Death Of A School Teacher + Rising Plywood Costs + City Lawsuit

Good morning. Welcome to our Patch newsletter serving the Tampa area. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I'll be keeping you updated on the latest news on what is happening around town each morning. Now, let's get started.

In this edition of our newsletter, you'll find information on the death of a school teacher, the rising cost of plywood, a lawsuit against the city by a police officer, and the sale of Tampa radio studios.

Today’s weather: The high is 92 and the low is 65 with partly cloudy skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. A Hillsborough school teacher from Strawberry Crest High School in Dover is dead after being arrested for several felony charges in a child predator sting. His death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected. (Tampa Bay Times)

2. The high cost of plywood this season could impact hurricane preparation efforts, it is now more than $70 a sheet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expecting a very active year. Experts are sharing alternatives. (WFLA)

3. A white former Tampa police corporal has sued the city and claimed racial discrimination. He claims to have been replaced by a less-experienced Black officer in an effort to diversify the police force. (WTSP)

4. 6 companies in Tampa made a list of “Best Place to Work for 2021” in the country joining 421 companies. Employees at companies responded to a survey on management effectiveness, perks and employee growth. (WFLA)

5. iHeartMedia has sold off its Tampa radio station studios for $3.8 million including 93.3-FLZ, 98 Rock, and WFLA 970 to a Macy’s warehouse next door. The studios have been an important part of radio history in Tampa over the years. (Tampa Bay Times)

Today in Tampa:

• Safety Harbor’s Market on Main - Fresh produce, local artisans, baked goods, free yoga, and pet-friendly. (10 a.m.)
• Yoga in the Park at Julian B. Lane presented by Robin LC Yoga and Tampa Parks and Recreation. Enjoy yoga on the Hillsborough River with Downtown Tampa in the backdrop. $10 recommended donation. (10:30 a.m.)
• Simply Support Local Street Market at The Shoppes at Wiregrass. (11 a.m.)
• Soho Sunday Market and Flea at MacDinton’s (11 a.m.)
• Lightning Day at The Florida Aquarium. The Lightning street team will be at the Aquarium from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. handing out lightning swag for the playoffs (12 p.m.)
• Gypsy Sunday’s with Urban Gypsies at Sweetwater Organics. Live music, open mic, and vendors. (12 p.m.)
• Pride Celebration at Sparkman Wharf. Enjoy music all day and Pride Ride spin classes. (1:30 p.m.)
• Tampa 2021 Pride Day Party at Lit Lounge. Finish off Pride weekend with Chef Melly and Three Generations. Enjoy brunch and a day party afterwards. (3 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, a long running music venue that closed down during the pandemic, has announced they will reopen.
• “Big Mike”, a fixture in Tampa’s nightlife scene, has died after a fight with COVID-19
• Food truck owners in Tarpon Springs have sued the city over a partial ban that they are saying is unconstitutional.
• Florida will close 27 state-supported COVID testing sites on May 28th, including 5 in Tampa Bay.
• Disney World is offering discounts to teachers and first-responders from now until July 14th.
• The first storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season has formed and is named Ana.

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That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Tampa. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: tampadaily@patch.com

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Tampa area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.