Pfizer Gets Full FDA Approval + Iron Gwazi Coaster + Carnival Cruise's Vaccine Mandate

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily.

In this issue, you'll learn about a new roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the latest on vaccine approval, continued litigation over public beach access, a new vaccine mandate with Carnival Cruise Lines, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Humid and mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 91 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced it will open its much anticipated roller coaster “Iron Gwazi” next year in March 2022. It will be North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. (WFLA)

2. The FDA has given full-approval to the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19. The move could increase public confidence and open the way for more vaccine mandates from businesses and organizations. (Tampa Bay Times)

3. The trial has started for Florida parents against Governor DeSantis over mask rules. They say DeSantis has violated the state constitution by banning school districts from requiring face masks. The state originally filed a motion to dismiss, but was unable to succeed in stopping the trial. (Tampa Patch)

4. A federal appeals court overturned a ruling on Friday that backed waterfront property owners in Florida involved in a battle with a Pinellas County town over where public beach access starts and ends. The law has caused fights between homeowners and beachgoers over the years. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

5. Carnival Cruise Lines says starting August 28th, cruise guests over the age of 12 will now need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have a medical condition that does not allow them to be vaccinated. Guests must provide proof of age or medical exemption at the time of check. That includes Florida. (Spectrum News 13)

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Today in Tampa

• Bella Prana Yoga at Armature Works. (9:00 AM)
• Let's Talk Play Symposium: Resiliency & Healing For Families at Glazer Children's Museum. (12:00 PM)
• Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay New Member Orientation. (2:30 PM)
• Swim Meet vs. Alonso/Leto - Robinson High. (6:30 PM)
• V Volleyball vs East Bay - Anderson. (7:00 PM)

Tampa Patch Notebook

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: "Fact: coasters and fireworks are the best way to finish the weekend" (Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Rays: "Check out the top highlights from last week's action." (Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "Tampa City Council is hosting a regular meeting on Thursday, August 26th at 9AM. Public comment or registration to speak must be received no later than 9AM Wednesday. Learn more and see the agenda: tampa.gov/CityCouncil" (Facebook)
• City of Tampa: "COVID-19 VACCINE SITE We've opened a COVID-19 vaccine site at Lee Davis Community Center in partnership with ImpactHealth, open 9AM-5PM daily offering free Pfizer & Moderna vaccines. No appointment needed, but individuals can pre-registe..." (Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department: "******Endangered Missing Person Alert****** Please help us locate 45 year old Angela Tamecki. Tamecki was last seen in the 20100 block of Heritage Point Dr around 2100 hours on August 22. She is approximately 5’2” and 115lbs. She was las..." (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 Daily? Email me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.