Work begins on the vacant Howard Avenue Annex
A police forensics complex begins, a $500 refund on impact windows, and an eight-day convention.
The city marked the start of work this week on turning the vacant Howard Avenue Annex into a police forensics complex. Stormwater spending got a City Hall budget workshop, and a national convention runs through August 20.
The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department marked the start of a major adaptive reuse project on Tuesday, August 11. The project converts the vacant Howard Avenue Annex building into a secure complex for the Tampa Police Department Forensics Investigations Unit. The city describes the finished building as state-of-the-art. The Forensics Investigations Unit is part of the police department, and the Annex is vacant now. What the city marked this week is the beginning of the project, not its finish. The city's August 11 announcement is the place to follow the Howard Avenue work from here.
Florida will refund sales tax on impact windows and doors
Florida is refunding sales tax on impact-resistant windows, doors and garage doors installed on eligible residential property. The benefit is not available at the register. It is a refund of Florida sales tax you have already paid. The property has to be a site-built dwelling with a Florida homestead exemption and a just value of $700,000 or less. An owner may claim one eligible property, and the total refund is capped at $500. Qualifying purchases run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Claims must be submitted between July 1, 2026 and September 30, 2029, with the required forms and receipts.
Stormwater spending went before residents at City Hall
Concerned residents and lawmakers examined stormwater spending in Tampa this week. The setting was a budget workshop at Tampa City Hall. The workshop provided details on past stormwater spending and on present stormwater spending. That covers money the city has already spent and money it is spending now. WTSP reported on the workshop on Tuesday, August 11, and its report is where the details from the room are laid out.
An eight-day national convention starts this morning
The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a Masonic order, holds a national convention in Tampa. It is scheduled to begin Thursday, August 13 at 8 a.m. and to end Thursday, August 20 at 5 p.m. Both the start and the end fall on a Thursday, so the convention runs eight days, starting today. The convention has two segments. One of them is the Imperial Council Session, which is for men, the Nobles. The city lists the event status as scheduled. Check the city's event page for the location and access.
Sunshine City Scare is on the August 13-20 list
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has published its list of the best things to do in Tampa Bay for August 13 through 20. Sunshine City Scare is among them. That event includes a signing by the creator of Monster High. The list covers the eight days from Thursday, August 13 through Thursday, August 20. Creative Loafing puts Sunshine City Scare and the signing at the top of the week. Check the full list for the venue, day, time, and tickets before you go.
A diabetes session at noon today
BayCare presents Diabetes Trifecta: Awareness, Eating, and Everyday Action on Thursday, August 13. It runs from 12 to 12:45 p.m., which is 45 minutes. The title names the three parts of the session: awareness, eating, and everyday action. The city lists the event status as scheduled. Check the city's event page for the location and registration. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.