🌱 Riverview Healthcare Call Center Workers Picket + The Pub Shutters

Good morning, Tampa. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today's issue includes news about:

• Workers picketed outside a Riverview healthcare call center after over 700 people were laid off from multiple states by Maximus Inc.
• The Pub at International Plaza has closed its doors after failing to renew their lease at the mall.
• Tampa's Blake High School is raising money for 17 new Steinway pianos at the performing arts school.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and less humid. High: 91 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Call center workers picketed at Maximus Inc. in Riverview after over 700 people were laid off across multiple states, including Florida. The company was awarded a $6.6 billion government contract last year and laid off workers anyway. Workers are calling for better pay and working conditions. Maximus Inc. contracts with Medicare and Medicaid services as well as the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). (Tampa Patch)
2. The Pub has shuttered at Tampa's International Plaza in the Westshore area after over a decade in business. The restaurant posted on social media its lease was not renewed. The Pub was recently in the news for the coronation of King Charles III in early May. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. AdventHealth Tampa recently opened a new unit for patients facing heart failure at 3100 E Fletcher Ave. The 20-bed unit aims to help those at the final stages of heart disease. The unit offers board-certified cardiologists, who are trained to provide advanced therapies and highly-specialized care to patients. (Tampa Patch)
4. An 8th grade student from Largo in Pinellas County has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee and $50,000. 14-year-old Dev Shah had previously failed to win in sixth and seventh grade, finally winning the title before finishing middle school. He is the third Floridian to win the competition and the first since 1999. (WFLA)
5. Tampa's Blake High School has teamed up with the Robby Steinhardt Foundation to raise $500,000 for 17 new Steinway pianos. New pianos are needed at the performing arts school. A series of events will help raise the funds. Their first major fundraiser, "Horns for Howard," is on June 10 at Friday Morning Musicale in Tampa located at 809 W Horatio St. (ABC Action News)

Are you a real estate agent in Tampa struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Tampa newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today in Tampa:

• Cafecito Con Conexiones at Networking Leads Coffee House. (10 a.m.)
• Davis-Bacon Compliance Training at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (1:30 p.m.)
• Armature Works Book Club. (6:30 p.m.)
• Disney Themed Trivia at FLocale. (6:30 p.m.)
• IAMX at The Orpheum. (7 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Tampa dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Bicyclists and walkers: be on the lookout for even more bike lanes, crosswalks, and other safety upgrades in your neighborhoods thanks to Tampa’s Quick Build Projects." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "This Wednesday. Join us for Chamber 101. This event is open to all new members, new reps, existing and potential members who wish to learn more about your Chamber and how to get the most out of your benefits. 😊" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)
• St. Petersburg College has partnered with Florida Solar Energy Center to help train more people for the growing solar industry. The Solar Energy Technician Apprenticeship hopes to place graduates in work quickly. (ABC Action News)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement (June 8)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 9)
• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Westchase (June 10)
• Big Gay Beach Party (June 10)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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