🌱 Polk Co. Residents Concerned About Surveillance + Mote SEA Aquarium

Good morning, Tampa. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news about:

• Polk County residents are concerned about new surveillance cameras installed in the city by police.
• Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez is now in stable condition after shooting himself in Tampa on Monday.
• Work is underway for a new Mote Marine SEA Aquarium in Sarasota.

But first, today's weather: A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 95 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez, who was injured recently after shooting himself in Tampa, is now in stable condition according to Miami-Dade Police. "All that matters right now is Chief Ramirez’s wellbeing and I join his family, his loved ones, and all his Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade County family in praying for his swift recovery," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava to NBC 6. (Miami Patch, NBC Miami)
2. "The Lion King, Jr." is coming to Dunedin High School for one day only on Saturday, July 29. The performance will be made by Ovations Dance Repertory Company. The cast will range from age 5 to age 18. Guests can enjoy classic songs, such as "Hakuna Matata." (Tampa Patch)
3. The ACLU and some residents of Polk County are concerned about an invasion of privacy as surveillance cameras that read license plates are installed around the area. Polk County Sheriff’s Office signed a 5-year contract with Flock Safety since 2021 to install the devices and is paying the firm $2,000 annually for each camera. Polk County Sheriff's Office refused to comment on the presence of the cameras to WFLA. (WFLA)
4. Mote Marine is building a new SEA Aquarium in Sarasota at Nathan Benderson Park. The site expects over 700,000 visitors at the aquarium when it is complete, according to Vice President Dan Bebak. The project should be finished by the end of the year. (Fox 13)
5. Community Health Systems (CHS), which is based in Franklin, Tennessee, is selling three hospitals to Tampa General Hospital (TGH) for $290 million. The three hospitals being sold include Bravera Health Brooksville in Brooksville as well as Bravera Health Seven Rivers in Crystal River and Bravera Health Spring Hill in Spring Hill. The acquisition will help spread the reach of Tampa General Hospital. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: Fierce Healthcare)

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Today in Tampa:

Wednesday, July 26

• You Sleuth Augmented Reality Detective Experience. (8 a.m.)
• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Photoshop Basics For Entrepreneurs at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (10:30 a.m.)
• Photobomb Selfie Museum at Brandon Town Center. (1 p.m.)
• Man On Man, Knife Rituals, and Soft Bite In Tampa at New World Music Hall. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "PHOEBE NEEDS YOUR VOTE! 🦩 Our giant flamingo has been nominated for CODAworx's People's Choice Award. Competition is stiff with 99 others competing for the top spot, so help her win by voting now." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "Unfortunately, for some residents, having clean clothes is not always possible. We're proud to team up with Current Initiatives that we are able to assist those in need and help them through The Laundry Project. " (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Your preparedness to-do list today: ✅ Text TAMPAREADY or TAMPALIST to 888-777. ✅ Sign up for Alert Tampa at tampa.gov/AlertTampa. ✅ Double check your emergency supply kit. More #TampaReady tips: tampa.gov/hurricane." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa Convention Center shared: "Tampa Bay Comic Convention will be taking over #TheTampaCC and the City of Tampa starting Friday. ➡️➡️➡️ Here's everything you need to know, including the celebrities who will be here and how to get discounted tickets." (Tampa Convention Center via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Navigating the new Estate Planning Rules - Private Online Course (July 27)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 29)
• Summer Chic..."the all-white soiree" (July 29)
• Estate Planning Seminar on August 1st and 2nd at Tampa Bay History Center (August 2)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live! (August 5)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

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

That's it for today. I'll see you 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