🌱 Hillsborough County Schools A/C Problems + Flan Factory Expands

Hey, everybody. Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter, full of all the community news you need to know right now. Today you'll learn about these stories and more...

• Few people took use of the cooling centers that City of Tampa created during a recent heat wave, due to a lack of transportation and access.
• Flan Factory in Ybor City has expanded its dining space for visitors.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has revealed new details for Howl-O-Scream 2023.

But first, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 91 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Hillsborough County man known as "Radical Randy" is accused of sexual crimes against at least two children. The suspect was arrested in Hernando County by a U.S. Marshal's Task Force after an investigation from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). Anyone with information into the incidents or additional victims is asked to contact authorities. (Tampa Patch)
2. Few people visited the cooling centers setup by the City of Tampa amid record heat with only a few dozen people visiting the centers per day, according to records obtained by Tampa Bay Times. The city attempted to spread the word using various information distribution channels. Homeless residents were unable to reach the resources due to a lack of transportation. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. Air-conditioning problems are still plaguing Hillsborough County Schools despite the county receiving $87 million from taxpayers for repairs. Voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase in 2018. There are over $1 billion in deferred maintenance repairs, according to officials. (WFLA)
4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced new Howl-O-Scream 2023 haunted houses, scare zones, and entertainment. They include D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear, Big Ed's Demolition Derby, Sin City Zombies and more. Tickets are now available for the upcoming attraction, which starts Sept. 8. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Flan Factory has expanded its restaurant space in Ybor City, located at 1718 N Nebraska Ave. The restaurant is known for its unique and versatile flan flavors and their delicious award-winning Cuban Sandwich. The expanded dining space has more seats and comfortable dining to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

Friday, August 18

• Recording Studio Orientation at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (11 a.m.)
• Premier League Match Day at MacDinton's Irish Pub. (2 p.m.)
• Fashion's Finest Tampa Bay at The Portico. (6 p.m.)
• Barbie Dance Party at The Orpheum. (8 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina at Hotel Haya. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Hop on, we're going cruising. 🛳 Book your spot and receive two tickets to the Lightning game the night before we set sail. ➡️ boltsonboard.com" (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Thank you to the City of Tampa’s Green Team for stopping by Pizzo K-8 to donate and plant 22 trees across the campus." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Last week the South Tampa Chamber Board, ambassadors and committee chairs met for our annual leadership and strategic planning retreat. The day began with a presentation by Michelle Turman, MA, CFRE, CEO of Catalyst Consulting Services, whose mission is to facilitate positive change in the areas of executive searches, organizational management, and fundraising." (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Fashion's Finest Tampa Bay™ (August 18)
• CANCELLED - "Francine Wolf: Please Don't Tell My Kids!" - A solo storytelling show (August 19)
• JOBLINK Job Fair 2023! Sarasota / Bradenton / Tampa Bay (August 24)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you soon.

— 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