🌱 Tampa Man Convicted In Drug Trafficking Operation + Riverwalk Open

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today. In today's issue of the newsletter, you'll read about these stories and more:

• ESPN has laid off former Tampa Bay Bucs player Keyshawn Johnson.
• An important piece of the Tampa Riverwalk is re-opening today.
• A Tampa man is convicted of trafficking drugs between Puerto Rico and Florida.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 98 Low: 80.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The walking path behind the Tampa Convention Center on the Tampa Riverwalk is re-opening to the public today, July 1, at 6 a.m. Construction is finally completed on the walkway. The city is thanking residents for being patient as construction was underway. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
2. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan, including for those throughout Florida seeking relief. The vote was 6-3 with the liberal justices dissenting. 2,623,600 Florida residents have student loan debt with the average debt per borrower at $38,459. (Florida Patch)
3. A Tampa man has been convicted after leading a drug trafficking operation between Puerto Rico and the Tampa area, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. The office said the operation was run out of a car wash on 22nd Street in Palmetto Beach. The man was sentenced by a judge to 21 years and 8 months in federal prison. (WFLA)
4. ESPN has laid off former Tampa Bay Bucs player and Super Bowl Champion Keyshawn Johnson from the sports network. Johnson won the Super Bowl with the Bucs back in 2002. Johnson will still receive $18 million of his contract, despite only completing one year with the network. (Bucs GameDay)
5. AAA is offering its "Tow to Go" program for Independence Day weekend until July 5 at 6 a.m. to help keep drunk drivers off the road. The program comes at no cost for AAA members and non-members and is meant to be a last resort. The free rides are for one person only and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246 for help. (WTSP)

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Today in Tampa:

Saturday, July 1

• Fight Mosquitoes With Free Fish at Multiple Locations - Hillsborough County. (8 a.m.)
• Sickick | Pool Party at WTR Grill. (noon)
• Tampa's Backyard BBQ at Armature Works. (noon)
• Boom By The Bay at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. (4 p.m.)
• Parents Night Out at Westchase Impact Martial Arts. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Tampa shared: "How our Tampa Fire Rescue firefighters feel... Leave the fireworks to the pros and join us at Boom by the Bay. 😎👍✨" (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa International Airport shared: "ALL EARS AT TPA: Temple Terrace resident Sean Baker, the winner of this year's Voice of TPA contest, heard his recorded greetings on the TPA shuttles for the first time." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson gives brief on reference to officer-involved shooting on Thursday, June 29." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Tampa General Hospital has just been named one of the greatest hospitals in the U.S. by Becker's Hospital Review. We’re honored to be the only hospital in the Tampa Bay region and one of only two hospitals in Florida to earn this recognition." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Dunedin Orange Festival (July 8)
• Stained Glass Classes with Freeda (July 17)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Malaria Prevention w/ Mosquito Fogging (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good 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