Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: When can you swim free at Tampa’s public pools?

Make time for Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Westchase on the Tampa Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Good day Tampa! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • When can you swim free at Tampa's public pools?
  • How new Howard Frankland express tolls will change your Tampa commute
  • How Tampa's redrawn congressional district suddenly became a real toss-up

Also on today's calendar: Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Westchase and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 92, low: 78.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tampa Opens Free Public Pools As Heat Index Hits 112 Degrees (tampafp.com) — On days when heat advisories are in effect, Tampa residents can now use all 12 city-run public pools for free, starting immediately. The city is also reminding neighbors about nine always-free splash pads, urging everyone to watch for extreme heat risks, check on vulnerable residents, and sign up for local heat alerts and safety updates.
   

2. Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes: Electronic tolling begins Saturday (fox13news.com) — If you commute between Tampa and Pinellas, get ready for electronic tolls on the new Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes starting Saturday. Only SunPass-equipped passenger cars, registered van pools, and buses can use the lanes, which run 65 mph over Old Tampa Bay before dropping to 55 mph in nearby construction zones.
   

3. New congressional map turns Kathy Castor's longtime seat into a competitive race (tampabay28.com) — Tampa's longtime congresswoman Kathy Castor now faces a much tougher reelection after redistricting turned her Hillsborough-only district, stretching from downtown Tampa to Plant City, into a true battleground. Republican Mike Beltran says the area's voting history favors the GOP, while Democrats are banking on Castor's record and high name recognition to hold the seat.
   

4. Tampa opens the door for 'in-law suites' across neighborhoods (wfla.com) — Tampa is expanding where homeowners can build small "in-law suite" accessory dwelling units, aiming to boost affordable housing options across more neighborhoods. City leaders say ADUs can help families house relatives, offset rising costs, and chip away at Tampa's long-standing housing shortage. Early adopters are already building units, with more guidance and pre-approved designs expected.
   

5. Tampa Bay mosquitoes: High humidity and rain drive summer surge (fox13news.com) — High humidity and heavy rain are fueling a major mosquito surge across the Tampa Bay area, with nearly a third of one local pest control company's calls now mosquito-related. Health officials have confirmed eight locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County and urge residents to eliminate standing water and protect themselves from bites.
   

📸 Around Tampa

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tampa

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📣 Tampa Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member in Tampa. Apply here.
  • Schulte posted a job opening for Hotel Alba Tampa-Night Auditor 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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