Community Corner

🌱 Russian Malware Hacker Charged In Tampa + The Tampa Soulwalk

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Tampa.

(Patch Media)

Good morning, hello! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more...

  • The Tampa Soulwalk is a new art and heritage trail celebrating Tampa's rich Black history with 100 stops throughout the city
  • One Tampa company is experimenting with a 4-day work week to see if productivity improves for employees
  • A Russian national was charged by authorities in Tampa for hacking computers in the state including two Florida law firms

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 86 Low: 67.


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Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

  1. A Russian national is facing multiple federal charges after he allegedly used malware to steal the login credentials of tens of thousands of computers, including those connected to two Florida law firms, according to federal officials and a report. The Russian suspect is facing charges in Tampa. The two firms are not named in the court records. (Tampa Patch)
  2. A Tampa man accused of being loyal to ISIS has plead guilty to terrorism charges. Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari planned to carry out an attack in Tampa on behalf of ISIS, according to the FBI. The FBI was watching Al-Azhari as he allegedly bought weapons, disguises, and tactical gear. (Fox 13 Tampa)
  3. One Tampa company is switching a 4-day work week. Jake Kurtz, the CEO of Brick Media, said his staff worked a 4-day work week as of Jan. 1 and that it is boosting productivity. A recent study said changing to a 4-day work week reduces stress levels by 39 percent and burnout by 71 percent. (WFLA)
  4. Tampa Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly robbed a Mobil station at 10002 N. Florida Ave. just after 7 a.m. last Friday. The suspect was captured on video wearing a "Kodak" hooded sweatshirt, fluorescent green gloves, black joggers, black shoes and a black 3-ply mask. (Tampa Patch)
  5. City of Tampa has unveiled a new arts and heritage trail celebrating the city's Black communities and art from contemporary Black artists. The Tampa Soulwalk spans 46 miles and features 100 stops in 25 neighborhoods. (ABC Action News, City of Tampa)

Today in Tampa:

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Ava Tampa Giveback Event — The Humane Society Of Tampa Bay. (1 p.m.)
  • SouthShore Readers Book Club at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (2 p.m.)
  • Art On The House at Tampa Museum Of Art. (4 p.m.)
  • Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce Of Tampa Bay — Speed Networking at Citi. (6 p.m.)
  • Galentine's Glam And Glow at Zydeco Brew Werks. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shared: "Less than a week away until Serengeti Flyer officially takes flight. 😎 Pass Members— don't forget that you can catch some exclusive airtime during our Passport to Thrills event on Feb. 24." (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)
  • City of Tampa shared: "Did you know Tampa has one of the best credit ratings in the U.S. compared to peer cities? Having a strong credit rating helps our City save taxpayer dollars. Check out this chart to see how Tampa compares to other peer cities." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
  • Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "SPOTS STILL OPEN 🐶 Drop your kids off this Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-10 p.m. at HSTB. Parents' Night Out is a great way for kids to have a fun night at the shelter while their parents get a few hours to themselves." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
  • Visit Tampa Bay shared: "Local Legacy is an ongoing series that features local artists in the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center. This month we are highlighting Black History Month and showcasing Local Black Artists. This Friday, Feb. 24, Mergeculture Gallery and Visit Tampa Bay are kicking off Local Legacy with a live art show at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitor's Center. There will be live music, food trucks, and local artists at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center from 6 to 9 p.m." (Visit Tampa Bay via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

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

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