🌱 Tampa DUI School Crash Investigation + Hernando Teacher Controversy

Hey, hello! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today. Today's issue includes updates on:

• A Tampa man was arrested and charged with DUI after allegedly losing control of his car and crashing into a school on Monday.
• Hernando County school board members beefed up security on Tuesday ahead of a contentious meeting over a schoolteacher showing a Disney movie with an LGBTQ+ character to students.
• Big Storm Brewing has been named "Florida Distillery of the Year."

But first, today's weather: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 88 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A 25-year-old Tampa man was arrested by authorities after allegedly losing control of his vehicle and crashing into the side of the Seaborn Day School on Monday. The school is located at 4101 W. Estrella St. Police said the suspect attempted to flee on foot from the scene of the incident. The suspect is charged with DUI and felon in possession of a firearm. (Tampa Patch)
2. Artificial Intelligence or A.I. is all the rage these days and is actively being used in traffic control throughout Tampa. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Pinellas County, and City of Tampa all use the same system. The system is called Rekor and helps to get first responders to scenes quicker. (ABC Action News)
3. Hernando County school board members added security to a meeting on Tuesday amid threats over a teacher showing a Disney movie with an LGTBQ+ character to students. The DeSantis Administration has launched an investigation into the teacher as part of the "Don't Say Gay" law, creating national controversy into Florida including travel advisories against the state. (WFLA)
4. Big Storm Brewing has been named the "Florida Distillery of the Year." The distillery has won 49 awards including 4 platinum, 2 double gold, 13 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Distillery locations include Ybor City, Clearwater, Orlando, Odessa and Cape Coral. (That's So Tampa)
5. A Tampa developer called Metro Development Group wants to entice homebuyers with a residential farm amenity. The developer hopes to have a harvest available by fall 2023 and crops will change seasonally. The community is being developed with H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute. (Business Observer)

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Today in Tampa:

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Tai Chi - Yoga & Meditation at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (noon)
• Women, Wine & Wellness at Blossom Family Chiropractic. (5:30 p.m.)
• Graphic Novel Book Club: They Called Us Enemy at Riverview Library. (6:30 p.m.)
• Konpa Dance Lessons & Socials at 82° West Distilling. (7:45 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Tampa Pride shared: "Join City of Tampa staff and community members on Thursday, June 1 at 8 a.m. as they raise the Pride flag 🏳️‍🌈 on Old City Hall to celebrate and recognize the importance of Pride Month in our community." (Tampa Pride via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "We are partnering with United Way Suncoast to do 9 weeks of giveaways to fill your summer with endless fun. ☀️😎🍉⛱️🌊🎢 United Way Suncoast will launch a new Summer of Suncoast giveaway every Monday on Facebook." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa shared: "Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux and wellness go hand in hand. Donate blood on June 6 in front of Walk-ons to receive: 🍔 $10 Walk-On’s Gift Card, 🛍️ $20 eGift Card,💧OneBlood Water Bottle or a ✅ Free Wellness Checkup." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Join us today to welcome Harry Cohen, Florida SBDC at USF and Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management, Katja Miller, who will give a presentation on preparing for hurricanes as the season begins. 🌀 ✅" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 3)
• Gulfport PRIDE Festival (June 3)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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