🌱 Water Street Hosts Pride Market + Busch Gardens Gator Incident

Hello all. I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including...

• A new lagoon has opened in Pasco County and spans 15 acres.
• A Florida man is facing criminal charges for allegedly jumping into an alligator enclosure at a local theme park.
• Water Street Tampa is hosting a Pride themed market on June 18 in celebration of Pride month.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 89 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Florida man accused of jumping into a Busch Gardens alligator enclosure to film a TikTok video is now facing several charges. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is cooperating with law enforcement in the incident. The accused man is charged with burglary, theft of services, and trespassing. (Tampa Patch, Fox 13)
2. Mirada Lagoon has opened in Pasco County with 15 acres of crystal clear water for guests to enjoy. It is located at 1 Mirada Blvd. in San Antonio, Florida. Day passes are available for those visiting and a number of water sports are available as an add-on experience. (WTSP)
3. Water Street Tampa will host a Pride themed market on Sunday, June 18, showcasing LGTBQ+ artists as well as over 60 vendors. The event will also feature a face painting station and live DJ. The event is family-friendly and open to the public. (That's So Tampa)
4. A local dairy farm and milk supplier in Tampa, M&B Dairy, is adding more options for lactose intolerant students in the state this upcoming fall. They hope to add a strawberry lactose-free option for all students across Florida. The farm said their option is cheaper than other plant-based options and produced locally. (ABC Action News)
5. A new Black history exhibit has opened in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center. It showcases the struggles generations of African descent have experienced in Tampa. The exhibit is open daily during regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

• 1 Million Cups Tampa 2023 at Entrepreneur Collaborative Center. (9 a.m.)
• Jumperoo at Urban Air New Tampa. (10 a.m.)
• Family Newbie Skate at United Skates Of America. (6 p.m.)
• Sushi And More 2.0 at Publix Aprons Cooking School Of Citrus Park. (6 p.m.)
• Beef O Brady’s Dale Mabry Social & Business Networking Event. (8 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We've signed Norwegian free agent defenseman Emil Martinsen Lilleberg to a two-year, two-way contract." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "We're thrilled to introduce a shiny new addition to our Aeromed Regional Transport Program fleet. This state-of-the-art ambulance will transport patients in need of more complex care directly to our main hospital from the Emergency Center at the TGH Brandon Healthplex and our new TGH Kennedy Emergency Center in South Tampa coming soon." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Tampa City Council is hosting two meetings on Thursday, June 8. 📅: Special Call Public Workshop CRA meeting at 9 a.m. 📅: Quasi-Judicial and Land Use Hearing at 5 p.m. See the agendas: tampa.gov/CityCouncil. Watch at: http://tampa.gov/livestream." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement (June 8)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 9)
• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Westchase (June 10)
• Big Gay Beach Party (June 10)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com