Cruise to Havana, Tom Petty in Tampa, Red Kettle Donations Down

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:

Accused Carjacker Caught by Good Samaritan

An accused carjacker who thought a 52-year-old Banana Factory employee was a good mark found out otherwise thanks to a patron of the Bradenton bar and grill.

Drop in Red Kettle Donations Could Mean Lean Year Ahead, Salvation Army Says

The season of giving is here, but people aren’t giving quite as much as they once did. That’s been The Salvation Army’s experience so far this holiday season as donations at Red Kettle locations throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are down by an estimated 12 percent.

Tampa to Havana Cruises Set Sail Next Year

Tampa Bay area residents who would rather skip the trip to Miami to set sail for Cuba will be able to do so starting early next year. Royal Caribbean has announced its Empress of the Seas will make two trips to Havana from the Port of Tampa in 2017.

Tom Petty Announces Tampa Tour Stop

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have announced plans for a 40th anniversary tour with one stop in particular likely to be music to Tampa Bay area fans’ ears. The southern rock crooner and his band intend to host a show at Amalie Arena nearly next May.

MacDill Air Force Base Info: There’s An App For That

Tampa Bay area military families and community members who want to stay on top of news and information out of MacDill Air Force Base will find there’s now an app for that. The 927th Air Refueling Wing released its own mobile app this month.

‘Stuff the Charger’ Nets 39 Tons of Food

The Florida Highway Patrol’s third annual Stuff the Charger drive to benefit needy families netted more than 39 tons of food from donors across the state. The drive, which kicked off in November, is expected to provide food banks throughout the Sunshine State with the makings of some 65,000 meals.

Drizzly, Cooler With A Warning For Boaters: Tampa Bay Weekend

Tampa Bay area residents might want to keep their umbrellas handy as the weekend gets under way, and jackets available for the overnight hours. Despite a drizzly start though, forecasters at the National Weather Service say the next few days won’t be a total washout.

Red Tide Concerns Persist in Tampa Bay Area Counties

A persistent red tide bloom that’s plagued Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Tampa Bay area south to Collier County for a few months continues to cause problems. As of Friday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported fish kills in several counties while respiratory irritations have also been noted.

Threats Against Gulf High Land Teen in Hot Water

The second New Port Richey area teen in a week faces criminal charges after allegedly threatening to shoot up a school. This time around, the teen is a Gulf High School student.

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean’s news room