🌱 'Malfunction Junction' Work Set To Begin Soon + Teacher Donations

Hey, Tampa. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know locally. Here's a quick look at what's happening in town:

• 🚌 A group is trying to stop voters from voting on a transportation tax in Hillsborough Co.
• 🚧 Road work is set to begin in 2023 on 'Malfunction Junction' after approval from FDOT.
• 🐬 Clearwater Marine Aquarium is now offering dolphin experiences for guests by appointment.

Today is National Dog Day. Adoptions are badly needed in Hillsborough County as shelters fill up.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 88 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories today in Tampa:

1. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded a $223.5 million design-build contract to improve the safety and traffic flow of "malfunction junction" between I-4 and I-275 to Connecticut-based Lane Construction Corp. The infamous intersection serves nearly 200,000 drivers every day. Construction is expected to begin by early 2023. (Tampa Patch)

2. Palm Harbor man Jordan Patrick Leahy has been found guilty of trying to ram the car of a Black family off the road and attempting to assault the driver in August 2021. Police say Leahy made numerous racist statement when they arrived, including his opinion that Black people should be kept "in their areas." Leahy faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. (WFLA)

3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering poolside experiences with dolphins for guests. Guests will join a marine biologist and learn about the dolphins during the visit. Experiences are by appointment only and visitors must call ahead or book online beforehand. (Bay News 9)

4. Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan presented more than 46,000 items to the Hillsborough Education Foundation for its annual school supply drive. The foundation collects school supplies and provides them free of charge to teachers in Hillsborough County through their Teaching Tools Resource Center. (Tampa Patch)

5. A lawsuit has been filed in Hillsborough County court that aims to stop the public from voting on a tax that could fund local public transportation. The county aims to ask voters in November if they will approve a 1% sales tax increase over the next 30 years to help fund transit and road improvements. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Children's Museum To Host Storyland at Glazer Children's Museum. (10 a.m.)
• National Dog Day at Two Shepherds Taproom. (1 p.m.)
• Fourth Friday Along Tampa Riverwalk. (5 p.m.)
• Paws For A Cause - Adoption Event at Armature Works. (5 p.m.)
• Live Music With Corrine Olivia at Hotel Haya. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area are treating teachers with a free medium hot or iced coffee on September 1. (WFLA)
• Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister on Thursday detailed the arrests of more than 170 people during a human trafficking operation that spanned several months. Chronister said one man attempted to pay for sex during his honeymoon. (ABC Action News)
• United Property & Casualty Insurance Co. based in St. Petersburg will exit Florida's homeowners' insurance market, forcing customers to find new insurance coverage when their policies come up for renewal, its parent company announced Thursday. It is one of many insurance companies exiting the state as premiums spike upward. (WUSF)
• BayCare Health System sent 215,000 letters this week to patients insured through Florida Blue, warning that BayCare hospitals, doctors and lab services would be out of the insurer’s network by October 1 if they cannot agree on new health care rates. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

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Events:

• Smooth Jazz Sunday w/Blake Aaron, Tom Braxton & Rob Zinn! (August 28)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 30)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com