celebration at Coppertail Brewing. (5:30 p.m.)
• Mustard Service at Crowbar. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Taking home Tampa General Hospital's Player of the Month for April is Nikita Kucherov." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "Today we recognized the bravery, selflessness and sacrifice of our 32 fallen TPD officers. Thank you to all those who helped make tonight special for their families and loved ones." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa has announced the hiring of Linc Darner as its head men's basketball coach. Full story: https://www.ut.edu/news-and-ut-life/linc-darner-named-tampa-mens-basketball-head-coach." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "ZooTampa is hosting a pre-Mother's Day river clean-up with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful at the Lowry Park boat ramp this weekend." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Nik Macik Headlines Sunshine City Comedy Club (May 12)
• Francine Wolf: Please Don't Tell My Kids! - A Solo Show at the Tampa Fringe Festival (May 12)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 13)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (May 15)
• Social Security Webinar (May 16)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. 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