🌱 Polk Co. Deputy Resigns After DUI Arrest + PopStroke Wesley Chapel

Welcome back, Tampa! Happy Presidents' Day. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• A Polk County deputy has resigned after being arrested with a DUI charge by authorites.
• PopStroke is now open in Wesley Chapel.
• Historic Tampa Theatre is planning to host silent films with organ music this summer.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 63.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is offering foster services for animals for those who may not be able to adopt pets. Being fostered can help cats and dogs become accustomed to people and become more likely to be adopted. (Fox 13 Tampa)
2. A Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy has resigned after being accused of DUI on Saturday. Police said the suspect would have been fired if he did not resign. The deputy's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at .153, while being booked into jail, according to the sheriff's office. The legal limit is .08 in Florida. Authorities said the deputy allegedly went off-road and hit a tree while intoxicated. (WFLA)
3. PopStroke Entertainment, which is co-owned by golf superstar Tiger Woods and Greg Bartoli, is now open in Wesley Chapel at Cypress Creek Town Center. The venue features a 36-hole putting facility as well as a outdoor dining area with a full menu, complete with craft libations for guests to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)
4. American Stage Theater Company in Pinellas County is setting up a library of banned books in protest of Florida's recent book bans. The venue is also planning to host drag shows soon as well. The library is already open and will be available indefinitely. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
5. Historic Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa is planning to host silent films with an artist who will play organ music. Silent films play homage to the past of the theatre and film industry. The first event will be held in June with another one planned for August of 2023. (Bay News 9)

Today in Tampa:

• TikTok For REALTORS. (11 a.m.)
• West Tampa CRA Community Advisory Committee Public Safety Subcommittee Workshop Meeting at at Development Services Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room. (5:30 p.m.)
• REI On Tap | Tampa at American Social. (5:30 p.m.)
• HIIT In The Park - Free Fitness Class at Curtis Hixon Park. (6 p.m.)
• Movie On The Lawn - Space Jam (1996) at Armature Works. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Athena is looking for you! Athena is an 8-month-old Domestic Shorthair who was surrendered to HSTB after her owners could no longer care for her. She is a curious kitty who is looking for her forever family." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Your input matters! Stay informed and learn the latest about the attendance boundary analysis by joining us at an upcoming community meeting. Learn more at https://www.hcps-boundary.org/." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Mayor Jane Castor wants to hear from you. Join us at our next Conversations with Castor Community Listening session to share what you enviosn for Tampa's future. The next event is on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6-7 p.m. at the Kate Jackson Community Center." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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• Design & Transportation Tampa City Council Candidate Forum (February 21)
• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 22)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
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• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— 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