🌱 Feds Charge Tampa CPA + The Pearl Water Street Opens March 7

Hey, Tampa. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Because community news matters! In today's briefing, you'll find these stories and more:

• A Tampa man is facing federal charges for allegedly being involved in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021
• The Pearl at Water Street Tampa will have its grand opening on March 7
• A New York-style deli called "Cousin Vinny's" is planning its debut soon in Seminole Heights

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 86 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Tampa man is being charged by the federal government for allegedly being involved in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. 64-year-old Frederick J. Bergmann, a licensed CPA, is accused by the U.S. government of smuggling goods, including 20 ballistic vests disguised as medical X-ray vests and school supplies and is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
2. The Pearl is coming soon to Water Street Tampa and will celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, March 7. The concept is from hospitality group Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, who runs Ocean Prime locations nationwide. The Pearl will be located at 823 Water St. Suite C-100 at the Heron apartment tower. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. AAA announced Thursday a free catalytic converter theft prevention program in the Tampa area at two locations, according to a news release. The news comes amid rising thefts nationwide. The program locations will be 1701 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, 33607 and 2347 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 33765, while supplies last. (WTSP)
4. Spring Lake Club Golf Resort in Sebring has gone viral after a gigantic alligator was spotted on the course. Although it is not rare to see a gator on a golf course, the size of the gator captured the imagination of the internet. One commentator noted, "The gator just wants to play golf too." (Fox 13)
5. Cousin Vinny’s, a New York-style deli, is headed to Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood. The concept will be run by executive Chef and co-founder Vinny Andriotti, and Head of Operations and co-founder "Cuz" Russ Leone. An opening date is not available yet. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Microbial World — Making A Difference With Infection Prevention at Embassy Suites By Hilton Tampa USF. (7 a.m.)
• Vintage Roost Market. (9 a.m.)
• Bloom On Franklin — Art & Music Festival. (5 p.m.)
• 5th Annual Black History Program at Masjid Al-Noor. (6 p.m.)
• NNAMDÏ at Hooch & Hive. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "🐰 Cotton Tail and Mika are just two of the many rabbits looking for their forever homes... maybe with you! Visit the designated HSTB rabbit room to share a carrot with your new best friend." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "Our 30-year history is filled with memories, but there are a few that stand out the most. Tap into the nostalgia of the 1990s, with a ViewMaster that features seven images highlighting some of the top moments in Lightning history." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "You're invited to our annual Women's History Month Celebration. Join us March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Tampa Bay History Center as we celebrate the many contributions of women in our community and present the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award to Ms. Mary Bryan, who has served over 60 years with the City of Tampa." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 27)
• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Buddy Cruise Charity Golf Tournament (March 24)
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Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency — M and D Travel-Dream Vacations, Sun & Savings Vacation Deals!! (Details)
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Featured housing:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with 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