🌱 TECO/HCC Launch Program For Electrical Line Workers + 'X' Burgers

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. Today we'll cover:

• TECO and HCC are launching a new program for electrical line workers.
• Mayor Jane Castor is considering a ban on bikes on the Tampa Riverwalk.
• Former Tampa Sen. Jeff Brandes is criticizing accountability on the veto power of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 94 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Police arrested two teenagers on Tuesday after police said they brought what appeared to be a rifle onto the grounds of Brandon Elementary. The school was placed on lockdown during the incident. The teens are being charged with displaying a gun on school property, trespassing on school property with a weapon and disrupting school, according to a news release. (Tampa Patch)
2. Former Tampa Sen. Jeff Brandes is calling for accountability in Florida's veto process after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill with bipartisan support promoting electric cars. The bill was promoted by the Sierra Club and Florida Natural Gas Association. Brandes is a former Republican-elected official and now runs the Florida Policy Project. (WMNF)
3. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is considering a ban on bikes on the Tampa Riverwalk. The mayor would like to install bike lanes first around downtown Tampa. Residents are divided on the issue, but it will be some time before the issue is addressed. (WFLA)
4. Wayback Burgers is launching the "X" burger in a homage to Elon Musk's change of Twitter's name. The burger is a 10-layer beef patty burger with only a few toppings and will be available at locations around Tampa. The burger will launch on Aug. 1 and will cost $29.99. Wayback Burger is also offering a free "X" burger if your name is "Elon" for the month of August. (WFLA)
5. Tampa Electric (TECO) and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) have launched a new program to train electrical line workers, according to Florida Politics. The inaugural program will run from Sept. 5 and run through Dec. 13. The electrical company will donate over $300,000 for scholarships each year to help support the program. TECO will also provide a path to entry-level electrical line worker positions with the company for those who complete the program. (Florida Politics)

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Today in Tampa:

Thursday, July 27

• Tampa CyberSecurity Conference 2023 at Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. (8 a.m.)
• Gardening Together at North Tampa Branch Library (11 a.m.)
• Chess Club at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
• Tampa Bay Investor's Initiative at Hyde House Heights. (6:30 p.m.)
• "Fitzcarraldo" (1982) By Werner Hezog at Screen Door Cinema. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "We love to offer guests up-close experiences with wildlife! 🦏🦒 You can get eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest animal as you participate in a training session with our giraffe family." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Our wonderful Pet-a-Pet volunteers visited Renaissance North Tampa senior living to celebrate National Kitten Day and bring some kitten snuggles to the residents." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday has begun, don't forget to join us and 50+ vendors on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. where we will be presenting the 16th Annual Back to School Bash at WestShore Plaza." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)

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You're all caught up 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