🌱 USF Hosting Alabama Saturday At Raymond James + Strachan's Coming

Hello there, Tampa. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today's briefing includes news about:

• Strachan's ice cream is opening soon in South Tampa on Bayshore Boulevard.
• A career criminal from Tampa was sentenced by a judge to 15 years in federal prison this week.
• USF will host Alabama this Saturday for college football at Raymond James Stadium.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 93 Low: 76.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A Tampa man has been sentenced by a judge to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition. The suspect was labeled an "Armed Career Criminal." Tampa Police Department (TPD) and the FBI investigated the incident. (Tampa Patch)
2. Strachan's ice cream shop is opening on Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa. The first Strachan's Ice Cream & Desserts opened in Palm Harbor back in 1999. No opening date has been provided as of Wednesday evening. (That's So Tampa)
3. Earlier this week 14 Pasco County students were involved in two separate fights in the cafeteria and a hallway at Zephyrhills High School leading to officials to intervene, according to authorities. Due to the escalation of violence, the entire school was placed on "controlled campus status" by authorities. Officials are reviewing disciplinary action. (Tampa Patch)
4. University of South Florida (USF) will host Alabama at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday. It is the third game of the season for USF football coach Alex Golesh. Thousands of tickets are still available, and the entire stadium will be open for the game. (Yahoo! Sports)
5. Ybor City residents protested on Tuesday against officials creating a Special Services District (SSD) in the area. The area's Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) status is expiring soon. The proposal would make property owners financially responsible for funding community events and projects. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

Thursday, September 14

• PDQ Giveback at The Humane Society Of Tampa Bay. (7 a.m.)
• Story Time at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. (10:15 a.m.)
• Pastels With Janice Schindle at Life Enrichment Center. (1 p.m.)
• Walmart Brings Quality, Convenient Healthcare To New Port Richey. (2 p.m.)
• Art On The House at Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "We’re proud to announce the hatching of six Komodo dragons. 🦎You now have six new reasons to stop by ZooTampa on your next visit — for the first time ever, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has hatched endangered Komodo dragons." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Tampa International Airport shared: "Our friends at Alaska Airlines are launching daily nonstop flights from TPA to SAN this October. With roundtrip options currently available for less than $200, it's never been easier to visit. ✈️" (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• Stuff to Do in Tampa Bay shared: "In need of a good cry? 😭😢 Tap the link for our list of the best places to cry in Tampa Bay." (Stuff to Do in Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Community members in St. Petersburg across the bay are attacking the mayor's plans for Tropicana Field where the Tampa Bay Rays currently play. They argue it is a giveaway to the luxury market and leaving the people behind and are calling on the mayor to do better. (WTSP)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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