🌱 HCSO Employee Facing Criminal Charges + Malaria Mosquito Alert

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Today's issue includes updates on...

• A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office employee is facing criminal charges after Clearwater Police said he solicited sex from minors.
• Officials have issued a health alert in Manatee and Sarasota counties over two cases of malaria in the area and are warning residents to avoid mosquitoes.
• The Brandon Senior Softball Association is celebrating 20 years of operation.

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Now, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 90 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Hillsborough County Sheriff's (HCSO) Office Communications Center senior supervisor is facing multiple criminal charges after being accused of soliciting sex from a minor by Clearwater Police. Police said the employee thought he was communicating with a minor but was actually speaking to an undercover detective over a messaging app called Whisper. The employee has been at HCSO since 2014. (Tampa Patch)
2. A doctor from Hillsborough County has been found guilty of distributing more than 2.1 million opioid pills for non-medical purposes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The suspect was convicted on 14 counts of unlawful drug distribution, four counts of money laundering, and one count of filing a false tax return. Sentencing is currently scheduled to occur on Sept. 15. (WFLA)
3. The Brandon Senior Softball Association is celebrating 20 years of operation. Players range from ages 60 to 86 years old in the group. An anniversary party will be held in October of this year. The association is always seeking out new members to join its baseball family. (ABC Action News)
4. Health officials have issued an alert for Sarasota and Manatee counties due to two confirmed cases of malaria, according to a news release. The new alert comes after a recent public notice on May 26 about malaria in the area. Those in the area should take precaution to avoid mosquito bites. (WTSP)
5. Tropical Storm Bret is moving through the Atlantic Ocean and expected to become a hurricane over the next few days, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Florida. Local officials have reminded residents recently to prepare for hurricane season regardless. (Tampa Patch)

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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Today in Tampa:

Wednesday, June 21

• A Celebration Of Juneteenth And Tampa History at Seminole Heights Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• Wine-down Wednesday at Sal Y Mar. (6 p.m.)
• Cyber Night Skate at Skate World Tampa. (6 p.m.)
• Armature Works Run Club. (6:30 p.m.)
• 3rd Wednesday Open Mic Night at Moonlight Lounge. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Join us as we set sail on the first Bolts on Board cruise. Setting sail out of Tampa, the cruise will include panel discussions with Bolts alumni, photo ops with the Stanley Cup, autograph sessions, and more." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through the 2028 academic year." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "We’re thrilled to announce award-winning radio and television personality Bobby Bones will bring his Comedically Inspirational On Tour to our historic stage on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. ⭐️" (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Do you live or work in Sulphur Springs? Join City of Tampa staff today, June 21 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for a Traffic Safety and Neighborhood Plan Meeting at the George Bartholomew Center (8608 N. 12th St.)." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. shared: "Our West Lobby Entrance will be temporarily closed for construction until further notice. 🚧 We will remain open. Please use our Vinik Family Education Center Entrance." (Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 23)
• Murder Mystery & Casino Night! (June 24)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• LOCAL TAMPA KIDS GET BOOK PUBLISHED - Journeys Through The Cord (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow 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