Hurricane Watch + New Brandon College + Power Utility Storm Prep

Good morning, Tampa! Let's get this Wednesday, July 7 started. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

In this issue, you'll learn the latest about Tropical Storm Elsa, what companies are doing to prepare for landfall, businesses closing due to the storm, police investigations underway, a new school in Brandon, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Rain until evening. High: 86 Low: 79.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Elsa could reach hurricane strength before landfall in Florida as the storm shows signs of strengthening. A hurricane watch was put in effect by the National Hurricane Center from Pinellas to Dixie County. (Patch)

2. Duke Energy and Tampa Electric are on standby for potential power outages from Tropical Storm Elsa with extra personnel awaiting instructions. (WFLA)

3. Tampa Police are investigating two unrelated homicides that occurred on Monday night. Police say the deaths appear to be premeditated and are asking for tips. (Patch)

4. Tampa entrepreneur Christopher Vasilakis has created software that allows him to provide virtual property tours to prospective buyers, a response to the pressure created during the pandemic to get around in-person real estate showings. (Bay News 9)

5. Rasmussen University, a private and for-profit school, has a new campus in Brandon that is 44,000-square-feet and will support a rapidly growing nursing program and other degree programs. The move was inspired by the end of a prior leasing deal. (Business Observer)

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Today in Tampa:

Due to Tropical Storm Elsa there are multiple event cancellations and businesses closed today. Please stay safe during the storm.

Some businesses that have made announcements include ZooTampa, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, St. Pete Pier, Frenchy's, among many others. (WFLA)

Clearwater Beach is limiting movement to the beach to residents during Elsa.

Pinellas County and Hillsborough County suspended bus service due to Elsa and will resume as soon as the storm passes.

Tampa International Airport suspended flights Tuesday evening due to Tropical Storm Elsa. It hopes to resume them today if conditions improve.

Tampa Patch Notebook:

• The Tampa Bay Lightning lost Monday to Montreal and will have a chance to beat them and claim the Stanley Cup today in Tampa if the situation is clear enough for them to play.
• The dead body found in a pond in Valrico earlier this week has been identified as a woman who suffered from alligator bites, 29-year-old Shayla Silva.
• Tampa Bay Times: "Crews used drones and thermal imaging to look for pets that could have still been in the ruins of the building before..." (Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Times: "The show is now tentatively scheduled for July 31." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• USF Art Museum To Host Breaking Barriers Photography Workshops (July 9)
• Free Career Discovery Bootcamp (N. Hillsborough) (July 10)
• Second Sunday Art Walk And Vendor Fair (July 11)
• Storytime Explorers for ages 3-6 (July 12)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around and please stay safe in the storm. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Daily? Email all inquiries to me at carloseats@gmail.com.