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🌱 Patch AM: What new court records reveal about the USF students’ tragic deaths

Spotted on the Tampa calendar: Latin Luau Locale Market & Festival!

Thursday April 30th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Tampa! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What new court records reveal about the USF students’ tragic deaths
  • How Tampa brides’ new weight-loss habits are reshaping local bridal shops
  • How did a third-period breakdown put the Lightning on the brink?

Also on today's calendar: Latin Luau Locale Market & Festival! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What gets wetter & wetter as it dries? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Humid with clouds and sun, with a high of 88 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Periods of clouds and sun, temps: high: 88, low: 70.
  • Saturday: Windy and humid, with a high of 90 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Body found in clothes matching those of missing USF student Nahida Bristy, affidavit reveals (wfla.com) — Tampa investigators are uncovering new details in the deaths of USF students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, after a body in clothing matching Bristy’s was found near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Court documents describe a suspected double homicide, a roommate now charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and ongoing efforts to confirm the victim’s identity and honor both students’ memories.    

2. Bridal shops face fitting challenges with the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs (fox13news.com) — A Riverview bridal boutique serving Tampa brides says rapid weight loss from popular GLP-1 drugs is making wedding dress planning much trickier, with some customers dropping five or six sizes after ordering. Local experts urge brides to shop earlier, be upfront about weight-loss goals, and understand that contracts usually lock in the dress size, which can limit how much a gown can be altered later.    

3. Texier breaks 3rd-period tie, Canadiens beat Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 to take series lead (newser.com) — Tampa Bay Lightning fans saw their team fall 3-2 at home to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5, putting the Bolts one loss from another first-round exit. Played in Tampa on Wednesday night, the game hinged on an early third-period goal that broke a tense tie despite strong efforts from Dominic James and Jake Guentzel.    

4. Man, 68, known for portraying Santa accused of trying to meet 13-year-old for sex: sheriff (komonews.com) — A major Polk County sting targeting adults seeking sex with children led to 19 arrests, including a 24-year-old suspect from Tampa. Authorities say the week-long “Operation Child Protector VIII” focused on people who allegedly traveled or planned to travel to meet minors, resulting in dozens of felony charges tied to online solicitation and attempted exploitation of children across Central Florida.    

5. Florida Delays Children's Health Coverage Expansion (governing.com) — A Tampa-area family working at a brain injury rehab center is struggling to afford health insurance for their children while Florida delays an approved expansion of its KidCare program. The hold-up, driven by legal and political fights between the state and federal government, leaves tens of thousands of kids at risk of losing or missing out on coverage. Local families are forced to juggle premiums against basics like school supplies.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Free Community Event: Fiesta Bay —Leslie Farrell Read on Patch
  • Ovations Honored with Dunedin Mayor’s Top Apple School Award for Achievement in the Arts —Deborah Bostock-Kelley Read on Patch
  • Interesting that the new homes recently built or currently being built where the old homes were flooded and destroyed have their garages at street level.
    So they will flood again with the next wave of storms, no doubt. I can only assume that since the lots are so small, and the new homes so large that… (Nextdoor Bayshore Beautiful)
  • Just finished this painting for my neighbor’s two sweet pups 🐾
    I’m 18 and have been learning to paint from my dad it means a lot to create something special for people in my community. (Nextdoor Wellswood)

Ok Tampa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A towel (Thank you Beth H. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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