Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: USF Football Alum Runs Daily To Raise Awareness Of Father’s Kidney Transplant Need

Spotted on the Tampa calendar: Free Dog Training Class

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Saturday September 26th Patch AM
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Cheers Tampa! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • USF alum's daily Tampa runs seek kidney donor for his father
  • Former Jefferson High teacher charged in Tampa student sex case
  • Dare to board Tampa's haunted WWII ship this Halloween?

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

Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sunny with low humidity, with a high of 86 and low of 63 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 86, low: 68.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 89 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. USF Football Alum Runs Daily To Raise Awareness Of Father's Kidney Transplant Need (patch.com) — Tampa native and USF football alum Christian Helms is running at least a mile every day across the city to raise awareness for his father's need for a kidney transplant. Partnering with LifeLink and local groups like Tampa Bay Sun FC, he's turning his social media following and community runs into a broader push for organ donation education and potential living donors in Tampa.
   

2. Former Tampa High School Teacher Arrested In Student Sex Case: Police (patch.com) — Tampa police arrested a former Jefferson High School teacher on charges related to unlawful sexual activity and inappropriate communications with a 17-year-old student. The investigation, launched at the Tampa school earlier this month, led Special Victims Unit detectives to gather digital evidence and statements before taking the suspect into custody at Orient Road Jail.
   

3. Step into the mysterious and haunting world of Undead in the Water on American Victory Ship Tampa (gottagoorlando.com) — Tampa thrill-seekers can explore UNDead in the Water, a nautical haunted attraction aboard the historic American Victory Ship docked on Channelside Drive, running select nights from September 26 through Halloween. Visitors navigate eerie cell blocks and passageways while enjoying one of only three fully operational WWII Victory ships in the country, all just steps from the Florida Aquarium.
   

4. Ybor City crash lawsuit: Legal action targets driver, police and bar (fox13news.com) — Tampa residents are watching a major lawsuit unfold after two survivors of last year's deadly Ybor City crash sued the driver, the Tampa Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and Bradley's on Seventh, arguing all share blame. The case could reshape how police pursuits are judged and whether bars with outdoor seating near busy roads must add stronger protective barriers for patrons.
   

5. Rays ballpark plan puts Tampa tennis and pickleball center in limbo (baynews9.com) — Tampa tennis and pickleball players are fighting to keep the Tejas Pradip Patel HC Tennis Center open as the Rays plan a new ballpark on the site, with this season expected to be the last. Locals worry nearby courts can't absorb the heavy league and school demand, and say vague promises of a future "world-class" replacement—possibly at Al Lopez Park—leave their community in limbo.
   

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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
  • Anyone have any experience with the lung transplant team at Tampa General?
    I am 4 years post transplant from Temple University in Philadelphia. I'm moving to Tampa and will need continuing care and checkups from their lung… (Nextdoor Grey Gables/Bon Air)
  • LOST CAT ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Rusty was lost on July 02, 2026 and was last seen near Tampa, FL If you have information on their location, please reach… (Nextdoor Pat Acres)
  • Macy's posted a job opening for External Partnership Administrator, Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm. Mason, OH/ Tampa, FL. in Tampa. Apply here.
  • UnitedHealthcare At Home posted a job opening for Accounts Receivable Specialist 2373481 | Dallas, Texas | Remote 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: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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