Highland Square Station Number Two is in the news for all the wrong reasons—its iconic fountain statue has gone missing after a man seeking relief from the heat took a dive into it and broke its umbrella. We’ll talk about how this isn't classified as vandalism because, you know, it’s just a hot day and a bad decision. But wait, there's more! The Soapbox Derby is back in town, promising to be another thrilling spectacle, while Central Howard is on track for a major overhaul that could breathe new life into the area. Plus, we'll dig into some Taco Bell menu changes due to a Cyclospora outbreak, because who doesn't want to be reminded of explosive diarrhea before lunch? Join us as we navigate through the absurdities of local news and events that make Akron... well, Akron. This installment of the Akron Podcast brings a delightful mix of local news and light-hearted commentary, starting with the curious case of the statue at Fire Station Number Two. In a twist that seems straight out of a sitcom, the statue was damaged when a man, perhaps a little too eager to cool off, jumped into the fountain it graced. Thankfully, city officials aren’t treating this as vandalism, which is a relief, considering the statue has been a fixture since the 1880s. It’s set to return next spring, showing that even in small-town Akron, some things are worth saving. Next up is the potential transformation of Central Howard, an old high school, into a creative hub that could breathe new life into the area. The plan promises to maintain the building’s historic character while inviting artists and entrepreneurs to set up shop. This could be a game-changer for the neighborhood, which, let's be honest, could use a bit of revitalization. Meanwhile, the Akron Fulton Airport is raking in over $3 million for necessary upgrades, which makes me wonder if there’s enough left over to finally clean up the iconic Akron sign. You’d think that would be a priority, right? The episode also features the anticipation surrounding the annual Soapbox Derby, a cherished event that showcases young racers competing for scholarships. I fondly recall my own visits, where the excitement in the air was almost palpable—though the lack of shade was a drawback. We then take a sharp turn into the realm of fast food, discussing Taco Bell’s ingredient shortages due to a Cyclospora outbreak. I mean, when your food can give you explosive diarrhea, maybe it’s time to rethink your dinner plans. Lastly, we tackle the contentious issue of Highland Tavern’s liquor license renewal amidst rising crime reports in the area, highlighting the ongoing challenges communities face in maintaining safety and civility.

Takeaways:

• The beloved 150-year-old statue at Fire Station Number Two is temporarily missing, thanks to a heat-relief seeker with a flair for destruction.
• Akron is facing a Cyclospora outbreak, causing Taco Bell to ditch fresh ingredients, which is just perfect for the health-conscious eater, right?
• Highland Tavern's liquor license renewal is in jeopardy due to police concerns over numerous violent incidents, proving that sometimes, bar fights really do spoil the fun.
• Central Howard is set to undergo a transformation to become a creative hub, because who wouldn't want to turn an old school into a trendy hangout?
• The All American Soapbox Derby is back, and yes, it's still a blast for those who enjoy watching DIY cars zoom past like they’re in a Fast & Furious movie.
• Ellet's Akron Fulton Airport is getting a $3 million facelift for its taxiways, because, apparently, keeping planes from crashing into ditches is a priority now.

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