Hurricane Elsa + Downtown Tampa Business Hopes + Cuban Hot Dog

Get on up, Tampa! Let's get this Saturday started off right. Here's what's happening today in Tampa.

In this issue, you'll learn the latest about the tropics and Hurricane Elsa, a high school teacher who had to get the news involved for a refund after a car accident, businesses hopeful for a return to normal, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Possible light rain in the morning and afternoon. High: 86 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Hurricane Elsa has formed and most of Florida is projected to be in its path. Emergency management officials in Florida have begun distributing sand bags and sending out work crews to clean out storm water drains and culverts in anticipation of storm surge and flooding.(Patch)

2. The family of a 17-year old girl who died after being found unresponsive at a Lakeland boarding school was shocked after the learning the details of her death, including that she was denied care for stomach pain. (WFLA)

3. A Tampa police officer sideswiped high school teacher Jacquelyn Marshall's SUV in downtown Tampa earlier this year. Her insurer gave her a hard time about getting a refund until the local news stepped in to investigate. (ABC Action News)

4. Downtown Tampa businesses are hoping 4th of July sparks a return to business in the area that lost much of its regular foot traffic during the pandemic by as much as 50% in some cases. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

5. Looking to celebrate the weekend holiday with a Florida twist? Pollo Tropical has a special Cuban Hot Dog for 4th of July available this weekend only around the state including in Tampa. It has all your favorite fixing like ham, swiss cheese, a pickle, and more. (Patch)

Today in Tampa

• Trinity Farmers Market -Celebrate Freedom. (9:00 AM)
• Ybor Saturday Morning Market. (9:00 AM)
• Temple Terrace Independence Celebration. (10:00 AM)
• Live Music at Lunch: Leon Vincent at Keel Farms. (12:00 PM)
• BBQ on the Block - Outdoor Market and BBQ at Corner Club Tampa. (2:00 PM)
• All-American BBQ Festival. (3:00 PM)
• Live Music At Night: Moonquakes (acoustic trio) at Keel Farms. (6:00 PM)
• TK Kirkland at Improv Comedy Theater. (7:00 PM)
• Big Bang Boogie 14th Annual Swing Dance Party with 7pc. Band - Blues Walk! (7:00 PM)
• "New Belgium BBQustic!" at New World Brewery. (7:30 PM)

Tampa Patch Notebook

• If you still need a plan and emergency supply kit for hurricane season visit tampa.gov/TampaReady for advice and text TAMPAREADY to 888-777 for emergency alerts from City of Tampa.
• Florida Politics has expanded with new hires, the relaunch of Tampa Bay 100, and a podcast with Jared Moskowitz, former Florida Director of Emergency Management.
• At least 20 people have been reported dead in the Surfside condo collapse and 128 are still missing.
• Junmai Station, a new onigiri-style Japanese restaurant is opening July 16th at 325 N Florida Ave.
• Tampa Bay Times: "A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on the new law, saying it improperly curtails political speech." (Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Times: "A centerpiece of Biden’s tax plan is to raise the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Trinity Farmers Market-Celebrate Freedom (July 3)
• BBQ on the Block - Outdoor Market and BBQ at CORNER CLUB TAMPA (July 3)
• All-American BBQ (July 3)
• World Of Beer Hosts Red, White & Booze Brunch (July 4)
• 6th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest Sponsored by T-Mobile (July 4)
• Tampa Theatre's Summer Classics Series (July 4)
• Freedom Fest (July 4)
• Sister Hazel In Concert On 4th Of July (July 4)
• NAMI Family-to-Family Course (July 6)
• USF Art Museum To Host Breaking Barriers Photography Workshops (July 9)
• Free Career Discovery Bootcamp (N. Hillsborough) (July 10)

Other classifieds:

• WANTED: Female Meyers ADULT parrot. (Details)

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. 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? Email all inquiries to me at tampadaily@patch.com.