🌱 Mayor Castor Picks New TPD Chief + Krate At The Grove Celebration

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more:

• City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has selected a new leader for Tampa Police Department.
• An Amish restaurant in Sarasota has been voted the best buffet in America.
• Krate at the Grove is celebrating one year of business in Wesley Chapel.

But first, today's weather: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 87 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has selected interim Chief Lee Bercaw as her choice for the next Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief. The decision now moves to Tampa City Council for approval. The decision is not expected to cause controversy compared to the last choice by Mayor Castor. (Tampa Patch, Creative Loafing Tampa)
2. The body of a former USF football player, who played at the university from 2008-2012, has been found in the waters near West Palm Beach. The family reported the former student as missing last weekend. The death was not ruled as suspicious by a medical examiner. (WFLA)
3. Der Dutchman, an Amish restaurant in Sarasota located at 3713 Bahia Vista St., has been voted the best buffet in America. The list was compiled by USA Today. The restaurant boasts a breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet as well as a bakery. (That's So Tampa)
4. Krate at the Grove in Wesley Chapel is celebrating one year of successful business all weekend long with events and promotions. Small business owners said the space has been helpful for growing their operations. Guests can enjoy live music, bounce houses, and kid-friendly events during the party. (ABC Action News)
5. A fire was reported on Friday morning near Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa at around 9:24 a.m. A plume of smoke was visible from the scene. No injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly extinguished. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

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Today in Tampa:

• Summer Festival at Seminole Heights Branch Library (10 a.m.)
• Sam Blacky | Pool Party at WTR Grill. (noon)
• Zumba With Ivy at Nourish Tampa Nutrition. (noon)
• Get Lit: Candle Making Brunch at The DIY Room. (12:30 p.m.)
• PURE Couture — The Gala at The Art Institute Of Tampa. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Please join us in congratulating the University of South Florida on a historic achievement. USF has officially accepted an invitation to join the Association of American Universities." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "This summer, we’re showing our members how much we appreciate their support with a special offer. From June 1-Aug. 31, Annual Members can bring one additional guest free with every visit. 😎" (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre: "In anticipation of Wes Anderson’s new “Asteroid City” opening on Friday, June 23, we’d like to take a look back at some of the films he made along the way. Join us for our Wes-rospective Series." (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• The Rare Plant Network Plant Sale (June 3)
• Gulfport PRIDE Festival (June 3)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 9)
• Add your event

That's it for today. 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com