🌱 Floridan Hotel Has New Chef From D.C. + Teacher Investigation

Welcome back, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more:

• There is a new chef at the Floridan hotel in downtown Tampa.
• A teacher from Hernando County is under investigation by the DeSantis Administration over a gay cartoon movie screening.
• Ybor City Chamber of Commerce has selected a new chair.

But first, today's weather: A p.m. shower in places. High: 91 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Award-winning Chef Will Artley from Washington D.C. will lead The Dan in downtown Tampa at the Floridan Hotel. The restaurant is part of a revamp after the historic hotel was recently acquired. The food at the new restaurant is described as "gulf coastal with soul." Artley was previously named "Best Chef in Northern Virginia." (Tampa Patch)
2. A Hernando County teacher is under investigation by the state government and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The state said the teacher showed a Disney cartoon that features a gay character to a class of fifth grade students in violation of recent laws and policies and the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. Hernando County School Board member Shannon Rodriguez protested that the content was shown to her child. (WFLA)
3. Tampa City Council has rejected plans for a 50-unit luxury condominium on Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa. Residents complained about the "compatibility" of the project with the affluent South Tampa neighborhood. Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson, who is in charge of the area, did not attend the vote. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Pasco County Schools is planning to ban shirts that show belly buttons at schools saying that kids are "taking it too far." Board members said students are allegedly wearing sports bras to school. The school district has not received many complaints or emails about the subject. A vote could come in June, according to the Times. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
5. Ybor City Chamber of Commerce has selected Darren Richards as their new chair for the 2023-2024 year, according to Florida Politics. Richards is the COO for Tucker/Hall and has worked with the group for decades. The group also manage the Visitor Information Center in Ybor City. (Florida Politics)

Today in Tampa:

• Friends Of The North Tampa Library Meeting. (1 p.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Library. (3 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting at Temple Terrace City Council (6 p.m.)
• Prospective Family Open House For The 2023-24 School Year at Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School. (6 p.m.)
• Talk About It Tuesday at Rose Bar Tampa. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "We've signed 18 undrafted rookies. #GoBucs" (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Thank you. We had so much fun at the Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival celebrating the many cultures, traditions, and performances of the AAPI community." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Hurricane Ian cost Manatee County nearly $100 million dollars in damage. Officials are urging residents to prepare for another hurricane season and to learn from their mistakes. (ABC Action News)

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Featured events:

• Social Security Webinar (May 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 19)
• Sweet & Savory Croissant Class At Sur La Table With Truly Grass Fed Butter (May 20)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com