🌱 Dead Body Found Burning In A Ruskin Field + Taylor Swift Concert

Hello, everybody! I'm Carlos Hernandez, here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter, full of all the local news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll learn about...

• A dead body was found burning in an open field Saturday morning in Ruskin.
• A Moffitt cancer patient was able to make it to the Taylor Swift concert this weekend.
• A new affordable housing project has opened in Tampa that will serve over 50 children.

But first, today's weather:

A drenching t-storm; humid. High: 85 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Florida's new 6-week abortion ban is almost the same language at the previous law with the word 15 weeks simply marked out. Local sponsors of the bill include Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) and Rep. Jennifer Canady (R-Lakeland). The ban will not take place until a lawsuit over the previous law completes. Protests are widely expected over the law. (Tampa Patch)
2. Tessa Wiseman and her healthcare team at Moffitt Cancer Center managed to get her to this weekend's Taylor Swift concert on April 15. Wiseman was rushed to Moffitt after developing an infection from chemotherapy on Easter, but managed to get well enough before the concert to leave to the show. Wiseman's fight against cancer is still underway. (WFLA)
3. Tampa City Council has voted in favor of an ordinance to allow the Citizens Review Board to hire its own outside legal representative after years of lobbying by actvists and criminal justice reformers. The measure was approved by Councilmembers Lynn Hurtak, Bill Carlson, Luis Viera, and Orlando Gudes in a 4-3 vote. Disgraced former Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor killed an earlier effort to pass the measure in 2022. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. A dead body was found burning in Ruskin in an open field on Saturday morning. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said they received a call at around 8 a.m. with a caller saying they thought a mannequin was on fire. An investigation is now underway. (ABC Action News)
5. New Life Village is a new affordable housing project now open on Venice Lake Avenue in Tampa. Hillsborough County put nearly $1.8 million toward the $5 million project. At least least 50 children in the foster care system will stay at the new development. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Dog Brunch at The Bricks Ybor. (9 a.m.)
• Market at Water Street Tampa. (9 a.m.)
• Harvest Market And Chalk Art Festival at The Grove At Wesley Chapel. (10 a.m.)
• Yoga In The Park at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. (10:30 a.m.)
• Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Festival at Hillsborough Fairgrounds. (noon)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "SPRING CLEANING 🌷 HSTB is asking you to keep us in mind during your spring cleaning. We are asking for donations of gently used animal beds, carriers, bowls, leashes, collars, unwanted closed food, toys, etc." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "In case you missed GM Jason Licht's press conference: Go Bucs." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "☀️ Tampa was recognized for MONEY’s Best Places to Travel Awards 2023. With so much to do and see in our beautiful city, we are proud to be a top tourism destination." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "On Earth Day, join City staff and other environmental stakeholders at MOSI for EcoFest. 💚 Learn about sustainability, ecology, and what you can do to support a greener future. This event is free and open to the public." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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• Astral Tequila: 'This Round's For The House' Tampa (April 19)
• Uptown Music Festival (May 6)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up 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