Piano Man’s Alleged Scam, Little Red Corvette

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from around the region and state from the last day or so:

America’s Best-Run Cities: How Florida Towns Rank

When it comes to the effectiveness of local leadership, Florida’s biggest metro areas have room for improvement. That’s according to a new analysis that ranked 150 of America’s biggest cities based on the effectiveness of their leadership.

Daily Thunderstorms Dominate Tampa Bay’s Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors hoping for a drier, cooler workweek ahead are out of luck. According to the National Weather Service, strong thunderstorm chances are in the cards each day with highs expected to remain in the 90-degree range.

Priest In Red Corvette Pulls Gun, Gets Arrested: Troopers

An Episcopal priest from North Carolina faces criminal charges after troopers say he pulled a firearm on another motorist while tooling northbound on Florida’s Turnpike in a red Corvette.

Piano Man Scammed Customers Out Of $253K: Cops

The owner of Randy’s Pianos faces criminal charges after Largo Police say he agreed to consign pianos for 24 different customers, but failed to pay them proceeds from the sales.

7 Tampa Bay Area Homes With Awesome Views

Tampa Bay area house hunters in the market for properties that capitalize on the region’s incredible views will find no shortage of options available.

Tampa, Orlando Among America’s Best For Business Travel

Business travelers tired of delays, cancellations and other hassles at airports will find some cities simply perform better than others. When it comes to the best of the best, Tampa and Orlando rank in the top 10, according to an industry trade group that recently rated the country’s best cities for productive, seamless business travel.

National French Fry Day Freebies In Tampa Bay

French fry fanatics who can never seem to get their fill of crispy, crunchy and salty spuds served up hot will find a special day for them is just around the corner. This Thursday, July 13, is National French Fry Day. Several eateries in the Tampa Bay area are celebrating by serving up freebies for guests.

Photo courtesy of BurgerFi