‘The Nutcracker,’ Stiffed Cabbie, USF Losing Taggart

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:

New Zika Virus Case Confirmed in Tampa Bay Area

The total number of Zika virus cases reported across Florida rose to 1,236 on Wednesday with the confirmation of three new travel-related infections and five locally acquired cases. One of the new travel-related cases involves a Hillsborough County resident.

‘The Nutcracker’ to Appear in Local Theaters

Tampa Bay area residents who want to make Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” a part of their holiday traditions are getting their chance thanks to the Bolshoi Ballet. The ballet’s rendition of the classic is set to appear in movie theaters across the region on Dec. 18.

Sandy Hook Parent’s Life Threatened by Tampa Woman: Feds

A 57-year-old Tampa woman who reportedly believes the Sandy Hook massacre never happened faces four federal charges for threatening the life of a parent whose child died during the Dec. 14, 2012, mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.

Stiffed Cabbie Leads Cops to Suspected Armed Robber

A Clearwater cab driver stiffed by an early Wednesday morning fare inadvertently led police to a man wanted in connection with a Tuesday night armed robbery at a local Subway.

‘Phoenix’ Rising From Florida Polytechnic Campus

Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology Building won’t be the only architecture on campus that turns the heads of passersby much longer. The school broke ground Wednesday, Dec. 7 on a new wellness center that will resemble the school’s phoenix mascot when it is completed next fall.

Ruskin Cocaine Sting Shooting: Suspect Names Released

An undercover narcotics operation in Ruskin took a violent turn Tuesday night when a man allegedly pulled a gun on a detective, prompting a chain-reaction that would ultimately lead to gunfire on both sides and the injury of two suspects.

USF Coach Willie Taggart Snagged by Oregon: Reports

Fresh off the University of South Florida’s return to national rankings for the first time since 2011, Bulls head coach Willie Taggart appears poised to leave the program he’s grown over the past four seasons.

Soft-Spoken Bank Robber Busted After Tips Poured In

The man believed responsible for robbing New Port Richey’s TD Bank Tuesday afternoon is behind bars after eight different people, including six tipsters, identified him from surveillance photos.

Photo courtesy of the Bolshoi Ballet