🌱 Tampa Bay Comic Con This Weekend + Syniverse Layoffs Coming

Hello, friends. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in our community. Including updates on...

• Tampa Bay Comic Con is happening this weekend at the Tampa Convention Center.
• The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is building a new AI agricultural building in Wimauma.
• Tampa-based Syniverse is planning to lay off nearly 100 employees.

But first, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 93 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. The number of people with red meat allergies is linked to growing tick bites from the Lone Star Tick in Florida, according to the CDC. In the Tampa Bay area, cases the illness are 11 or fewer per one million residents. Health experts say the number is likely higher than is currently available as public information. The public is being advised to avoid tick bites. (Tampa Patch)
2. The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is building a new AI center in south Hillsborough County that will focus on agriculture. The center will cost $20 million to build and be located in Wimauma. It will house around 32 graduate students as well. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. Four Tampa area restaurants have been the list of OpenTable's most popular restaurants for outdoor dining in the USA. On the list are Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Ocean Prime, The Rosemary & Thyme and Ulele. OpenTable says the list is made by "verified diner reviews." (WFLA)
4. Tampa Bay Comic Con is happening all weekend at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. The convention said their event will not be impacted by the writer's strike in Hollywood from WGA and SAG-AFTRA. Tickets are still available to attend. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. Tampa-based telecom company Syniverse is laying off employees after reorganizing their business, amid record investments. The company is seeking to be more efficient. Around 95 employees are expected to be laid off by the company. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)

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Today in Tampa:

Saturday, July 29

• Back 2 School Health Clinic — Hillsborough County Schools. Multiple locations. (All Day)
• Hillsborough County Back-To-School Fair at Westshore Plaza. (10 a.m.)
• Living History Saturday: Environmentalism In The Bay at Tampa Bay History Center. (noon)
• Book Roundtable For Adults at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (1 p.m.)
• Food Truck Fest On Market Street at Armature Works. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay: "STAY DRY 🌂🌧 New raincoats have arrived at HSTB to keep your dog dry during those summer storms. Come into the retail store, just inside the shelter, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. to pick yours up." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "We're so proud to announce that Tampa General Hospital has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Women by Forbes for 2023." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• Tampa Convention Center shared: "We want to give a warm welcome to the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club. The world's largest African American motorcycle club is in the City of Tampa this week for their 2023 Convention." (Tampa Convention Center via Facebook)
• Tampa Councilman Luis Viera shared: "The return of the Great Tampa City Council Karaoke Battle. This Friday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. Babe Zaharias Golf Course. 11412 North Forest Hills Drive." (Twitter)

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Featured events:

• Summer Chic..."the all-white soiree" (July 29)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 2)
• Estate Planning Seminar on August 1st and 2nd at Tampa Bay History Center (August 2)
• Taxation in your Retirement - Legislative Risk with upcoming elections - ONLINE COURSE (August 3)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed!

— 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