🌱 DeSantis Cancels Dunedin Kickoff + Invasive Asian Termites In Tampa

Good morning, Tampa! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening these days in town, including updates on...

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis canceled a planned rally in his hometown of Dunedin to have his presidential announcement on Twitter on Wednesday, which was plagued with technical problems and mocked by former President Donald Trump.
• An Apollo Beach teen has been arrested by HCSO for allegedly murdering a man at a Riverview Wawa gas station earlier this month.
• A Tampa mom is planning a Tampa Proud Pride Walk after Pride on the River was canceled last week.

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 84 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis abruptly canceled his plans for a presidential campaign launch rally in his hometown of Dunedin, choosing to host his rally online on Twitter instead with billonaire Elon Musk and investor David Sacks. The online announcement was marred by glitches and labeled a "disaster" by media outlets around the world. The kickoff was mocked by President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. (Tampa Patch, NY Daily News, Forbes)
2. An Apollo Beach teenager has been arrested for allegedly murdering a man at a Riverview Wawa gas station. The suspect is facing third-degree murder charges. Authorities from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said the incident happened at the corner of US Hwy 301 and Gibsonton Drive at around 8:30 p.m. on May 10. (Fox 13)
3. Researchers from the University of Florida (UF) have confirmed that a tropical invasive termite species from Asia has reached Tampa. Pest controls experts are noticing an uptick in homes and trees infected. They are being mostly detected in South Tampa, but have taken a few years to become detectable. (Tampa Patch)
4. A Tampa Mom is organizing the Tampa Proud Pride Walk after Pride on the River was canceled last week. The cancellation came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new legislation that targeted drag shows. Axios reported that the group organizing the event was already facing leadership and financial problems before the law was signed. (ABC Action News, Axios)
5. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), a top-ranked hospital in Tampa, is celebrating a successful liver transplant from a living donor. It is considered the first transplant of its kind in the area. The Tampa General Comprehensive Liver Disease and Transplant Center has performed over 2,200 transplants in its history and is increasing the capacity it can perform. (Florida Politics)

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Today in Tampa:

• Hillsborough County To Host Health Fair And Open House. (10 a.m.)
• SouthShore Readers Book Club at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Art On The House at The Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)
• HCCTB — May Speed Networking at Citibank Center. (6 p.m.)
• Bingo Night at Two Shepherds Taproom. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "Reading with the Rays is back for another summer. Get ready to hit those books and read your way to the ballpark 📚 RaysBaseball.com/Reading." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "During Day 1 of OTA Practices Wide Receiver Chris Godwin took the podium to talk to the media about offseason training and the upcoming 2023 season." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Tampa General Hospital has been named on Forbes' list of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates 2023. TGH is proud to rank no. 1 in Florida and among the top 20 in the nation. 🎓🎉" (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shared: "SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is hosting a national hiring event from June 5 - 9 to fill over 10,000 positions coast to coast. Apply now to enjoy free park admission, discounts, and more." (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "This Memorial Day at 10 a.m., join us for a ribbon cutting and community celebration at Vila Brothers Park (700 N Armenia Ave.). This park honors the 7 Vila brothers, who served various branches of the military from WWII to Desert Storm." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you 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