Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new Howard Frankland express lane tolls will change your Tampa commute

And on the Tampa Patch calendar - Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Westchase

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Tampa! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Tampa PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • How new Howard Frankland express lane tolls will change your Tampa commute
  • How a new ferry could change your Tampa commute and weekends
  • Which country stars are riding into Raymond James Stadium in 2027?

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

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 81 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Humid with a stray t-storm, temps: high: 94, low: 78.
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 94 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Tolls Begin Saturday on New Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes (iontb.com) — Tampa drivers using the Howard Frankland Bridge will start paying electronic tolls on the new I-275 express lanes beginning Saturday, August 22, with access just south of the SR 60 interchange. The lanes connect Tampa with St. Petersburg, feature new 65 mph bridge and 55 mph approach speed limits, and require SunPass for eligible passenger vehicles, vanpools, and buses.
   

• PSTA receives $16.5M in federal funding for new Tampa Bay ferry service (wfla.com) — A new federally funded ferry will soon link downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, restoring a cross-bay option many locals missed. With $16.5 million headed to PSTA and over $1 million for Tampa's Gulf Marine Repair, the project promises better commuting choices, tourism boosts, and shipyard jobs tied directly to Port Tampa Bay.
   

• Jason Aldean, Nickleback and more to headline The Hondo Rodeo Fest at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium (gottagoorlando.com) — Tampa's Raymond James Stadium will host The Hondo Rodeo Fest Feb. 26–28, 2027, combining a $1 million rodeo with nightly concerts by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Jason Aldean, and more. Organizers expect about 50,000 fans, with presale discounts starting August 26 for Tampa ticket buyers.
   

📸 Around Tampa

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tampa

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📣 Tampa Shout Outs!

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Help Wanted
    Help please.Did you know Guiseppe (Joey) Dicosola, his sidekick Dan, Joey's friend John D. Medley or John's mother, Diane Medley Cottenier?Diane... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Why Movement Joints Are Critical for Long-Lasting Tile Installations in Tampa —Daniel I Read on Patch
  • AdventHealth posted a job opening for Medical Office Coordinator in Tampa. Apply here.
  • RamClean Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Services posted a job opening for Weekend Part-time Cleaner / Janitor - Tampa, FL in Tampa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tampa here.

🗞 Nearby News

South Tampa

  • South Tampa started to pray for Laine last year. She's still fighting (tampabay.com)
  • BayFirst Financial Corp (BAFN) (Q2 2026) Earnings Call Highlight (gurufocus.com)

Brandon

  • High 5 Teams Up With i9 Sports To Expand Youth Sports Opportunities In Brandon (ospreyobserver.com)
  • Page To Stage Project Gives New Playwrights A Chance To Shine (ospreyobserver.com)
  • 'This isn't a video game': Skid marks, burnt rubber cover parking lot after street takeover (wfla.com)

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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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