🌱 Embattled Tampa Police Chief Resigns + HART CEO Investigation

Hello all! Carlos Hernandez here with your Tuesday edition of the Tampa Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll read about:

• 🚓 Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor has resigned after being embattled in scandal.
• 🌊 Low levels of red tide have been detected in the mouth of Tampa Bay.
• 🚌 The CEO of HART will not face suspension, while she is under investigation for allegedly creating a toxic workplace.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 81 Low: 63.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor announced her resignation on Monday amid an investigation over her use of her police badge and position of power to avoid a traffic citation, as first reported by Creative Loafing Tampa. The incident grabbed national headlines. O'Connor was selected for the position against the objection of several Tampa City Council members earlier this year and has a record. She resigned at the request of City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who is up for re-election in March 2023. (Tampa Patch, Creative Loafing Tampa)

2. Low levels of red tide have been detected in two spots at the mouth of Tampa Bay, but experts say it is no reason to be concerned. "The worst case would be there's more stuff offshore and it further transports to mouth region or further transport into the bay. That would be the worst case," said Dr. Yonggang Liu of USF. (WTSP)

3. Lakeland Fire Department is raising funds for SPCA Florida for the annual Rescued Pets Calendar. The 2023 Rescued Pets Calendar can be purchased for a $10 donation. Cash and checks are accepted at all sites. (Tampa Patch)

4. AQUA luxury towers is planning to face west Tampa with three towers, led by developer Westshore Group LLC. Amenities include a rooftop with an infinity edge pool, golf simulator, pickleball, private owners lounge, spa, steam room, and more. (That's So Tampa)

5. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) CEO Adelee Le Grand will not be suspended while an investigation is underway into reports that she allegedly created a toxic workplace. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and her aides are running to the aide of the embattled CEO. (Fox 13 Tampa)

From our sponsor:

Today's Tampa Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by The Daily Upside, the premium source for business news that's actually worth reading.

Want to know why there are more millionaires than ever before despite the economic downtown? Or why is Turkey cutting interest rates despite 80 percent inflation?

The Daily Upside goes a level deeper to instantly boost your business IQ and upgrade your investing know-how. Subscribe today at no cost.

Today in Tampa:

• Classic Spartans Victorian Christmas Stroll and Lunch at Henry B. Plant Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Loathe at The Orpheum. (6:30 p.m.)
• Armature Works Book Club — Dec. 6. (6:30 p.m.)
• Bourbon Pairing Dinner at Bulla Gastrobar Tampa. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Rays shared: "Congratulations to the newest member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fred McGriff!" (Tampa Bay Rays via Facebook)
• Tampa Police Department shared: "The Tampa Police Department does not want the resignation of Chief Mary O’Connor to be a distraction from the skilled work and professionalism provided to our community every day." (Tampa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Tampa General Hospital just filled a critical need for patients suffering from serious injuries by launching the Mission Zero program, a Military Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
• Freedman's Office Furniture — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Champagne and Candy Canes — "Celebrating 2022 Successes" (December 6)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 8)
• Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay (December 10)
• The Florida Wind Band "Tis The Season!" (December 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 17)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com