🌱 New Korean Fried Chicken Concept Opens In Tampa + Tampa Crime Rate

Hey, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Tampa these days. In today's issue, we'll touch on:

• City of Tampa is celebrating its ranking as no. 14 in a survey of the lowest crime rate for 2022 around the nation's biggest cities
• A new Korean Fried Chicken franchise has expanded into Tampa
• 630,000 gallons of raw sewage have allegedly been dumped into Tampa Bay since Jan. 10 after "nonpayment" to TECO for a lift station

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny, windy and humid. High: 85 Low: 71.

Business owners and marketers in Tampa: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. City of Tampa has ranked no. 14 overall for the lowest violent crime rate in 2022 in a survey of 59 cities in the United States released by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor cheered the ranking and declared Tampa as "one of the safest large cities in the United States where you can land a well-paying job." (Tampa Patch)
2. 630,000 gallons of raw sewage have been allegedly dumped into Tampa Bay since on Jan. 10 after Tampa Electric (TECO) reportedly cut the power to a Tampa apartment complex’s lift station due to alleged "nonpayment." The sewage came from Mirela North and Riverside Palms Apartments, according to Tampa Bay Times. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) has released a list of names that will be given to tropical storms and hurricanes during the 2023 season, which officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. (Tampa Patch)
4. Pinellas County residents in St. Petersburg are upset about an affordable housing project proposed by Palm Lake Christian Church. The project would bring 86 units to a Disston Heights neighborhood property. The church said the units would help low-income seniors and people facing disabling conditions amid an affordable housing crisis. (WFLA)
5. Korean fried chicken chain bb.q chicken has soft opened its first location in Tampa, as the franchise expands globally. The restaurant is located at 3805 Northdale Blvd. in Carrollwood. The franchise is based in Seoul, South Korea and features a variety of Korean Fried Chicken flavors for diners to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

• Family Story Time at Seminole Heights Branch Library. (10:15 a.m.)
• Recording Studio Orientation at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (11 a.m.)
• First Friday Organ Recital Series at The University Of Tampa College Of Arts And Letters. (noon)
• Música In Flor Fina With Kafkasso Flamenco Trio at Hotel Haya. (8 p.m.)
• Ladies Night at Jerk Hut Tampa. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We have acquired forward Michael Eyssimont from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Vladislav Namestnikov." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Another prestigious recognition in the books. We're thrilled to announce that Tampa General Hospital has been named one of the World’s Best Hospitals 2023 and was listed among the Best Hospitals for Infection Prevention by Newsweek." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "Welcome First National Bank of Pasco to the South Tampa Chamber! We are excited to have you as a new member! 😊👏 ✅" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)
• Stuff to Do in Tampa Bay shared: "Looking for a little caffeine pick me up? Check out these best coffee shops in Tampa Bay! " (Stuff to Do in Tampa Bay via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Shen Yun Classical Dance with Live Orchestra (March 7)
• Hope Spot Gala (March 19)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency — M and D Travel-Dream Vacations. (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll be back 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