🌱Rays' Franco Placed On Administrative Leave + Halfway There Festival

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days. Including news on...

• The annual Tampa Bay Beer Week fundraiser Halfway There is this Saturday.
• Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is now on administrative leave pending an investigation by the MLB.
• Bartow has changed the time for alcohol to be served on Sundays to noon from 9 a.m.

But first, today's weather: Record-tying heat. High: 96 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Latin Kings member was fatally shot in Tampa by U.S. Marshals while serving a warrant on the suspect. Thirty-nine-year-old Don Robert Astor had a long criminal history, including robbery as well as aggravated assault and rape. Police said Astor fired his gun at them before they fatally shot him to death. (Tampa Patch)
2. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball. The news comes as Franco is accused of having a relationship with a minor and facing an investigation in the Dominican Republic. Franco denies the allegations and the MLB is also investigating. (WFLA)
3. A new ordinance passed by local leaders in Bartow will allow the sale of alcohol starting at 9 a.m. on Sundays instead of noon. Local business owners say the ordinance will help support businesses from cities nearby. Some citizens, including those with religious beliefs, opposed the change. (WTSP)
4. The Tampa Bay Coffee and Art Festival (TBCAF) is returning this fall on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1310 John Moore Road in Brandon. Coffee roasters will be attending the event from all over Florida. Coffee panels will be open to all attendees. (That's So Tampa)
5. Halfway There, an annual fundraiser for Tampa Bay Beer Week, is returning on Saturday, Aug. 26 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg. Samples will be available from over 50 local breweries for guests to enjoy. Food will be served from Gigglewaters and Taco Lady food trucks. (CarlosEats.com)

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Today in Tampa:

Wednesday, August 23

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Wine & Connect Wednesdays at Geo's Fine Wine & Champagne. (6 p.m.)
• Matisyahu at Jannus Live. (7 p.m.)
• Small Batch Trivia From Geeks Who Drink at Zydeco Brew Werks. (7:30 p.m.)
• Battle Of The Bars at MacDinton's Irish Pub. (10:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We have signed forward Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension worth an AAV of $6.5 million. ➡️ tbl.co/hagel8-22." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "We have waived K Rodrigo Blankenship." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "We've signed S Richard LeCounte III." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Learn about the proposed FY24 budget and share your thoughts at this interactive community meeting, 'Budget in Action.' City staff will speak with residents one-on-one and show plans for the budget. 📆 Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. 📌 1924 W. Diana St." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "Please be aware, there will be no Yoga in The Commons this week and class will resume its normal schedule next Wednesday, Aug. 30. Namaste By The Bay" (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• JOBLINK Job Fair 2023! Sarasota / Bradenton / Tampa Bay (August 24)
• Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Bloomingdale (August 26)
• Taxes in Retirement Center at the University Area Community Center (August 29)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• How can a Life Care Plan Rebuttal be beneficial in a Personal Injury Case in Florida (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with 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