Cobra’s Curse, Red Tide, Scam Alert

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Arrest Made In Serious Dale Mabry Crash

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of North Dale Mabry Highway and Waters Avenue that sent three people to the hospital with serious injuries Wednesday morning.

Red Tide Fish Kills Reported In Pinellas, Sarasota Counties

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with plans to hit local beaches as the streak of warm days continues may want to check local conditions first. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports the patchy red tide bloom that’s been wreaking havoc along the Gulf Coast remains very much active.

Busch Gardens Cobra’s Curse Up For National Honors

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fans who just can’t get enough of the park’s new spin coaster may want to vote for their favorite ride in a national contest. USA Today’s 10Best has nominated Cobra’s Curse in its 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. The ride is up for honors in the Best New Amusement Park Attraction category.

Bacterial Concerns Close Popular Tampa Beach

Tampa Bay area residents with big outdoor plans over the Christmas holiday may want to think twice about getting into the water at Davis Islands Beach. The Hillsborough County Health Department issued a notice Wednesday that water samples taken on Monday tested above safe limits for enterococci bacteria.

Scam Alert: Emailed Traffic Citations Are Phony, State Says

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning folks to be on guard for the latest online scam meant to part victims from their money. This particular ruse is intended to make people think they have an outstanding traffic citation to pay.

Deputy’s Hand Broken By Suspect During HAZMAT Callout

As local and federal agencies continue an investigation into possible hazardous materials that may have sent an elderly man to the hospital Wednesday morning, the man’s son faces criminal charges. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says one of its deputies had his hand broken when a fight erupted at the home in the Summertree subdivision in New Port Richey.

Brotherly Dispute Led To Stabbing In Palm Harbor: Deputies

A 26-year-old Palm Harbor man is recovering from a stab wound while his own brother faces criminal charges.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay