🌱 New Senate Bill Concerns Tampa LGTBQ Community + HUD Funding

Good morning, friends! It's Sunday in Tampa and I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community. In today's newsletter, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• A Tampa Chick-fil-A team member has been awarded a $25,000 scholarship.
• Tampa Pride President Carrie West is worried about a new bill targeting LGBTQ events in the Florida Senate.
• Tampa dentist Mike Foley of Friendly Smiles Dental Care is trying to break a world record by pulling his car with his teeth.

But first, today's weather:

Not as warm. High: 78 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa Chick-fil-A team member and Southeastern University sophomore Mireina Ramirez has been awarded a $25,000 True Inspiration Scholarship. Sholarships can be used at any accredited college, university, and technical or vocational school and are available for both full-time and part-time students. Chick-fil-A is celebrating its 50th anniversary of scholarship giving. (Tampa Patch)
2. Tampa dentist Mike Foley of Friendly Smiles Dental Care used his dental expertise to pull his car with his teeth and working to break a world record. The current Guinness World Record for pulling a car with your teeth is 100 feet in 17 seconds. Foley hopes to beat the record by the end of the year. (NBC 2)
3. A fire Saturday morning in Brooksville destroyed a Hernando County recycling center. The building was a complete loss in the fire, according to authorities. The nearest fire hydrant was miles away due to the rural area. (WFLA)
4. Tampa Pride President Carrie West is worried about a new bill moving through the Florida Senate. The bill is called Senate Bill 1438 or the "Protection of Children" bill. It could impact Pride festivals and venues that host LGTBQ events if passed. Those who organize events LGBTQ events could exposed to potential fines and risk of prison time. (ABC Action News)
5. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative over $8 million. 36 furnished housing units will open in June for homeless veterans. Hillsborough County has about 200 homeless veterans in the area. (Bay News 9)

Today in Tampa:

• Easter Egg Hunt at Armature Works. (9:30 a.m.)
• Easter Brunch at Flor Fina. (10 a.m.)
• Hop Into Spring! Enjoy A Spanish Easter Brunch at Bulla Gastrobar. (10 a.m.)
• Easter Egg Hunt On the Beach at Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - Tampa. (10:30 a.m.)
• Bottomless Mimosas at Two Shepherds Taproom (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Earth Month: Did you know Tampa residents can receive up to a $100 rebate when you purchase a water-efficient toilet. Water-efficient toilets use 60 percent less water. 💧 Learn more: tampa.gov/SaveWater." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "The Tampa EDITION, Tampa's first 5-star hotel, has been named one of the Best New Hotels in the World in 2023 by Travel + Leisure. Located in the heart of Tampa’s bustling Water Street district.." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The Tampa Bay Lightning fell to the "Senators 7-4 and finish the season with an 18-22-1 record on the road, marking the first time Tampa Bay has had a sub-.500 road record since the 2012-13 season." (Chris Krenn via Twitter)

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Featured events:

• JOB LINK 2023 Job Fair - Get Hired on Thursday! Click Here! (April 13)
• 3rd Annual Pasco Beer & Burger Festival (April 15)
• "Accentuate the Positive" this spring (April 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 17)
• Uptown Music Festival (May 6)
• Add your event

You're all caught up 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