🌱 Tampa-Area Attorney Starts Banned Book Club + USF Football Stadium

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Tampa. Today you'll learn about:

• A Tampa area attorney has started a banned book club in response to increasing book bans around the state of Florida.
• Three state legislators from the Democratic Party have lashed out about this year's legislative session in Tallahassee.
• Shell Key in Pinellas County has been named one of the best secret beaches.

But first, today's weather: Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 84 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa area attorney Erin Aebel has started The Banned Book Club for Ferocious Floridians after being outraged at book bans spreading across the state and in Tampa. The first book the club will read is called "Gender Queer." Aebel is a member of the Knights of the Krewe of Cavaliers. (St. Pete Patch)
2. Three state legislators from the Tampa area slammed this year's state legislative session in Florida as nothing but "culture wars" and the "worst session." Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson and representatives Dianne Hart and Susan Valdes decried the actions of the state government. Only state democrats accepted the invitation to the Tampa Bay Tiger Club. (WMNF)
3. The University of South Florida (USF) has advanced the next step for its on-campus stadium at the tune of $340 million. Some students are complaining about cost amid high tuition and costs. The school plans to take out a $200 million loan to pay for the stadium. (WFLA)
4. Hillsborough County firefighter, Jerrad Huprich, who was in a "catastrophic accident" unrelated to his work donated his organs in a final act of courage. Firefighters lined up at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa where the organs of the donor were harvested. (Fox 13)
5. Shell Key Preserve has been named one of the best secret beaches by Family Destination Guide. 3,000 adults were surveyed across different ages, genders, and geography for the guide. The Pinellas County spans 1,800 acres and features barrier islands, mangroves, and more. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Mother Together: Coffee Chat & Walk at Citrus Park Town Center. (10 a.m.)
• Asian American & Pacific Islander Celebration at SkyCenter One. (5 p.m.)
• Memorial Day Tasting at Chateau Cellars. (6 p.m.)
• Esports Open Play at Northdale Recreation Center. (6:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Tampa Police Department shared: "We had the pleasure of hosting this year’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie class for an open forum and behind-the-scenes look at officer training. We even put their split-second decision-making skills to the ultimate test." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Middleton High School's Robotics students will host camps for students in 2nd through 10th grade from June 5 to June 16." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "City of Tampa offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in honor of Memorial Day. There will be no solid waste service that day." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 26)
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You're officially in the loop for today. 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