Happy Father's Day +DeSantis Wins Cruise Suit+ Rising Food Costs

Good Morning and Happy Father’s Day! My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Tampa area with Patch News.

In this issue, you’ll learn about a Coronavirus outbreak at Manatee County government offices, rising costs and the impact on local restaurants, a call for calm from the Tampa Police after hundreds of gun incidents, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 90 and the low is 79 with cloudy skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. Manatee County temporarily closed its offices after a pair of Coronavirus deaths swept the office. The building is expected to reopen on June 21st. Health officials are conducting contact tracing. (WFLA)

2. Rising food and gas prices are putting Tampa Bay area restaurants in a crunch. Some restaurants are responding by raising menu prices, while others are absorbing the cost and hoping the prices will eventually stabilize. (Tampa Bay Times)

3. There have been nearly 400 gun incidents in Tampa this year and Tampa Police are calling for an end to the violence. There will be a march on June 26th against gun violence by Rise Up for Peace Organization. (Patch)

4. Latin pop artist John Gascot is organizing Pinellas Park’s first gay Pride parade on June 26th. His art studio is in Pinellas Park’s Pinellas Arts Village, an emerging arts district. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

5. Governor DeSantis has prevailed in his lawsuit against the CDC over vaccine requirements on cruise ships. (Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• Father’s Day at The Florida Aquarium. Free admission for Dads. (9:30 a.m.)
• Sunday Yoga with Union Three Studio at Hotel Haya. (10:30 a.m.)
• Fresco's Bourbon Brunch Club featuring Whistle Pig Rye Whiskey. (11 a.m.)
• Father's Day at the Henry Plant Museum. Free admission for Dads. (12 p.m.)
  
• Father's Day Crafts at Creative Junk Therapy. (12 p.m.)
• Cocktails for a Cause at Epicurean Hotel. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit your local US Bartender's Guild chapter. (4 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland was criticized for posting a sign decrying “government handouts” after it was revealed they are among the recipients of a Paycheck Protection Program loan funded by taxpayers. They removed the sign after public pushback.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Events: Summer Programs At Hillsborough County Libraries, Advent Mobile Mammography Coming To YMCA, Dads Get Free Bogo Draft Beers At Zoo On Father's Day, The Best Gifts For Dad This Father's Day

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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.