Goodbye BBQ + Summer Nights + Homeowner Insurance Troubles

Good morning! Welcome to our new Patch newsletter serving the Tampa area. My name is Carlos Hernandez, also known as Carlos Eats for my food writing, and I'll be keeping you updated on the latest news on what is happening around town each morning. Grab your coffee and let's get started.

In this edition, you'll find out about a new theme park event for the summer, the status of the transportation tax, homeowner insurance developments, vaccine drives, and the end of a Tampa BBQ institution.

Today’s weather: The high today is 91 and the low is 67 with mostly sunny skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing back their “Summer Nights” event starting May 28th with a new fireworks show, summer menu, open air block parties, and glow-in-the-dark cocktails. The theme park is committed to a safe and fun time for guests as Florida reopens. (Bay News 9)

2. Protesters demanding a transportation tax refund were led by Hillsborough County Commission Stacy White to the Hillsborough County Center Building. White originally sued to kill the tax after voters approved it. Protestors are asking for a check refund or a sales tax holiday to compensate locals who have paid a transportation tax that has now been ruled unconstitutional. (WFLA)

3. More than 50,000 Florida homeowner insurance policy holders will need to find a new property insurance carrier in the coming months just as hurricane season begins, as insurance companies try to stay afloat financially from roofing schemes, hurricanes, and lawsuits. Industry experts say to expect more policies to get dropped in the future. (Fox 13 Tampa Bay)

4. The Tampa Bay Lightning are teaming up with AdventHealth to offer free vaccines to fans before Game 4 this weekend as they raise capacity inside Amalie Arena for hockey games after a change in CDC guidelines and state policy. (WFLA)

5. Kojak’s, a Tampa barbeque institution for over four decades, is closing down to make room for new apartments. Growing pains for this town. Go enjoy some ribs before it’s too late, you won’t regret it. (Tampa Bay Times)

Today in Tampa:

• Goyita Antojito’s Grand Opening, a new Mexican food truck will officially open on Friday and Saturday in Temple Terrace. Visitors can enjoy $1.50 specials on tacos. (7 a.m.)
• Dunedin Downtown Market at 420 Main Street. Support over 50 vendors at this weekly market held in May and June across the bridge. (9:30 a.m.)
• Open Mic Night at Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Support your local museum and enjoy poetry, music, comedy, and more. Sign-ups are available. (5 p.m.)
• Brooksville’s Bites Nights. Enjoy a food truck rally and local vendors in the heart of Downtown Brooksville on Friday evening. (6 p.m.)
• Tampa Bay Titans vs. Charleston Coyotes from South Carolina at Bishop McLaughlin High School. The Tampa Bay Titans are the first professional basketball organization to come to Tampa Bay. (7:30 p.m.)
• Yultron for #POUND Fridays at The Ritz Ybor (10 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• Tampa Pride Festival is this weekend in Ybor City. It’s the first one to happen in the country ahead of Pride month after cancellations due to the pandemic.
• Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit over the Piney Point phosphate plant discharge into Tampa Bay.
• Hillsborough County is cracking down on watering times so be sure you are in compliance.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events: Movie On The Lawn At Armature Works, Riverwalk Dine & Wine Tour, Last Weekend For Sesame Street At Busch Gardens

Featured job listings: @ Home Health & Wellness C B D Sales Reps Needed, ID.me is seeking Customer Support

That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Tampa. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: tampadaily@patch.com

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Tampa area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.