🌱 Hillsborough Schools Ranked + USF Hustle Program + Hounds For Hope

Up and at 'em, Tampa! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right. Here are the most important things happening around town today.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Tampa? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 88 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Hillsborough County is ranked on data company Niche's list of schools. The county received a B grade overall as well as a B for academics, C for teachers, B+ for extracurriculars, A+ for diversity, A for college prep, and C for health and safety. Hillsborough was ranked 2nd in the Tampa Bay area behind Pinellas County Schools. (Tampa Patch)

2. Hillsborough County Aging Services is offering a program online and by phone called "Eat Well, Age Well" to help senior citizens prepare healthier meals at home. Recipes are kept at around 5 ingredients or less and focus on items people would normally have on-hand at home. The next episode is Friday, October 15th at 11 a.m. and will focus on fun fall foods. (Osprey Observer)

3. Hounds for Hope is a new non-profit organizing donated shoes and Christmas decorations. It bags up shoes and donates them to another group for money that is then used for Christmas trees for families in need. The founders started off donating to the Humane Society before realizing there was more they could do. (Bay News 9)

4. An additional 2,340 people were reported by Florida to have lost their lives to COVID-19 last week, bringing the total death toll in the state past 53,000 as the Delta variant continues to spread. Both cases and deaths are declining, although reported deaths only fell by 138 from the week prior. (WUSF)

5. David Chessler, owner of Chessler Holdings in Sarasota, has launched the Hustle program at the University of South Florida (USF). Hustle stands for Helping Undergraduate Students Tackle Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Students will compete in teams for monetary prizes and learn how to run a business, salary and board of directors included. Chessler donated $500,000 to the USF Muma College of Business to put his money behind the drive. (Business Observer)

Today in Tampa:

• Tai Chi at Bayshore Baptist Church. (10:00 AM)
• Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Public Hearing - Hybrid. (5:30 PM)
• Culinary Kids at TRIBE Seminole Heights. (6:00 PM)
• Yoga at the Park at Water Works Park. $5 suggested donation. (6:00 PM)
• Bright Forest - Manic Monday at Painting With A Twist. (7:00 PM)

Tampa Patch Notebook

• Shawn Mendes is coming to Tampa and tickets go on-sale October 7th at 10 a.m. E.S.T.
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay: "Now you can support homeless animals AND our #Bolts at the same time! Harry Hedman is back with TWO cups to show off in style! This popular tee is a Tampa Bay Sports exclusive featuring Victor Hedman's beloved Frenchie (Harry)..." (Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "Hey batter, batter - the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House is officially open! Visit soon to learn more about Al Lopez (Tampa’s first Major League player) and the history of baseball in our community." (Facebook)
• Tampa Pride: "Tampa Pride is looking for VOLUNTEERS for an upcoming event. If you're interested the sign up is on the link below. https://tampapride.org/volunteer/" (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Over 250 Classes for you to Enjoy at Home! (September 27)
• Semi-Annual Rummage Sale returning Oct. 1st (10am - 6pm) and Oct. 2nd (8am - 1 pm) (October 1)
• German American Society 2021 Oktoberfest - Come Join Us! (October 1)
• 14th Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser (October 2)
• Hotter Than July - A Stevie Wonder Tribute (October 2)
• Social Security Seminar (October 5)
• Greektoberfest! Fort Myers - Friday, Saturday, Sunday! Greek Food, Drink, Music! (October 17)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Charity Golf Tournament (Details)
• RENU Wellness Centers - Health through Healing (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all tomorrow for your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.