🌱 TECO Approved To Raise Bills 11 Percent + Serial Killer Trial Dates

Hey, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll read about...

• 💵 TECO is raising electric bill on consumers by 11 percent on consumers in January 2023.
• 💡Former Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor will continue to receive her annual pension of $80,000 despite her resignation.
• ⚖️ Trial dates have finally been set for the Seminole Heights serial killer.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 82 Low: 63.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. The Florida Public Service Commission announced Tuesday that Tampa Electric Company’s (TECO) residential customers will see rate hikes of 11 percent starting in January 2023. TECO blamed the spike on "the price of natural gas, which is used to generate electricity." (WFLA)
2. Former Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor’s resignation on Monday will not impact her annual pension benefit of nearly $80,000. She currently receives $5,923.16 monthly in base pension benefits, as well as $710.78 in cost-of-living adjustments for a total monthly payout of $6,633.94, according to information from the Tampa Fire & Police Pension Fund. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. "The Daily Show" took disgraced Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor to task on Monday night over her recent traffic scandal. He joked, "It's crazy that she asks if the officers body cam is on before incriminating herself." (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Trial dates have finally been set for accused Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Donaldson III. Trial jury selection is set to begin in August 2023 with the trial happening in early October 2023. He faces four counts of first-degree murder and potentially the death penalty. (WTSP)
5. The Barking Lot is coming to Sparkman Wharf in Water Street Tampa. It will be a pop-up park for pups to enjoy. The opening date is still unknown. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Taste Of Success at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (11:30 a.m.)
• Annual Wellness Expo at University Area Community Complex. (1 p.m.)
• Wing It And Bring It at Publix Aprons Cooking School Citrus Park. (6 p.m.)
• Sushi Rollin' 101 at BarrieHaus Beer Co. (6 p.m.)
• Holiday Singles Brew + Bae Mingle at Where's Jubes. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "Our comeback win goes down as the fourth-most improbable of the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016) 📈" (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Happy birthday Mayor Jane Castor! 🥳 Fun fact: Mayor Castor was born and raised in Tampa! She’s a proud lifelong resident and loves serving the community she grew up in. Please join us in wishing our mayor a happy birthday." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "The TGH Kennedy Garage is open! Created with team member feedback at the forefront, the brand-new parking garage eliminates multiple shuttle-stop locations by consolidating the majority of off-site team member parking." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

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Events:

• Christmas in the Country (December 10)
• Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay (December 10)
• The Florida Wind Band "Tis The Season!" (December 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 17)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 17)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com