🌱 Gov. DeSantis Wants County Transportation Tax Refund + The Adnoraf

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Two coyotes were captured last week chasing a cat in North Carrollwood. Owners want to warn other pet owners about the danger to their furry friends
• Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the state of Florida to refund money collected from an unconstitutional transportation tax to taxpayers although it could be complex to get a refund
• The Adnoraf is a new supper club and social house coming soon to South Tampa

But first, today's weather: Sunshine and a few clouds. High: 83 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Police have arrested a Hillsborough County Schools paraprofessional from Freedom High School accused of having sex with an underage student, according to a Hillsborough County sheriff report. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the suspect allegedly brought the student to her home in December 2022 and had sex with him. The suspect is facing one charge for authority figure soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student. (Tampa Patch)
2. Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the state of Florida to refund money collected from a 2018 transportation tax to Hillsborough County taxpayers. $570 million was collected by the state through 2021. Finding out how to refund the money could prove tricky. The Florida Supreme Court ruled the transportation bill as unconstitutional. The Hillsborough County area is facing record traffic and congestion as transit options continue to struggle and local officials say the funding is needed for road improvements. (WFLA)
3. One of the historic Temple Terrace homes has gone on the real estate market for $569,000. The home was built during the 1920s during a Florida land boom and designed by New York-based architect Dwight James Baum. The home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, original oak and heartwood pine flooring, as well as original Saltillo tile and more. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Surveillance footage in Tampa's North Carrollwood near Lake Magdalene captured two coyotes chasing a family cat last Friday morning. Coyote mating season runs through March, and it is encouraged for pet owners to be careful with their pets during this time. The cat was not hurt. (Fox 13 Tampa)
5. The Adnoraf, a new supper club and social house, is coming to South Tampa from the same owners behind The Cake Drip in Hyde Park Village. The owner said members will have access to the finest food, drinks and atmosphere," according to a news release. Members are now being accepted and an opening is planned for March 2023. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Electronic Media at Tampa Museum Of Art. (10 a.m.)
• Spotlight On: LinkedIn Learning at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (6 p.m.)
• Stupid Cupid Valentine Gala/Dinner at Bello Bar & Kitchen. (8:30 p.m.)
• Salsa World Wednesdays Latin Night at Avalon Event Center. (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "We're thrilled to announce that USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards has nominated us for Best Zoo and Best Zoo Exhibit in the U.S.!" (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "There are a few spots left for the Friday, Feb. 10, Valentine's Themed Parents' Night Out. Parents' Night Out is a great way for kids to have a fun night at the shelter while parents get a few hours to themselves." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business has been named as an outstanding business school with an on-campus MBA program by The Princeton Review — and recognized as one of the 243 best business schools. " (The University of Tampa via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. 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