🌱 International Food Truck Festival Coming April + Ashley Dr. Changes

Good morning, everybody. It's Saturday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community, including news about:

• Tampa is receiving over $5 million from the federal government to redesign the Ashley Drive Interchange Ramp and reconnect downtown Tampa to surrounding neighborhoods.
• Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded the "Don't Say Gay" bill into high schools, concerning Tampa area teachers and leaders.
• The International Food Truck Festival is coming to Tampa Premium Outlets in April.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 88 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa is receiving over $5 million from the federal government for the redesign the Ashley Drive Interchange Ramp into downtown Tampa from I-75 to reunite Tampa Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods with downtown Tampa. The neighborhoods were once connected before the construction of the interstate decades ago and is a vital part of Tampa. (Tampa Patch)
2. Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill into high schools which restricts discussions on "sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms" for teachers. It could lead to resignations amid a teacher shortage. "Teachers are hesitant to teach and worried that they’ll be arrested or lose their certificate," said Hillsborough County board member Lynn Gray. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. Florida Penguin's International Food Truck Festival is coming to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz next month. Over 70 food trucks and vendors are expected to participate in the gathering. Food trucks attending include Snowflakes Shaved Ice, The Wright Kinda BBQ, World Famous Egg Rolls and Grandma's Soul Food. (WTSP)
4. Texas Cattle Company has re-opened in Lakeland after a fire damaged part of its building. The restaurant relocated 90 of its employees to other restaurants throughout Central Florida during the repairs. (Fox 13)
5. St. Petersburg's city council has voted to change the zoning for almost 3,000 homes that are located in proximity to major roads. The controversial vote came to a 7-1 decision and lacks an affordable housing requirement. It allows developers and homeowners to convert a traditional single-family home into a duplex, triplex, or quadplex. Critics said the change will lead to more expensive housing with less space and more congestion. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

• Friends Of The North Tampa Library Book Sale. (10 a.m.)
• Sunshine Market at Midtown Commons. (10 a.m.)
• Tampa Pride Festival & Parade — Ybor City. (10:45 a.m.)
• Tampa Pride 2023 Drag Brunch at Big Easy Ybor City. (noon)
• Celebrate Tampa Pride at Hotel Haya. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "We've released K Ryan Succop. 📰: bccn.rs/3ne8xUk" (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "SHOW YOUR PRIDE 🌈 This weekend at Tampa Pride! Get your shirts at the HSTB store, inside the shelter, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or buy one online to show your support at hstbstore.com." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "Read why Bern's Steak House is one of the greatest steakhouses in the world. Forbes writer Larry Olmsted says, 'There are several things that make Bern’s notably different from every other venerable steakhouse you can visit." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Tampa General Hospital’s Director of Pharmacy, Maja Gift, has just been re-appointed to the Florida Board of Pharmacy by Gov. Ron DeSantis." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• TerraNova Grand Prix Brunch (March 25)
• Tour de Kerouac - Guided Bike Ride (March 26)
• Westchase Egg Hunt (April 2)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "Accentuate the Positive" (April 16)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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