🌱 Mayor Jane Castor Starts Second Term + Panitas Bakery & Bistro​

Hello, everybody! It's Tuesday in Tampa and I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Today you'll read about...

• The families of the victims of the alleged Seminole Heights Serial Killer spoke out at the sentencing for the accused man on Monday.
• City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was sworn back into office for her second term on Monday.
• Panits Bakery & Bistro is serving up Venezuelan food in Tampa, including arepas.

But first, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 86 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The families of the victims allegedly killed by a Seminole Heights serial killer years ago spoke out in court about the loss of their loved ones. The families spoke during sentencing. The accused killer, Howell Donaldson, has pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in order to avoid the death penalty. (WFLA)
2. Baltimore-based St. John Properties, a commercial real estate development and management company, has entered Florida with the Tampa market kicking off business in the region. Day-to-day operations will be led in Tampa by Michael Sacks, a UF graduate. Sacks recently relocated to Tampa from the company headquarters. (Press Release Desk)
3. The 13 Ugly Men’s “Derby at The Pier” is happening this weekend at the St. Pete Pier in Spa Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy derby-themed food and libations, live entertainment, games, the derby race on the big screen, and more. (That's So Tampa)
4. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was sworn back into office on Monday for her second term. Castor ran only with write-in opposition. The mayor used her ceremony to voice her concern about amendments being proposed to the city charter. One amendment would allow city council more power on department appointments and comes after disgraced former Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor was placed as Tampa Chief of Police by Castor despite opposition from Tampa City Council. The city runoffs were thought to be a referendum on Mayor Castor and her power struggles with other elected leaders. (WFLA)
5. Panitas Bakery & Bistro is a new Venezuelan concept serving delicious food in Tampa including arepas. The owners, Vanessa Chacon and Nelson Vargas, are originally from Miami. Vargas is currently deployed in Kuwait with the U.S. Air Force. (ABC Action News)

Today in Tampa:

• Free Tuesday at Glazer Children's Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Scrabble at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (12:30 p.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• Baby Time at C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Library. (3:30 p.m.)
• Armature Works Book Club. (6:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Is your family prepared for #HurricaneSeason? 🌀 Join Tampa Fire Rescue's Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 6 to: ⚠️ Learn how you can stay informed. 🩹 Stock up on emergency supplies. ☔️ Pick up free sandbags." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "🎉 Congratulations to Greco Real Estate on the grand opening of their South Tampa office. Thank you for having the South Tampa Chamber be a part of your celebration and welcome to South Tampa. 😊" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)
• "Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), along with safety campaign partners the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), The Florida Trucking Association (FTA), and AAA Florida are launching the May 'Share the Road' safety campaign. We are all responsible for sharing the road to ensure the safety of ourselves, vulnerable road users, and others." (FLHSMV)

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Featured events:

• AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz (May 5)
• Ongoing Friday Jewelry Classes (May 5)
• May Marché (May 6)
• Uptown Music Festival (May 6)
• “Voices of Resistance” Benefit Concert (May 6)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. 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