🌱 Tampa City Hall Reporter Leaves Times + Michelin Guide Adds 3 Spots

Hello again, neighbors! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including:

• A Wesley Chapel man has pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and could face life in prison.
• A prominent Tampa City Hall reporter has left the Tampa Bay Times ahead of a major election.
• Three Tampa restaurants have been added to The Michelin Guide. Whether they have Michelin stars or a gourmand award will be revealed later this year.

But first, today's weather:

Very warm. High: 91 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A 31-year-old Wesley Chapel man has pleaded guilty to two counts of enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sex, according to United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. The man is well-known in the area for driving around in a black Corvette. The accused man faces faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years as well as up to life in federal prison and mandatory court-ordered restitution. (Tampa Patch)
2. Hillsborough County is asking residents to complete a survey to assist the county's quest to create a 20-year comprehensive plan. The plan will seek to focus the future development and growth of the area as well as support jobs and developments. The county expects 350,000 more people to move to the area over the next 20 years. (ABC Action News)
3. The Michelin Guide has added Lilac at Tampa EDITION as well as Ponte and Noble Rice to its restaurant guide book. Restaurants will learn whether they have received a Michelin Star or Bib Gourmand at an upcoming May 11 ceremony in Miami. (Michelin Guide, That's So Tampa)
4. Tampa Bay Times city hall reporter Charlie Frago has left the publication after "philosophical differeneces," according to CL Tampa. Frago was instrumental for exposing how lobbyists from City of Tampa helped create Florida SB64 that impacts wastewater disposal. Frago departs ahead of the Tampa City Council runoffs. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
5. The on and off ramps of northbound I-75 at Big Bend Road were closed on Monday due to an escaped cow. An alert posted to Twitter read, "Both the off and on ramps of I-75 northbound are closed at Big Bend Road as #teamHCSO works to safely rescue a cow off of the road that has escaped from its farm. We will provide an update when the exits are clear to use again." (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Mahjong at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (2:30 p.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (3 p.m.)
• School Board Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools (4 p.m.)
• Happy Hour Yoga at Armature Works. (4:30 p.m.)
• Let the People Speak at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "Baseball was in his blood. Over 66 his years in baseball, Zim left an immeasurable impact across MLB. A true legend of the game, we are honored to induct Don Zimmer into the inaugural Rays Hall of Fame Class." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Mosaic Florida Operations is donating $1,000 for every goal and $1,500 for every hat trick we score at home this season as part of our Goals for Food initiative. With $49,500 being donated in March, our season total is now $152,500!" (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "From Isumi City to the City of Tampa. ⚡️ #DistantThunder" (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you have a passion for ensuring the well-being of Tampa Bay children and families, the 2023 Light the Way Soiree is a great chance to learn more about the significant impact Champions for Children is making." (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 8)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "Accentuate the Positive" (April 16)
• "Accentuate the Positive" this spring (April 16)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for 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