🌱 Tampa Aims To Expand Housing For Homeless + 'Friends' Airbnb

Hello, Tampa. I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Keep scrolling for the scoop...

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 88 Low: 74.

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Here are the top five stories in Tampa today:

1. If you are a die-hard fan of the hit-show "Friends," you may want to book your next Airbnb at a Ybor City spot that will transport you back to the TV show. "Friends" first aired on NBC in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons. (Tampa Patch)

2. The City of Tampa is looking to add more housing for the homeless. In a couple of months, 200 additional upgraded cottages will be added with Tampa Hope Catholic Charities. They will feature beds, air conditioning and can withstand hurricane-force winds. (ABC Action News)

3. The Community Foundation Tampa Bay has provided over $200,000 in funding to ten local nonprofits to increase mental well-being among residents. Mental health is a growing concern in our region. (Tampa Patch)

4. McDonald’s workers in Tampa walked out on strike Monday, as part of a national movement to demand a living wage, job benefits, protections from harassment and abuse in the workplace, and the right to form a union. (Creative Loafing Tampa)

5. Lakeland Commissioner Michael Dunn was sentenced to three years in prison Monday for the shooting death of an alleged shoplifter at his store in 2018. Dunn in March pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a firearm, which is a lesser charge after earlier facing a second-degree murder charge, which carried a maximum penalty of life in prison. (WTSP)

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Today in Tampa:

• Bella Prana Yoga at Armature Works. (9 a.m.)
• Trash Free Waters Cleanup Crew Day at Boat Docks Armature Works. (9:15 a.m.)
• Creating Graphics With Canva at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m)
• Worthwich Wand Making Class Tampa at Hidden Springs Ale Works. (6 p.m.)
• On The Lighter Side at Publix Aprons Cooking School Of Citrus Park. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Freedom Plasma is expanding its services in Florida by opening a second location in the state in St. Petersburg today. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• The dual-branded Aloft and Element Hotel in Midtown Tampa announced today the appointment of Johnathan Rodriguez as its new dual-brand executive chef and food and beverage director. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Chanko, a new concept from the former Chop Chop Shop owner, will open in Seminole Heights this week. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties are among eight Florida counties that have “high” community levels of COVID-19, according to an analysis by the Times. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (May 24)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 25)
• Tampa Bay / Sarasota / Bradenton JobLink Job Fair - Come Get Hired on The Spot on Thursday! (May 26)
• Land On Your Feet Jazz Festival (May 28)
• Healing Concert with Neda Boin Kicking off Her American Tour (May 29)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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