🌱 Bern's Steak House Adds No-Show Charge + Lynn Hurtak Mailer Lawsuit

Hello there, Tampa! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news on:

• A Tampa neighborhood is taking action against a political action committee attacking Tampa incumbent Lynn Hurtak
• A restaurant worker in Pinellas County is facing charges after allegedly spraying grease on employees
• Bern's Steak House has announced they will be charging $25 for no-show reservations

But first, today's weather: Sunshine and a few clouds. High: 83 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa police is searching for a man who allegedly impersonated a police officer and exposed himself to a woman. The incident happened Feb. 22 at the Ramada Inn at 1300 N. Westshore Blvd. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities. (Tampa Patch)
2. A Tampa neighborhood association is taking legal action against a mailer attacking Tampa City Councilmember Lynn Hurtak, who is currently seeking re-election. Hurtak currently represents District 3 in Tampa. Former State Senator Janet Cruz is currently seeking the seat of Hurtak. (Creative Loaing Tampa)
3. A St. Petersburg restaurant worker is facing charges after police said he sprayed grease on two employees. The incident happened at PoFolks at 2001 34th St. North, according to authorities. The accused worker is being charged with two counts of aggravated battery. (WFLA)
4. Hillsborough County leaders have put plans on pause to change school boundary lines after pushback from the public and hesitation from board members. Leaders said they do not believe the public has had enough time to weigh in on the plans. The county will reconsider the changes in March. (WTSP)
5. Bern’s Steak House, one of Tampa's most iconic restaurants, has announced they will now charge $25 for no-show reservations. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the charges will be passed to nonprofit, Feeding Tampa Bay. Reservations at Bern's are released on a rolling 60-day booking period. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Ross Hosts Fundraiser For Boys & Girls Club. (9 a.m.)
• Creative Clay at Life Enrichment Center. (1 p.m.)
• Dog Tales With Bonnie at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• After School Art at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (3:30 p.m.)
• Tampa/Carrollwood $10 ABC Wine Tasting Event. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "HSTB IS STILL WILD 🦎 The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has another exotic lizard available for adoption. Meet Tito, the 3-year-old gecko! He was surrendered to HSTB when his previous owner could no longer care for him." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "It started as a part-time job, and 26 years later she's still having fun. Karen Jones has been an integral part of our team from the start." (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "GIVEBACK 🙌 Wednesday, March 1. Florish is celebrating its 1st anniversary with an HSTB giveback! A portion of the day's proceeds will be donated to help homeless pets." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa honored alumni Joseph Monteforte ’15, Raymond Mohler ’20 and Wil White ’20 with awards by UT’s John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center for their professional and personal achievements." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Echoes of Her presented by Moving Current Dance Collective (March 2)
• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Shen Yun Classical Dance with Live Orchestra (March 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com