Scam Alert, Cobra’s Curse, Social Media Giants Face Lawsuit

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 week:

New Year’s Resolutions Not So Popular For 2017, Survey Says

Making New Year’s resolutions only to break them a few short days later is a frustrating cycle that some people repeat annually. It seems, however, that most people aren't even planning to take the plunge as 2017 fast approaches.

Floridians Carry 5th Highest Debt Load In Country: Study

Floridians and credit cards seem to go together like sunshine and beaches. That’s according to a new report that shows Florida residents have some of the worst credit card debt in the country.

‘I’m Part Of ISIS’ Pasco Man Told Mom Before Wednesday Arrest: Sheriff

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force have found no formal ties between a 21-year-old New Port Richey man and terrorist organizations. Even so, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco says Sherif Elganainy is a "very dangerous person” and has proclaimed to his mother in the past that he is a “terrorist.”

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.

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.

Florida Nation’s 4th Fastest-Growing State: Census Bureau

With its Florida Man stories, alligator population that tops 1.3 million and standing in the number of annual shark attacks, the Sunshine State gets a bad rap across the country. Those factors, however, don’t seem to be discouraging people from moving here. In fact, Florida is the nation’s fourth fastest-growing state, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau Tuesday.

Facebook, Twitter, Google Sued: Orlando Terror Victims' Families Seek Accountability, Report Says

Twitter, Google and Facebook should be held accountable for allegedly providing “material support” in the radicalization of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, according to a federal lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Michigan Monday.

Gold Cup Soccer Action Returns To Tampa Next Year

Soccer’s governing body in North and Central America and the Caribbean on Monday announced the 14 stadiums that will play host to 2017 Gold Cup championship games. Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is one of the venues.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay