🌱 Tampa Mother's Day Ideas + Rays Coaches Hit With COVID

Happy Monday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

First, today's weather:

Humid with partial sunshine. High: 87 Low: 73.

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Here are the top five stories in Tampa today:

1. Looking for Mother's Day plans in Tampa? There are plenty of options in town and Patch has you covered. Suggestions include RumFish Grill and Palm Court Italian Grill, The Don CeSar, HEW Parlor & Chophouse at Fenway Hotel, K Club Bar & Bistro at The Karol Hotel and more. (Tampa Patch)

2. Dozens of flag football teams from across Florida came together at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday to compete in the 4th Annual Sunshine Bowl to raise money for Special Olympics Florida. Major sponsors of the event include the Tampa Bay Bucs, Publix and Coca-Cola. (Fox 13 Tampa)

3. Four Rays coaches, including pitching coach Kyle Snyder, were out with COVID-related issues and not available for games this weekend against the Twins at Tropicana Field. It is uncertain when the four will be available, but they will not begin the three-city, 10-day West Coast trip which starts today. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

4. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said in a news release that 62-year-old Thomas Lair is facing a total of 15 counts of molestation and sexual battery. Authorities say most of the victims were between 6 and 9 years old when the alleged incidents occurred between 1972 and 2020. (Bay News 9)

5. New concept renderings have been revealed for the Cross Bay Ferry. The final design will be decided in November 2022. The new vessel would add a substantial number of bike racks up front to make for a more efficient boarding process and expand the service to 7 days a week. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Mother's Day Cards at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (6:00 PM)
• Hyde Park Sweat with Bella Prana at Hyde Park Village. (6:00 PM)
• Pokemon Club at TRIBE Seminole Heights. (6:00 PM)
• Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools. (6:00 PM)
• Salsa Dancing Class and Happy Hour at Hotel Haya. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party for Game 1, presented by Bud Light, will be today at Sparkman Wharf. "Parties will feature live entertainment, appearances from ThunderBug and other Lightning personalities, as well as giveaways, concession specials and more," according to a Lightning press release. (ABC Action News)
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Hillsborough County Public Schools will use this time to share with you the resources available to families, students, and staff to support mental well-being and the work being done with our partners to help students. (Facebook)
• R&B legend Keith Sweat's Birthday Celebration is coming to Amalie Arena on July 23 including Monica, Tevin Campbell, Tamar Braxton, 112, Ginuwine and Silk. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• Revolution Roller Derby in Port Richey is looking for new members to join its league. (WFLA)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com