🌱 USF Plaintiffs Sue Over 'Stop Woke Act' + The Catacombs Ybor Bar

Hey, Tampa! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Let's take a quick look:

• ⚖️ The State of Florida is being sued by a USF student, professor, and the First Amendment Forum over the "Stop WOKE Act."
• 👻 A new Halloween-themed cocktail bar called The Catacombs has opened in Ybor City.
• 🥗 Bolay Fresh Kitchen has opened its 24th U.S. location in South Tampa.

Today is Star Trek Day. For those who love all things nerdy or "Trekkies" out there, this day is for you.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with a thunderstorm. High: 86 Low: 75.

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Here are the top five stories today in Tampa:

1. A University of South Florida (USF) student, professor, and the First Amendment Forum at the school have filed a lawsuit against Florida over the "Stop WOKE Act." "In dictating to faculty and students what ideas are true and false, Florida runs headlong into the Bill of Rights," the lawsuit reads. (ABC Action News)

2. The Catacombs is Ybor City's new underground cocktail lounge at The Spookeasy Lounge. The new bar will celebrate Halloween all year. Drinks on the menu include the Love Potion and Ybor Cablecar as well as beer, wines and spirits. A limited food menu is also available. (That's So Tampa)

3. A Tampa woman captured footage of a large alligator strapped to a car on I-95 over Labor Day weekend. The identity of the driver is unknown, but is suspected to be a hunter participating in Florida's alligator season. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WKMG)

4. State lawmakers will meet on Friday to approve disbursement of $175 million in funds with projects in Tampa Bay under consideration. Projects that could be approved include $4 million for a Hillsborough County affordable housing and $4.5 million toward the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. (WUSF)

5. Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen has opened its first drive-thru location in South Tampa, marking the restaurant's 24th location in the United States and the first in the hometown of founders Chris and Tim Gannon. Tim Gannon is also the co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, which originally opened back in 1988, and opened Bolay's concept with his son. (Tampa Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• Art & Exploration In The Forest at Painted Leaf Studio. (10 a.m.)
• Paws For Literacy at Humane Society Of Tampa Bay. (2:45 p.m.)
• Green Book Business Owner Mixer at Museum Of Fine Arts, St. Pete. (7 p.m.)
• Silent Vibes Yoga Rave at Davis Islands Dog Beach. (7:30 p.m.)
• Kristopher James With Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists at The Attic At Rock Brothers Brewing. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The National Science Foundation has awarded a $20 million grant to a University of South Florida-lead research team working to develop a standardized approach to the protection and replenishment of coral reef and mangrove ecosystems, which protects our coasts. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Financial information provider SmartAsset recently ranked the Tampa metro 12th in America's most financially stressed cities. The survey looks at factors including costs of living, employment levels and affordability to determine ranking. (St. Pete Catalyst)
• City of Tampa residents are pushing back against the city's proposed budget that only provides $26 million out of a $2 billion budget. Residents say they will be priced out of their home if the city does not take action on affordable housing. (WFLA)
• The Pinellas County Commission celebrated on Tuesday, September 6, the completion of Brooker Creek South, the first industrial manufacturing building supported in part by Pinellas County's Employment Sites Program (ESP) in Oldsmar. Oldsmar Mayor Dan Saracki shared, "The City of Oldsmar has a rich history of supporting the significant manufacturing base that Pinellas County continues to sustain in Florida." (Tampa Bay Newswire)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com