🌱 Hillsborough Co. Bans 'This Book Is Gay' Book + Blueberry Season

Hi all. Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town, including updates on...

• Hillsborough County school board officials have banned a book called "This Book Is Gay" from middle schools in the county.
• Six restaurants in Tampa have been named on the list of the best restaurants in Florida by Yelp.
• Blueberry season is now underway in Tampa with numerous U-Pick opportunities happening now.

But first, today's weather: Clouds and sun; less humid. High: 84 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Hillsborough County school board officials have banned "This Book Is Gay" at middle schools. The non-fiction book offers guidance to LGBTQ+ youth on sexuality. The ban comes the weekend after Tampa Pride was held in Ybor City. The vote was 4-3 on the book ban, which have become more common in Florida after the passage of Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" law. The architect of the "Don't Say Gay" law recently plead guilty to federal criminal charges including fraud. (Tampa Patch, Tampa Patch)
2. Six Tampa restaurants have been named as the best in the state of Florida by review giant Yelp.com. On the list are Oxford Exchange, Olivia, Rice & Spice, Wright’s Gourmet House, Daily Eats and Izakaya Tori. Yelp used a variety of factors to make the list including "total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023." (That's So Tampa)
3. A jury has convicted former Hillsborough County ice cream truck driver Michael Keetley of killing two brothers over 12 years ago after a mistrial. Investigators said Keetley was obsessed with revenge after being robbed, shot, and attacked at his truck in 2010. He was convicted with two counts of first-degree murder as well as all counts of attempted murder. (WTSP)
4. Blueberry season is now in Tampa with numerous U-Pick options in the area. Options include Wish Farms, Keel Farms, Starkey Blueberry Farms, Whitehead's Blueberry Farm, and others. The season usually runs through May. (WFLA)
5. Police in Polk County are searching for a suspect after a Bartow man was shot and killed while riding a dirt bike on Sunday. Officials said an autopsy revealed the man was shot in the lower right back, and the bullet traveled through his kidney, diaphragm and lung. Anonymous tips can be sent to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) and carries a $3,000 reward if the information leads to the arrest of the suspect. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Mayor’s Workforce Council Meeting. (10:30 a.m.)
• HCC Presidential Showcase at Armature Works. (6 p.m.)
• Eluveitie at The Orpheum. (6:30 p.m.)
• Vienna Light Orchestra Presents: "A Tribute To The Greatest Showman & More!" at Straz Center For The Performing Arts. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Pride shared: "Our deepest condolences go the family of Steve Cozzi. Steve served our community as Tampa Pride’s legal counsel. But beyond that, Steve was a good personal friend to many of us. Our thoughts are with Michael, in this difficult time." (Tampa Pride via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We're proud of how you've grown your foundation, Ryan. 💙 Hear more from Cally on his foundation, the Ryan Callahan Foundation, and their upcoming event on this week's episode of the Block Party." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Another first for the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay! TGH Imaging Powered by Tower has just become the first in Florida to offer the Omni Legend Digital PET/CT from GE HealthCare." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Thousands of residents & visitors gathered to show their 🏳️‍🌈PRIDE🏳️‍🌈 at the 2023 Tampa Pride Diversity Parade on Saturday." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - Swing into Spring Sale is Here! (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for another 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