Hurricane Hunters Moving, 23 Protesters Arrested, Identity Theft

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 or so:

23 Arrested in Tampa Fight for $15 Protest

A peaceful protest in Ybor City to lobby for a $15 minimum wage in Florida ended in the arrest of 23 people Tuesday night after they allegedly blocked a roadway and refused to move.

Charlie Daniels Announces Tampa Benefit Jam Session

Charlie Daniels fans who want to hear the southern legend’s music live will get their chance this Friday. The Hard Rock Café has announced it will serve as the location for the musician’s annual “jam session” to benefit The Angeles.

NOAA Hurricane Hunters Moving to Lakeland

When the National Oceanic and Aeronautic Administration’s Hurricane Hunters fly into storms next year, they’ll take off from a new location. A move from Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport was announced Wednesday.

Identity Theft and Fraud: Florida 3rd Most Vulnerable, Study Says

When it comes to target-rich environments for thieves to part victims from their identities and money, Florida ranks third in the nation. That’s according to a new study released Wednesday by WalletHub.

Diabetes in America: How Florida Communities Stack Up

As the incident rate of diabetes continues to climb across America, Gallup-Healthways has released a study that shows which states and communities have the highest number of cases. Florida ranks in the bottom half of the country with many communities in the Sunshine State also scoring poorly.

Neil Diamond Making Tampa Stop on World Tour

Tampa Bay area Neil Diamond fans might want to put a few dates on their calendars. The legendary crooner has announced a stop at Amalie Arena on his upcoming “50 Year Anniversary World Tour.”

Injured K9 Nabs Armed Burglary Suspect

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K9 managed to snag an armed burglary suspect Tuesday night even after being cut on the leg and punched.

Photo courtesy of the NOAA Hurricane Hunters Facebook page