🌱 Trial Date Set Between Warren & DeSantis + Tampa Rental Assistance

Hello, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Tampa Daily, fresh off the presses. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• 🏘️ City of Tampa has reopened its rental assistance program to residents in need.
• ⚖️ A trial date has been set in the legal battle between ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
• 💽 Tampa Bay Wave, a startup accelerator, has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. government.

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day. It reminds us that there are over 17 million people impacted by the disorder.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 86 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Federal Judge Robert Hinkle has set a Nov. 29 trial date in the lawsuit filed by ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Warren claims he was illegally removed from office by the governor in violation of his first amendment rights. (Patch Tampa)

2. Tampa Bay Wave, a startup accelerator based in downtown Tampa, has received a $2 million federal grant to boost cyber/finance and health tech programs. The funds come from the United States Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA). (St. Pete Catalyst)

3. Former Circuit Hillsborough Judge Jared Smith, recently fired by voters in Tampa, after denying a 17-year-old girl an abortion over her GPA, now wants another shot. Smith is requesting that Gov. DeSantis appoint him to the newly created 6th District Court of Appeals in Lakeland. Smith's prior campaign was plagued with partisanship, unusual for judicial races. (Creative Loafing Tampa, Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)

4. City of Tampa's Rental & Move-In Assistance Program (RMAP) program has finally reopened, although only up to 250 applications will be accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Approved applications will be eligible to receive up to a year of assistance at an average of $10,000. (WTSP)

5. Lime is debuting their Gen4 e-bikes in Tampa. "Lime's goal is to be a permanent fixture in Tampa’s 21st-century transportation network, providing all residents and visitors with safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation options in the form of shared electric vehicles," said Dan Shoman, general manager at Lime. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Dunkin' & OneBlood Partner to Encourage Blood Donations in the Tampa Bay Area. (All day)
• Beginning Watercolor Workshops at Life Enrichment Center. (10 a.m.)
• Art on the House at Tampa Museum of Art. (4 p.m.)
• Art Reception: "Beyond Sight" at Carrollwood Cultural Center. (5:30 p.m.)
• Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Celebrates 20th Anniversary. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• North Carolina's Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar is coming soon to Wesley Chapel. The restaurant concept is known for having a wide-variety of seafood options including family-style seafood boils, crab cakes, lobster rolls, as well as an extensive drink menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• The Humane Society of Tampa Bay says it is in "crisis" with waivers now available for dogs over 30 pounds from Tuesday to Friday. (ABC Action News)
• The Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Rowdies have pledged $1 million in support of Hurricane Ian relief efforts. Donation drives will also be held at postseason events and at the Rowdies Oct. 8 game. (WTSP)
• New York-based Teachers Federal Credit Union is coming to Tampa with plans to eventually branch out to Central Florida and South Florida as well. The credit union has over 400,000 members. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• St Pete's Super Greek Festival 2022 (October 7)
• Miami Carnival Parade of Bands and Concert Set for Oct. 9 (October 9)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another 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