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🌱 Patch AM: 11-Time Convicted Felon Fled Traffic Stop, Crashed Into Bus In Tampa, HCSO Says

Be sure to catch Free Dog Training Class on the Tampa Patch calendar

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Friday September 25th Patch AM
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Hey hey Tampa! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Tampa felon accused of fleeing stop and crashing into school bus
  • Dunkin' is finally landing at Tampa International Airport
  • How Amendment 3 could reshape Tampa's services and neighborhood projects

Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunshine and a few clouds, with a high of 87 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 88, low: 66.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 11-Time Convicted Felon Fled Traffic Stop, Crashed Into Bus In Tampa, HCSO Says (patch.com) — Tampa drivers and parents are being told about a frightening incident in which an 11-time convicted felon allegedly fled a traffic stop on Hillsborough Avenue and crashed into a school bus carrying Pierce Middle School students. No students were hurt, but deputies later arrested the driver in Tampa and reported finding drugs, weapons, suspected explosives, and stolen items in the car, which was also reported stolen out of Kentucky.
   

2. Tampa International Airport To Add Its First-Ever Dunkin' Location (patch.com) — Travelers using Tampa International Airport will soon have a new coffee option, as the airport prepares to open its first Dunkin' location at the Rental Car Center later in October. The shop will serve Dunkin's signature coffee and donuts, while nearby Beach Market extensions will offer sandwiches and salads for quick grab-and-go meals before flights.
   

3. Tampa City Council approves a tightened $2.4 billion budget with Amendment 3 uncertainty looming (tampabay28.com) — Tampa City Council has approved a $2.4 billion 2027 budget built around uncertainty over statewide Amendment 3, which could sharply cut the city's property tax revenue. City leaders warn that if the amendment passes, Tampa could lose roughly a quarter-billion dollars over five years, threatening funding for police, fire, road resurfacing, parks, and after-school programs. If it fails, the city will have more room to restore delayed projects.
   

4. Former Tampa teacher arrested on student sexual activity charges: TPD (fox13news.com) — Tampa parents should know a former Jefferson High School teacher has been arrested after police say he engaged in unlawful sexual activity with a 17-year-old student, beginning with online messages last year. Tampa Police report that a school resource officer alerted detectives earlier this month, leading to multiple felony charges and the teacher's booking into Orient Road Jail.
   

5. Ybor City crash victims file new lawsuits naming Florida Highway Patrol, Tampa Police Department (tampabay28.com) — Families and survivors of the deadly November 2025 Ybor City crash have filed new lawsuits naming the Florida Highway Patrol, Tampa Police Department, City of Tampa, and others, alleging a negligent high-speed pursuit through a crowded area. The story details how Tampa police tracked the driver by helicopter, FHP's attempted PIT maneuver, and subsequent policy changes at TPD, while FHP remains largely silent amid ongoing investigations. The driver remains jailed facing numerous charges.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Face the Fight and Starbucks Team Up to Encourage Veteran Connection During Buddy Check Week —Community News Read on Patch
  • The Cars are Great, but the People are Better —The JP Emerson Show Read on Patch
  • Early Warning Signs Your Shower Waterproofing May Be Failing in Tampa —Daniel I Read on Patch
  • Bookends Receives $5,500 In-Kind Grant as New Independent Bookstore Establishes Roots in Ybor City —Deborah Bostock-Kelley Read on Patch
  • Took our puppy ( Scooby) to Health Mutt this past Monday.
    My daughter rescued him from being euthanized and this was his first time having his nails done and being pampered since then. Because I was not sure… (Nextdoor Forest Hills)
  • UPDATE: Thor was found and he's now home ♥️
    MISSING DOG Our dog is missing. His name is Thor and he's super friendly. Please, if you have any information or if you see him, leave a comment or… (Nextdoor Northwest Park)
  • Sysco posted a job opening for Cycle Counter in Tampa. Apply here.
  • Disabledperson, Inc posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate at Walmart in Tampa, Florida in Tampa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tampa here.

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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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