🌱 Tampa Police Seek Accused Parrot Thief + Bucs Preseason Details

Hey, friends. It's Thursday in Tampa and I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Today's briefing includes...

• Tampa Police detectives are searching for information about a woman accused of stealing parrots in Seminole Heights.
• The NFL has announced preseason dates and times for the Tampa Bay Bucs.
• Keel Farms in Plant City is hosting a special Watermelon Weekend event at the end of the month.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 89 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa Police detectives are searching for a woman who allegedly stole two parrots from the porch of a home in Seminole Heights. The incident happened on March 18 near Epps Park and was captured on video. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact authorities. (Tampa Patch)
2. The NFL has announced dates and times for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason games. The preseason will start at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, Aug. 11 with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are now available for both the preseason and regular season. (ABC Action News)
3. Topgolf is expanding soon to 220 Carillon Parkway North in St. Petersburg. The brand has enjoyed success in Tampa not far from the Brandon area in southern Hillsborough County. The location is planning to hire over 400 people. (WFLA)
4. Keel Farms in Plant City is hosting a Watermelon Weekend festival on June 24 and 25. The festival includes local vendors, watermelon eating contest, the release of watermelon beers and wines and more. Guests can also enjoy live music and a food truck for dogs. (That's So Tampa)
5. President Joe Biden has nominated former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for U.S. representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Crist lost the battle for governor in 2022 and serves in Congress from 2016 to 2022. He represented Florida's 13th district in St. Petersburg. (The Hill)

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Today in Tampa:

• Morning Coffee Investors Meetup at Just Love Coffee Cafe - Brandon. (8:30 a.m.)
• $10 Florida Resident Rate at Imagine Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Crochet Workshop at Felicitous. (10:30 a.m.)
• Happy Hour at Ocean Prime Tampa. (4 p.m.)
• Pride Construction Coalition Networking And Launch Party at Ferguson Showroom. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "Join us in congratulating and welcoming home Dev Shah, a 14-year-old from Largo who recently won the 2023 National Spelling Bee. Dev is the first winner from Florida since 1999. Congrats, Dev." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Visit Tampa Bay shared: "Known as one of Tampa Bay's local candle chemists, Seventh Avenue Apothecary is a family-owned business located on historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Each candle is hand-poured with care and intention using 100% soy wax." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Museum of Art shared: "🎉 Join us in honoring Juneteenth. 🎉 Volunteer at the Tampa Museum of Art's second annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration on Sunday, June 18, and contribute to an unforgettable day of art, music, food trucks, and family fun." (Tampa Museum of Art, Inc. via Facebook)
• Midtown Tampa: "Experience the ultimate shopping spree at the Ballard Designs Summer Event. Join us in-store from June 10 to the 12 for an exclusive offer of 30 percent off everything." (Midtown Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement (June 8)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 9)
• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Westchase (June 10)
• Big Gay Beach Party (June 10)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (June 12)
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• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Bonus Bucks Giveaway! (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— 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