Backyard chickens are about to boom

Hillsborough residences can now raise the fowl in their backyards

This week the Hillsborough County Commission passed an ordinance allowing chickens to be kept in the yard. Under the new rules, residences can keep up to five hens, but roosters will still be outlawed. Furthermore, the county’s ordinance does not trump any homeowner’s association rule. But once the ordinance is filed to the Secretary of State’s Office, get ready to see some more chickens on the block.

After 40 years of success, Skipper’s Smokehouse’s future is uncertain 

The owner is looking to sell the iconic concert venue

Tom White, the owner of Skipper’s Smokehouse, is ready to retire. Opening its doors over 40 years ago, Skipper’s quickly became known as a great place to catch live music and even better barbecue. In a press release, White said that the coronavirus was a nail in the coffin for the establishment. However, not all hope is lost: White hopes the venue will continue to host outdoor events even after he is gone. Click here to read more.

Carnival Cruise: A sinking ship in a sea of coronavirus

The cruise company is hemorrhaging $17,000 a minute

Carnival Corporation, based in Florida, announced this week that the company is selling 18 of its ships. When the coronavirus initially swept the globe, cruise liners were some of the first hotspots to gain national attention. Since then, Carnival––as well as the entire cruise industry––has taken a complete nosedive. According to the company’s most recent SEC filings, Carnival lost $770 million this past fiscal quarter. Despite the country taking steps to reopen, it’s unclear when, or if, the cruise industry will make its comeback.

Buccaneers to allow fans at next home game

Raymond James Stadium will hold its first round of fans this season

In a press release, The Bucs announced that fans will be able to attend their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 4. This is the first time Tampa fans will be able to see Tom Brady in person this season. Originally, The Bucs planned to reopen the stadium on Oct. 18. But on Saturday Governor DeSantis announced that Florida was entering phase 3 of the lockdown, so the team felt comfortable inviting fans back. According to the press release, fans who have had season tickets since 1998 or earlier will be allowed to purchase tickets beginning on Oct. 1.

ULA’s rocket launch postponed 

Due to technical difficulties, the ULA delayed the mission planned for today

On Saturday, the United Launch Alliance announced that the launch of Delta 4 had to be postponed. According to authorities, the ULA team was experiencing difficulties with the swing arm retraction system and needed more time to fix the issue. Attached to the rocket is a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office. Officials hope for the issue to be fixed early this week. If you want a front row seat, be sure to head out to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.