* Tampa joined Hillsborough County in requiring its employees to wear masks inside city facilities—and in city-owned vehicles when traveling with others.
* Tampa anticipates between 3,000 and 5,000 COVID tests will be administered daily at the Al Lopez Park testing site. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
*ZooTampa—with more than 1.2 million visitors in 2021—set a record for attendance.
* As a former teacher, I appreciate various forums to honor the best. Only one problem in choosing a local and then a statewide “Teacher of the Year.” Looking at the Hillsborough County competition as Exhibit A, it’s a mix of elementary and secondary teachers. That is teachers who have different instruction models, skill sets and goals—and should be judged accordingly and fairly against peers. But one bottom line shouldn’t change: If you have been nominated, you’re good. Thank you for staying with a calling that has only grown more challenging these days.