🌱 Tampa Fire Rescue Accused Of Workplace Racism + Fertilizer Fight

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening in town these days. Today you'll find news about...

• A Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter is accusing the organization of a racism in the workplace.
• A Florida man who was set on fire at a gas station last month has died.
• Tampa has released its 156-page "Climate Action and Equity Plan."

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 89 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A Florida man set on fire at a gas station last month has died. The incident happened at a Mobile gas station at 14516 N 22nd St. in Tampa. The suspect in the case is facing charges of pre-meditated first-degree murder and aggravated battery with great bodily harm, according to police. (Tampa Patch)
2. Armature Works in historic Tampa Heights is hosting a hot dog eating competition on the Fourth of July at 4 p.m. It costs $25 to register for the competition which will be prepared by Bucher n’ Barbecue. The winner of the competition will win a $500 gift card and a championship belt. (Q105)
3. Tampa Fire Rescue is being accused by a firefighter of racism in the workplace. A Black worker complained about a hanging monkey in the office and then said they experienced retaliation, including a photo of a Black firefighter with the word "monkey" plastered on their face. Tampa Police Department is now investigating Tampa Fire Rescue. (Fox 13)
4. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pausing a ban on fertilizer amid growing toxic blue-green algae in lakes and red tide in the oceans plaguing the state including along the beaches in Pinellas County and Manatee County. Clean-up efforts are costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Environmental activists are crying foul and urging the governor to reconsider. (WUSF)
5. City of Tampa has released its 156-page "Climate Action and Equity Plan." The federal government is allowing state and local governments to access clean energy tax credits that come from the Inflation Reduction Act signed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Nearly $370 billion is pledged in the bill to fight climate change. (Florida Politics)

Today in Tampa:

Tuesday, June 20

• Dollar Golf For Kids at Ace Golf Riverview. (9 a.m.)
• Happy Hour at Ocean Prime. (4 p.m.)
• All-U-Can Eat Pizza Skate at United Skates Of America. (6 p.m.)
• Trivia Night Every Tuesday at Keel Farms. (6:30 p.m.)
• Tampa Tarpons Fun Filled Saturday at George Steinbrenner Field. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "Job of the Week: 💻 Calling all tech pros. The Technology & Innovation Department is hiring for a senior database administrator with considerable knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2016 or higher, data analysis techniques, and more." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Welcome Metro Diner to the South Tampa Chamber. We are so excited to have you as a new member. 😊 ✅" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)
• U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor shared: "I'm thrilled to announce $300K @ILMS grant on Juneteenth for The Woodson African American Museum of Florida to research and tell the stories of Pinellas and Florida African American history, art, and culture." (Twitter)
• HART shared: "Interested in helping HART make transit service more accessible? HART is seeking applicants for one representative on the ADA Accessibility Committee. Applications are due June 30." (Twitter)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 23)
• Murder Mystery & Casino Night! (June 24)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— 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