🌱 Duck Donuts Bloomingdale + Florida Sea Turtle & Nesting Season

Hey, friends! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including:

• Florida sea turtle and shorebird nesting season is happening now, including at beaches in the Tampa area.
• ONE TAMPA will soon open a 42-story tower in downtown Tampa across from Curtis Hixon Park and the Tampa Riverwalk.
• North Carolina-based Duck Donuts has a new shop on Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon with a young entrepreneur at the head.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm with clouds and sun. High: 88 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. April 1 marked the beginning of Florida sea turtle and shorebird nesting season. Visitors and residents at the beaches along Florida's west coast and northern beaches need to watch their step during this important time. It is against the law in Florida to disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs and hatchlings. (Clearwater Patch)
2. The 27th annual PhilFest drew thousands of people to the Philippine Cutural Foundation's Enrichment complex in Tampa. At least 10,000 people attended the festival just on Saturday and enjoy food vendors, music, and cultural performances. Next year's festival is already booked for April 5-7. (Fox 13 Tampa)
3. Residents in the Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg reported anti-semitic flyers were left in their local book exchange boxes to police. Residents were "horrified" by the incident, which is becoming more common in Florida. Police said the incident falls under the First Amendment since no threat was made or property damaged. (WFLA)
4. ONE TAMPA is coming to the downtown Tampa skyline and will rise 42 stories. The development will contain 225 luxury condo residences at 507 N. Ashley Drive across from Curtis Hixon Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. Amentities will include a swimming pool, multi-level fitness center, private dining room with catering kitchen, movie room, coworking spaces, and more. (That's So Tampa)
5. 24-year-old Jason Patel is the entrepreneur in Brandon franchising North Carolina-based Duck Donuts at 821 East Bloomingdale Ave. Donuts are made-to-order and have a vanilla cake donuts base with customizeable toppings. The most popular topping is maple bacon. (Fox 13 Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• HIIT In The Park - Free Fitness Class at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. (6 p.m.)
• Ukulele Strum & Sing at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (6 p.m.)
• Intuitive Mixed Media Art at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (6 p.m.)
• Community Yoga Class at Tampa Sports Academy. (6:15 p.m.)
• Dirty Comedy Latte at Cafe Hey. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Wanna be the first to score tickets for the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Become a Lightning Insider and don’t miss a minute of Postseason Lightning hockey. ⚡️ ➡️ tbl.co/insider-23." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Robert Hainsey invites Jackson Woodward out to a Bucs game for his story of courage 💪 Fans can support lifesaving research by bidding on autographed gear, VIP experiences and more: ➡️ bccn.rs/ConnectionToCancer." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Keep your eyes peeled for blue and green this April. 💙💚 Every year during National Donate Life Month, Tampa General Hospital works with the City of Tampa to encourage residents to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors by illuminating downtown Tampa's public landmarks in vibrant blue and green." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• Tampa Tarpons shared: "🚨 Attention Tarpons Fans! This is not a drill! 🚨 Tickets to the Tampa Tarpons' Opening Weekend are now available." (Tampa Tarpons via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "We picked up the pace for public school education in partnership with the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2nd Annual Race for Education 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk. "(Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 8)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "Accentuate the Positive" (April 16)
• "Accentuate the Positive" this spring (April 16)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Curious how a Life Care Planner may help in a personal injury case in Florida? (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with 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