🌱 Morgan & Morgan Sues TGH Over Data Breach + Brandon Mall Shooting

Hey, neighbors! It's Tuesday in Tampa and I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community, including updates on:

• Police are seeking a woman who accidentally fired her gun in the food court at the Brandon Mall this past weekend and then fled the scene.
• Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez and his family are disputing the events that unfolded recently in Tampa before the officer shot himself on a highway in Tampa.
• Law firm Morgan & Morgan has filed a suit on behalf of three people against Tampa General Hospital.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 97 Low: 80.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A gun unexpectedly fired from a woman's purse at the Brandon Mall this past weekend. The suspect fled the scene and police are searching for the woman involved. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon at around 3:30 p.m. at Charley's Cheesesteaks in the food court, according to authorities. Anyone with information into the incident is asked to HCSO investigators at 813-247-8200. (Tampa Patch)
2. Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez and his wife are disputing allegations that he was arrested by police for being aggressive before he later shot himself on a highway on I-75. Ramirez was in town for a law enforcement conference in Tampa. The circumstances around the shooting have brought scrutiny nationwide. (WFLA)
3. The Hillsborough Count Tax Collector is warning citizens about scams targeting locals over fake appointments. Scammers are attempting to sell driver's license appointments and flooding the county with fake appointments. The large influx of new residents has strained the county and opened the door to thieves. The trend is happening nationwide. (Tampa Patch)
4. The security breach at Tampa International Airport (TPA) this past weekend will come with consequences. Sixty-seven weapons have already been detected at checkpoints in 2023. Actions will be taken to address the issue by the security force after the incident. (WTSP)
5. Florida law firm Morgan & Morgan has filed a lawsuit against Tampa General Hospital (TGH) over a data breach with three people joining at plaintiffs. The lawsuit seeks to shed light on how the data breach occurred. The lawsuit claims one victim has already suffered identity theft due to the data being stolen. (ABC Action News)

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Today in Tampa:

Tuesday, August 8

• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• School Board Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools. (4 p.m.)
• OE Book Club | August | A Farewell to Arms. (6:30 p.m.)
• Chakras + Sound Workshop at Wild Roots. (7 p.m.)
• Arrows In Action at The Orpheum. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sergio Pineros-Mayoga and Nicolas Scargle will be the leaders of this year's men's soccer team at the University of South Florida (USF). (Twitter)
• A new boutique hotel is coming to Hyde Park Village called Palihouse Hyde Park Village. No opening date is available at this time, but a fall opening is currently estimated. It will be located at 1509 W Swann Ave. (That's So Tampa)
• Countdown Improv Festival kicks off on Wednesday with almost 100 acts from 18 states. Tickets are now available for the event. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• There will be a Labor Day Food Truck Rally at the Cuban Club in Ybor City on Sept. 3 from noon to 6 p.m. Vendors include PamiPockets, Bailey's Family Catering, Kono Pizza Tampa Bay and more. (That's So Tampa)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 11)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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