​Lightning Semifinals + Apollo Beach Drowning + Tampa Rent Prices

Good Morning and Happy Sunday. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Tampa area with Patch News.

In this issue, you'll learn about rising rent prices, an Apollo Beach drowning incident, the latest on the Tampa Bay Lightning, and more. Now, let's get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 89 and the low is 77 with isolated thunderstorms. There is a 30% chance of rain.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. Tampa rent prices are among the fastest growing in the United States. Rent jumped 8.3% from last year and is now average $1,624 a month. COVID-19 accelerated the growth according to experts. (WTSP)

2. A man and toddler are dead after being swept out by a current off Apollo Beach Friday night. A search for the Good Samaritan who swam out to help them has yet to be resolved. (WFLA)

3. The Tampa Bay Lightning are playing their first semifinals game today against the New York Islanders. There will be an official party outside of Amalie Arena for those who do not have a ticket. (Patch)

4. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren is considering a run for Florida Attorney General against Republican incumbent Ashley Moody. He has not asked for support yet for the race. (Tampa Bay Times)

5. A body was found along the road in Thonotosassa on Saturday morning. An investigation is underway but the incident does not appear to be criminal in nature. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Studio 1212 Art Gallery Fine Art Sale. (12 p.m.)
• Gasparilla International Film Festival at AMC Westshore. (1 p.m.)
• Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Rays. (1:10 p.m.)
• New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning. (3 p.m.)
• Behrouz at Sunday Jams. First Chance Last Chance Bar. (7 p.m.)
• Sean Finnerty at Side Splitters Comedy Club. (7 p.m.)
• Gasparilla International Film Festival Closing Party at The Vault. (9 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• The Culture Trip wrote a guide to exploring the outdoors in Tampa.
• ZooTampa announced the birth of a rare southern white rhino.
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is headlining a Hillsborough County GOP dinner this summer.
• PDQ and 4 Rivers are joining forces for a new chicken sandwich.
• A new Filipino food truck called Masarap Bowls is now open in Tampa. They have a Build-Your-Own-Bowl concept and sides such as turon and lumpia.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Events: J Stage Theater To Present 'All My Sons', Summer Programs At Hillsborough County Libraries

Featured Classified: Job Listing - Wanted - Live-in Personal Assistant for Work for Rent Position

That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Tampa. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: tampadaily@patch.com

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Tampa area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.