🌱 FL Election Police Charge Hillsborough Ex-Felons + West Nile Virus

Good morning. I'm back with another Tampa Daily. Here is a rundown of what's happening locally:

• 🗳️ A Hillsborough Co. man charged by Governor DeSantis' Election Police Unit is speaking out.
• 🏠 New residents of a Tampa apartment complex are complaining of mold, leaks, and more.
• 🦟Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a countywide advisory for West Nile Virus.

Today is National Sweet Day. Enjoy a cold glass today.

First, today's weather:

A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 94 Low: 78.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Nathan Hart of Gibsonton says he was confused about the law when he registered to vote and never believed he was breaking the law after being charged by Governor DeSantis's new election police unit. Hart says he was approached at the DMV and told he could apply to vote and would be denied if he was not eligible. Hart was given a voter card anyway. He is one of 20 ex-felons now facing charges. (WTSP)

2. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a countywide advisory after two sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus. The DOH is warning residents and visitor to protect themselves against the mosquito-borne disease. (Tampa Patch)

3. TECO was sentenced for charges of "willfully violating" work safety guidelines from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A coal-fired power plant explosion left 5 people dead at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach in 2017. A judge sentenced TECO to a $500,000 fine and three years of probation. (WFLA)

4. Dozens of people have moved into an apartment complex they allege is unlivable with mold, stains, leaks and other issues. The complex called "The Ivy" houses many college students and employees say they have been busy trying to get apartments ready for move-in, while also getting people moved in. (WFLA)

5. Today is the last day for early voting in the August 23 primary in Hillsborough County. The 26 early voting sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any of the early voting sites. (Tampa Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• Yoga In The Park at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park. (10:30 a.m.)
• SoHo Sunday Market And Flea at MacDinton's Soho. (11 a.m.)
• Tampa Tarpons vs. Bradenton Marauders at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (noon)
• Sunset Bridge Band Sunday Brunch at Skipper's Smokehouse. (1 p.m.)
• Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. (1:40 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Tampa Police Department is investigating a homicide that happened near the University of South Florida on Saturday. Police responded to the scene at the intersection of Leroy Collins Boulevard and East Fowler Avenue. (WFLA)
• A car hit a bicyclist during the morning rush hour Friday at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Lois Avenue in Tampa. A similar accident in the same spot killed two people in December. (WTSP)
• Cappy's Pizza in Seminole Heights has new owners. Changes include the ability to pay with credit cards, order online, and get pizza delivered via UberEats. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• Mulberry High School Panthers received a $250,000 grant for a new field from the Tampa Bay Bucs through the NFL Foundation Grassroots program. (Fox 13)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 25)
• Smooth Jazz Sunday w/Blake Aaron, Tom Braxton & Rob Zinn! (August 28)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for your next 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com