🌱 DASH Coming To Downtown Tampa + HCSO Sgt. Arrested In Manatee Co.

Hello, friends! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• A new mobility program in downtown Tampa called DASH will open to job applicants today.
• Tampa Police are searching for robbery suspects in a jewelry store incident last week.
• A HCSO sergeant was arrested on Sunday in Manatee County after an altercation over an accessible parking spot.

But first, today's weather: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 93 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa Police is searching for suspects involved in a robbery at Liberty Jewelers in Tampa, which is located at 1957 W. MLK Blvd. No injuries were reported in the incident. Anyone with information into the incident should call 813-231-6130 or contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. (Tampa Patch)
2. Hundreds of people in Tampa are struggling to pay their electric bills amid record temperatures in the Sunshine State that have led to several heat advisories and dangerous heat indexes. Metropolitan Ministries is working hard to help fill the gap as demand surges for aid from the nonprofit. (WTSP)
3. Paul Reubens, a famous entertainer known for playing "Pee-wee Herman," died on Sunday at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. Reubens grew up in Sarasota and graduated from Sarasota High School in 1970. (Sarasota Patch)
4. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Sgt. Brendan Fitzgerald was arrested on Sunday in Manatee County after being involved in a fight over an accessible spot, according to authorities. The sergeant refused to cooperate with the investigation led by authorities into the incident. He has been placed on administrative leave. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WFLA)
5. Tampa Downtown Partnership has announced a new mobility program in downtown called DASH with Tesla SUVs that will take passengers to 20 different locations in Tampa. Cars will be much cheaper than rideshare cars and be driven by a "driver-ambassador." Job applications for the roles will open today, Aug. 1 at tampasdowntown.com. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

Tuesday, August 1

• Free Tuesday at Glazer Children's Museum. (10 a.m.)
• School Board Workshop at Hillsborough County Schools. (10 a.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• Happy Hour Yoga at Armature Works. (4:30 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting at Temple Terrace City Council. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Rock the Park Tampa is celebrating its 13th year in Tampa's Downtown this week. 🥳 Grab a friend & enjoy live music at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Aug 3. Details: https://bit.ly/47bgyvK." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Our City of Tampa Housing Information Hotline has new hours. ☎️ Residents can now speak with the new Tenant Services Team by calling 813-307-5555 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday - Friday." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Convention Center shared: "Thank you to everyone involved for another great Tampa Bay Comic Convention. We are already looking forward to next year." (Tampa Convention Center via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "Date Change - Please note, next month's Corsa Car Rally will take place on Friday, Aug. 4. Don't miss out on your favorite monthly car meet up." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 2)
• Estate Planning Seminar on August 1st and 2nd at Tampa Bay History Center (August 2)
• Taxation in your Retirement - Legislative Risk with upcoming elections - ONLINE COURSE (August 3)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow 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