Unemployment Call Center Problems + 4th of July + Bayfront Health

Good Morning. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Tampa area with Patch News.

In this issue, you’ll learn about 4th of July plans in Tampa, continued problems at the unemployment benefit center, a new health facility coming to St. Pete, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 93 and the low is 77 with mostly sunny skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Tampa:

1. The City of Tampa announced that “Boom by the Bay” is back for 4th of July this year. 200,000 people attended the inaugural event. The celebration will feature fireworks along four miles of waterfront at six different locations, as well as live music, food trucks, a boat parade, and more. (Patch)

2. Layoffs at Florida’s troubled unemployment benefit center with Kforce are blamed for a slew of unanswered phone calls, according to an anonymous Department of Economic Opportunity employee. One caller from Apollo Beach said he called nearly 100 times trying to get through with all lines busy since last Thursday. (WFLA)

3. Bayfront Health is planning a new ER and medical pavilion in St. Petersburg. It is the first major expansion since Orlando Health bought Bayfront and a 480-bed hospital just south of downtown St. Petersburg in October 2020. (St. Pete Catalyst)

4. An I-275 driver died after he was found with a gunshot wound inside a car covered in bullet holes. Detectives are trying to develop leads to determine what led up to the shooting and where the incident originated. (Fox 13 Tampa Bay)

5. Noisy boaters have caused Citrus County to consider a new ordinance for the Homosassa River. Residents who live along the river shared videos of boaters partying and blaring loud music behind their homes. (Bay News 9)

Today in Tampa:

• City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency Hybrid Live and Virtual Meeting. (9 a.m.)
• Art on the House at Tampa Museum of Art. Pay-what-you-want admission. Enjoy exhibits and support your local museum. (4 p.m.)
• Gasparilla International Film Festival: Lady of the Manor at Tampa Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
• Marker 48 Brewing “Restaurant Impossible” Watch Party. (8:30 p.m.)

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• Chef Jeffrey Jew’s newest concept Lingr is now open in St. Pete. It is a Nordic and Asian-inspired restaurant.
• St. Petersburg City Council unanimously voted to extend the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg agreement through 2026.
• HART is now hiring a number of positions.
• Abortion restrictions are being considered in Manatee County with one similar to a recent one passed in Texas.

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That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Tampa. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: tampadaily@patch.com

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Tampa area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.