🌱 More Allegations Against Rays' Wander Franco + Mochinut New Tampa

Good morning, hello! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• Mochinut is coming soon to New Tampa.
• An elderly couple was found dead in Hernando County after Hurricane Idalia.
• Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco is facing fresh allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors in the Dominican Republic.

But first, today's weather: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 91 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A woman was found dead following a house fire early Thursday morning on Chelsea Street in Tampa. The incident happened in the 2500 block of East Chelsea Street after 1:30 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Tampa Patch)
2. An elderly couple in Hernando County was found dead after Hurricane Idalia after a search led by the nonprofit "We Are The Essentials." It is unclear what exactly lead to the death of the elderly couple as they went missing right before the storm. The victims were found Thursday morning in their vehicle off Powell Road in Brooksville, according to authorities. (WFLA)
3. Mochinut is coming soon to New Tampa as the popular concept spreads across the Tampa Bay area. The news was originally made on the concept's Instagram page. No official address is available at this time for the restaurant. (That's So Tampa)
4. More allegations are stacking up against Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco in the Dominican Republic. Franco is currently on administrative leave while Major League Baseball investigates. Franco has denied accusations, and the Rays are currently defending the player. (St. Pete Patch)
5. Most of the damage claims in the Tampa area from Hurricane Idalia will be related to flooding damage as a result of rain and storm surge impacts. Homeowners are advised to keep damages items for an insurance adjustor to review. Those lacking flood insurance could qualify for help from the federal government with FEMA. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

Friday, September 1

• Café Con Tampa at The Portico Cafe. (8 a.m.)
• Ask A Dietician at Community Roots Collective. (10 a.m.)
• Sept 1 - Tampa Maker's Market at Angry Chair Brewing. (6 p.m.)
• Sept. 1 | Two Friends | The Gathering at Armature Works. (8 p.m.)
• Rumba Latina at Studio Flava. (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "The legend of Randy continues; he became the first player in franchise history to record three consecutive seasons of 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "2,000+ Tampa General Hospital physicians and team members rode out Hurricane Idalia inside the hospital taking care of 1,000+ patients and each other. The team’s preparation was evident in every corner." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Yard waste & storm-related Vegetative Debris collection will resume Sept. 5. 🌿🌱 Note: Please make sure to place all storm-related vegetative debris curbside in preparation for collection, either in bundles, piles, or in a container." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. shared: "The Tampa Museum of Art was fortunate to be spared some of the worst effects of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall in Florida. Unfortunately, other communities across the state were not so lucky." (Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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