🌱 Polk County Teacher's Union Grievance + TECO Heat Account Relief

Good morning, Tampa! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today. Today we'll cover:

• The city is exploring charging for the Tampa Streetcar in downtown Tampa and Ybor City.
• The Polk County teacher's union has filed a class action grievance against the school district over issues with air-conditioning amid record heat.
• TECO is introducing relief to consumers as record heat forces high levels of power usage.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 96 Low: 81.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The National Hurricane Center is predicting a busy season due to record heat. The center predicts possibly 14 to 21 named storms from August to October of 2023. Floridians, including those in the Tampa area, are advised to prepare for storms and not leave planning to the last minute. The hurricane center predicts around 2 to 5 major hurricanes as well. (Florida Patch, Tampa Patch)
2. The Polk County teacher's union has filed a class action grievance against Polk County Schools over a lack of air-conditioning in schools. The grievance comes as the Tampa Bay area and Florida face record heat indexes and dangerous heat warnings. The teacher's union said the county has breached its agreement with the group to provide adequate "heating and air conditioning equipment." (WFLA)
3. Tampa Electric Company (TECO) said customers used record power last week as the area tries to battle record dangerous heat levels and customers face double digit price hikes from the electric company. TECO said it will now help customers by not disconnecting anyone with unpaid bills through at least Aug. 20 and donating $1 million to the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities' "Share" program. TECO is encouraging customers to use less power when possible. (WTSP)
4. Ridership continues to increase in the Tampa Streetcar with record levels in July 2023. The transit option is currently free, but the Tampa Bay Business Journal reports the city is exploring charging again for the service as transportation funds dry up. There are also continuing discussions for expanding the streetcar to other neighborhoods. (Free: That's So Tampa, Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)
5. The Florida Birding and Nature Festival is coming to Apollo Beach just outside of Tampa this October. The festival will happen at Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, located at 6650 Dickman Road. The festival will feature tours to nature habitats and pre-registration is recommended. (Osprey Observer)

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Attention coffee enthusiasts and business owners! Introducing Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters - our local gem! Elevate your business with Java Planet's finest planet-friendly brews, crafted with passion and care that's second to none. Join the coffee revolution that cares for your customers and the environment. But don't take our word for it – see what local shop owners and retailers who have already discovered the wonders of Java Planet's coffee are saying. They rave about the top-notch quality and the loyal customers it brings to their businesses. Visit Java Planet today to unlock the full potential of your coffee venture.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Tampa:

Friday, August 11

• Café Con Tampa at The Portico Cafe. (8 a.m.)
• Countdown Improv Festival Workshops at HCC Performing Arts Ybor City. (noon)
• Mahjong at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Bolts Brew Fest 2023 - The Humane Society of Tampa Bay at Amalie Arena. (4 p.m.)
• Dirty Late Night Comedy at The Gimmick. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "Taking a trip down memory lane to 1969 when TPA's air traffic controllers rocked the coolest headsets in town. ✈️" (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "Help us collect school supplies for Tampa Bay’s students. 🚌 All fans who donate items this Friday will receive a Rays ticket voucher valid for a future 2023 regular-season home game. More information: www.mlb.com/rays/fans/stuff-the-bus." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa is home to a new photography exhibit titled 'Through Her Eyes: Women Photographers of Tampa Bay.' Full story: https://www.ut.edu/news-and-ut-life/womens-photography-exhibit-opens-at-the-university-of-tampa." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "We are now offering express car washes with Aqua Mobile Detailing at Midtown Tampa. Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. located inside Waterview Parking Garage. No appointment needed." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Hot & Fresh - Art and Poetry Show (August 12)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 15)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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