🌱Florida Aquarium $40 Million Expansion + Brandon Residents Push Back

Hey, everybody! I'm back with your new copy of the Tampa Daily. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening around town...

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 92 Low: 81.

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Here are the top five stories in Tampa today:

1. Hillsborough County residents have cast 11,800 early ballots in the August 23 primary election and 335,032 have sent their vote-by-mail ballots to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Republicans are beating Democrats in ballots cast for early voting in person so far in Hillsborough County. (Tampa Patch)

2. Chef Michael Buttacavoli, best known for his work at Cena Tampa and beating Bobbly Flay, is opening a new restaurant that will offer diners gourmet pizzas, subs, pasta, salad, libations and more. Meatball parmesan subs used to beat Bobbly Flay will be on the menu as well. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal, Free: Creative Loafing Tampa)

3. A 180-home development is facing public pushback in the Brandon area amid rising traffic problems in east Hillsborough County. Some residents also complain the townhome concept does not fit the neighborhood either. A Facebook group called "Cows to Chaos" is helping residents organize together and stay informed. (ABC Action News)

4. The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa announced a $40 million expansion plan on Tuesday which will include "several exciting new exhibits." New improvements will include a rotating special exhibit gallery, a multi-species gallery on the second floor and a large-scale outdoor exhibit that will include California sea lions and African penguins. (WTSP)

5. At least two dozen local foster kids are going to bed at night without a bed to call their own, according to information from the Children's Network. Florida's Children First is an organization fighting for at-risk kids throughout the state. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Dunkin' Unveils Raise The Flags Donut To Help Fans Gear Up For The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season. (6 a.m.)
• Preparing Your Garden For Fall | Plant City Commons Community Garden at Bruton Memorial Library. (5:30 p.m.)
• Wine Tasting Event at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (Tampa/West Kennedy). (5:30 p.m.)
• Cheese And Wine Pairing Experience at The Culture Club. (6 p.m.)
• Goodfellas Movie Night at DRIP YBOR. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• American Landmark Apartments is providing a year of free rent to artists in exchange for classes for residents. The Paint and Sip event at the Amira at Westly in Town ‘n’ Country is one class. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
• Tampa City Councilors could get a raise from a salary of $52,060 to a recommended $73,713. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says raises are essential to keep good talent in the city, but some council members are skeptical of the proposal. (Fox 13 Tampa)
• SWEEP is a once a year service offered to city of Tampa solid waste residential customers to help residents get rid of bulky items, such as mattresses, furniture, appliances and more right at their curb. Items must be placed curbside by the resident's SWEEP deadline and left for the entire SWEEP week until pickup. (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Pride is hosting its 2nd Annual Pride On The River Event on September 24. The day starts with a buffet Drag Brunch at Sheraton Riverside from 1 to 3 p.m. and other events throughout the day. (Tampa Pride via Facebook)

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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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com