🌱 Messi Chicken Sandwich Hits Hard Rock Cafe + Jackson House Marker

Good morning, hello! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Including updates on...

• The Lionel Messi: a Messi Chicken Sandwich has come to Hard Rock Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa as the superstar comes to Florida to play in the MLS.
• A convicted felon attempted to flee police last Friday unsuccessfully via the Alafia River in Riverview.
• A historical marker is coming to Tampa's Jackson House, which activists are working to save.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 95 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. One person is dead after a house fire in the 10000 block of North Dixon Avenue in Tampa's Sulphur Springs neighborhood on Tuesday. The fire was under control in 15 minutes, according to fire officials. An investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire. (Tampa Patch)
2. Tampa's Jackson House will soon have a historical marker outside the home to note its importance to the area. Locals have fought to protect the structure from being demolished for years. The house welcomed Black residents during Jim Crow when segregation was a major issue across the nation. (WTSP)
3. Hillsborough County officials are discussing a plan to fill the Seffner sinkhole that swallowed and killed a man in 2013. The hole recently re-opened after being closed for years. Authorities said there is no risk to homes near the sinkhole. Crews are planning to fill the hole with gravel and water. (WFLA)
4. Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino off Orient Road has launched the new Lionel Messi: a Messi Chicken Sandwich at Hard Rock Cafe. The menu option comes as Messi moves to Florida to join Inter Miami CF with the MLS. It features a crispy Milanese-style chicken breast topped with melted provolone cheese and an herbed aioli as well as tomatoes and arugula greens. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Last Friday, patrol units from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) captured a convicted felon who fled police in Riverview on the Alafia River, according to HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister. The suspect attempted to flee police below a small boat unsuccessfully. The capture was a collaboration between the HCSO aviation unit and HCSO marine units. (Tampa Patch)

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Today in Tampa:

Thursday, July 13

• Summer Art Camp at Tampa Museum of Art. (8 a.m.)
• Tampa Veterans Job Fair at Amalie Arena. (11 a.m.)
• Gardening Together at Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library. (3 p.m.)
• HYPE Tampa Bay July Networking Event at The Dan. (6 p.m.)
• Hillsborough County Esports - Video Game Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "Beginning Sept. 2, Silver Airways will launch nonstop Saturday flights from TPA to GSO. This route will be of particular interest to aviation fanatics as it becomes the longest scheduled turboprop passenger service in the contiguous United States." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "In honor of our 25th anniversary this year, we expanded our Community Fund Grant roster to 25 deserving organizations. We’re proud to work with these groups that are making a real impact in our area." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Happy 1st Birthday, Litter Skimmer. They grow up so fast. 🥹🥳 In just one year, Tampa's favorite, trash-grabbing vessel has been on the water for 841 hours, collected 40,126 pounds of trash, generated 9,645 KWh of electricity from the trash collected, and even won the Tampa's Downtown Urban Excellence Public Sector Project Award." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Mayor Jane Castor, The Tampa Convention Center, and community partners cut the ribbon on 18 new waterfront rooms, celebrating the completion of this $44.5 million expansion project." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Tampa Bay Rodeo And Family Festival (July 15)
• Slumber Pawty At Humane Society (July 15)
• Stained Glass Classes with Freeda (July 17)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 19)
• Free Dinner Seminar July 19 at Outback Steakhouse (July 19)
• TAMPA BAY JOBLINK 2023 Job Fair! (July 20)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live! (August 5)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - PrimeTime Sale! (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! 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