🌱 Tampa Downtown Partnership Job Fairs + Sandbag Locations Now Open

Hey, friends! Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting hiring fairs today and Tuesday for its "downtown ambassador" program.
• A Florida woman survived an attack from a stingray in Gibsonton.
• Sandbag locations are open across the Tampa Bay area ahead of a potential tropical system next week.

But first, today's weather: Record-tying heat. High: 95 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A Florida woman was nearly killed by a stingray recently in Gibsonton. The sea creature was only centimeters from piercing the woman's lung and attacked her back. It took first responders nearly 45 minutes to respond to the incident after dialing 911. The close call happened while the woman and her husband were relaxing at Bahia Beach and enjoying lunch together. (WFLA)
2. Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting jobs fairs to look for "downtown ambassadors" today and on Tuesday at 1415 N. Ashley St. Those hired will be on the streets helping to make downtown Tampa memorable. Pay begins at $15 an hour. The fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to noon today and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. (Osprey Observer)
3. A Florida man is facing multiple felonies after police say he injected a chemical agent with a syringe under the door of his neighbor's condominium in Tampa Palms. The neighbor was captured on a hidden camera with a syringe that tested positive for narcotics drugs including methadone and hydrocodone. The victim's family suffered symptoms from exposure to the drugs. (NBC News)
4. Sandbag locations have opened across the Tampa Bay area ahead of a potential storm system next week. St. Petersburg has extended hours to help residents prepare. Sites are confirmed in Citrus County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County. (WTSP)
5. Two new travel destinations have arrived in Tampa Bay ahead of the busy holiday season. Frontier Airlines is offering flights from Tampa International Airport to Baltimore starting Nov. 16. Down in Sarasota, flights are being offered from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to Cleveland starting Dec. 21. (WFLA)

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Today in Tampa:

Saturday, August 26

• Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park. (9 a.m.)
• Downtown Tampa Ambassadors Hiring Fair at Downtown Tampa. (10 a.m.)
• Celebrate National Dog Day at Hyde Park Village. (10 a.m.)
• The Roots Of Black Music In America at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library. (3 p.m.)
• Big Ten Tailgate Party at Midtown Commons. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "Our iconic flamingo turned one, so we celebrated with cake, live flamingos from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, flamenco dancers from the Columbia Restaurant and so much more." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Join us for the nationwide Clear the Shelter event through Aug. 27 and find your best friend for free*! Clear the Shelter is an initiative that helps find homes for all the animals in the shelter." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Our amazing partners at Boulon Brasserie & Bakery are celebrating International Dog Day today, Aug. 26, by selling special dog treats and donating the proceeds to HSTB." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "Celebrate National Cinema Day with us on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. with The Silent Clowns. Tampa Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ roars to life once more for an afternoon of silent comedy classics." (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Bloomingdale (August 26)
• Taxes in Retirement Center at the University Area Community Center (August 29)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today.

— 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