🌱 Primary Election Day + Lightning Causes Tampa Apartment Fire

Good morning Tampa! Today is primary election day. Make sure you have your vote-by-mail ballot turned in or head to the polls today for the final day of voting.

Here's a quick summary of what's happening locally:

• 🗳️ The primary election today is expected to shape the future of local and state politics.
• 🚧 Local business owners are worried about the closure of Florida Avenue for city construction work.
• 🔥 A lightning strike caused a local apartment complex building to catch on fire.

First, today's weather:

A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 93 Low: 79.

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Here are the top five stories today in Tampa:

1. Today's primary election and the general election on November 8 will set the political tone for the Sunshine State for the next four years. Democrats are determined to turn Florida blue after years of control by the GOP and face an uphill battle to make it happen. Locally, Tampa has number of seats on the ballot and a Hillsborough County referendum for schools. (Tampa Patch)

2. The percentage of uninsured Tampa area residents under 65 ranges from 12.7% in Hillsborough County to 16% in Polk County, which is higher the national average, but around the state average. In 2021, Tampa Bay area hospitals provided $2.68 billion in uncompensated or charity care. Those costs are ultimately passed to those insured. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)

3. Italian muralist Alessandro Etsom has unveiled three new murals at Asher Residences on Water Street in downtown Tampa. It was Estom's first trip to Tampa. The muralists were brought to Tampa by Cass Contemporary. (ABC Action News)

4. Local business owners are worried about how the three-week closure of Florida Avenue will impact their businesses. The city of Tampa says the closure is needed to address flooding issues and pipes for drinking water. The construction work is part of the Southeast Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project. (Tampa Patch, Bay News 9)

5. Grand Oasis Apartments caught on fire at 11:14 a.m. Monday after the building was struck by lightning the night before. Everyone inside the building was safely evacuated, fire officials said. The American Red Cross is helping those displaced by the fire. (WTSP)

Today in Tampa:

• Kpeas Kids Enrichment Class at Armature Works. (10:30 a.m.)
• Graphic Novel Book Club: Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes at Riverview Library. (6:30 p.m.)
• Totally Tuesday at Rose Bar Tampa. (7 p.m.)
• K.A.A.N. & Demrick - The Summer League Tour at The Brass Mug. (7 p.m.)
• Taco Tuesday at The Exchange Kitchen & Bar. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A woman is accused of intentionally crashing her car into a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle after a multi-highway chase across Hillsborough County. The trooper was not injured. (WTSP)
• St. Pete Police said Monday that a burned body has been identified as 31-year-old Heather Elizabeth Olmstead. The body was previously said to be "beyond recognition." (WFLA)
• The Tampa Bay Bucs say they are close to naming a starter at left guard. Concerns were raised after a recent injury of the Bucs guard on Saturday. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 25)
• Smooth Jazz Sunday w/Blake Aaron, Tom Braxton & Rob Zinn! (August 28)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com