🌱 HCSO Arrests 32 In Child Sex Sting + Starlite Cruise Hits Bridge

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more...

• HCSO has arrested 32 people in an undercover child sex sting.
• Manatee County employees will soon be able to carry concealed weapons to work.
• A Starlite dinner cruise ship reportedly hit Corey Causeway Bridge on Tuesday night.

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 84 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has arrested 32 people in an undercover child sex sting. Those arrested included a 31-year-old Air Force staff sergeant and a 30-year-old migrant from Haiti. "There is no greater disappointment than the betrayal of a man who was sworn to protect our nation," said HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister. (Tampa Patch)
2. Manatee County employees will soon be able to carry concealed weapons to work. A change to policy now says, "the County permits concealed carry and takes no measure to prohibit any County employee from carrying a concealed weapon in the course of employment." Manatee County leaders claimed they wanted to "ensure that all of our employees felt safe." Critics are concerned about safety and liability as well as a lack of public transparency in the change. (WFLA)
3. Parents in Hernando County are in an uproar after a middle school teacher was restored to her position after being previously suspended. Superintendent John Stratton refused to reveal to the public what caused the district to previously suspend the teacher. Hernando County Sheriff's Office said the comments from the teacher are not a threat. (Fox 13)
4. A Starlite dinner cruise hit the Corey Causeway Bridge in Pinellas County on Tuesday night. A general manager with Starlite explained to WFTS that winds caused the captain to temporarily have "a little anomaly with one of the throttles" on the ship. No major injuries were reported in the incident. (ABC Action News)
5. The Red Cross Angels’ Installation Luncheon on Thursday, May 11 will include a speaker, Susan Eccher, talking about her recent deployment to Ukraine. The luncheon will be held at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, located at 5320 Interbay Blvd. The group will present the Angel of the Year award at the event. (Press Release Desk)

Today in Tampa:

• Minority Business Owners Invited To Learn About Bidding at Egypt Shriners. (9 a.m.)
• Pets & Tots at Humane Society. (10:30 a.m.)
• Chess Club at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Networking Happy Hour at World Of Beer Tampa. (4:30 p.m.)
• Tampa Bay Food And Wine Fest at Hyde Park Village. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared a letter about the upcoming Taylor Swift concert: "Dear students, It’s me, hi… Hillsborough Superintendent Addison Davis. Taylor Swift, Raymond James Stadium." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY 🚧 A crowd of 60K+ is expected at Raymond James Stadium each afternoon from April 13-15 for the Taylor Swift #TStheErasTour concert. Allow for extra travel time and avoid the area if not attending." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "May the force be with you ⚔️ We’re thrilled to announce our May the 4th Celebration with the screening of ALL THREE ORIGINAL 'STAR WARS' FILMS. ⚔️" (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We're starting the Playoff party early! 😏 Join us this Saturday for a brunch and bar crawl! ➡️ tbl.co/bolts-brunch23." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. shared: "Congratulations to the winners and to all these amazing young artists. The 14th Congressional and Next Generation High School Art Competition 2023 exhibition will be on view until this Friday, April 12 at the Tampa Museum of Art, Inc." (Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• JOB LINK 2023 Job Fair - Get Hired on Thursday! Click Here! (April 13)
• 3rd Annual Pasco Beer & Burger Festival (April 15)
• "Accentuate the Positive" this spring (April 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (April 17)
• Social Security and Retirement Taxation Workshop (April 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on April 18th and 20th at Hillsborough Community College (April 18)
• Uptown Music Festival (May 6)
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Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency — M and D Travel-Dream Vacations, Spring Ka-Ching Sale! (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com