🌱 Tampa Bay's KnowBe4 Sells For $4.6 Billion + Corky's Corn Maze

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally in Tampa. Today's briefing includes news about...

• ⚖️ A lawsuit filed against Tampa City Council member Orlando Gudes that has been dismissed.
• 🍂 Keel Farms in Plant City has launched a new family-friendly attraction to celebrate autumn.
• 💻 Clearwater-based cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 has sold for over $4 billion.

Today is Be Bald and Be Free Day. It's a great day to be who you are and celebrate different people.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 85 Low: 70.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Tampa Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa Police are seeking a suspect in a shooting last weekend in downtown Tampa at LIT Cigar & Martini Lounge. An arrest warrant has been obtained for Damaso Bravo on three counts of aggravated battery and a charge of felon in possession of a firearm, according to police. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information is asked to contact Tampa police or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. (Tampa Patch)

2. A lawsuit filed by a former aide against Tampa City Council member Orlando Gudes was dismissed by a circuit court judge last week after the judge found the lawsuit lacked legal standing for emotional distress and defamation, according to new documents. City of Tampa paid the aide $200,000 to shield itself from the lawsuit. Lawyers for Gudes celebrated the ruling. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: WTSP)

3. Inflation in Tampa hit 10.5 percent this month compared to the same time last year. Tampa's inflation rate is above the national average which sits at 8.2 percent. The main drivers of inflation in Tampa are shelter costs and the price of gasoline. The rising cost of food in Tampa was also a major driver of inflation. (WFLA)

4. There is a new autumn attraction at Keel Farms in Plant City. Corky's Corn Maze spans 4 acres and offers a family-friendly scavenger hunt, bounce houses, animals, hayrides, and more on weekends through November. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids, and free for children ages 3 and younger. (ABC Action News)

5. Cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 in Clearwater is being acquired by Vista Equity Partners for $4.6 billion in an all-cash deal, according to news reports. KnowBe4 partnered with the Tampa Bay Wave on its CyberTech|X Accelerator program previously and its sale shines a light on Tampa's startup industry. (Subscription: Tampa Bay INNO, Free: TechCrunch)

Today in Tampa:

• Cafe Con Tampa at Oxford Exchange. (8 a.m.)
• Happy Hour at Publix GreenWise Market - Water Street Tampa. (4 p.m.)
• Bourbon Ball at Grand Cathedral Cigars. (7 p.m.)
• Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. (7 p.m.)
• UNDead In The Water at American Victory Ship & Museum. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Local ad agency, Ad Partners, was awarded 2021 Support Partner of the Year by FSC Franchise Co., the parent company of Beef 'O' Brady's and Brass Tap. "We could not feel more thankful," said Darlene Levi, Ad Partners' executive vice president & managing director. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• The Sounding Joy Inaugural Golf Tournament is coming Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at Tampa's Westchase Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Sounding Joy, who aims " to ignite joy by providing hearing aids to local children whose families can’t afford them." (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared "UPCOMING EVENT 🐱 Join us for our annual SpaKitty Dinner featuring an authentic Italian dinner provided by Ava Tampa, drinks, music, and a silent auction at the beautiful HSTB Shelter on Nov. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Tampa Theatre shared: "📞 Jason’s calling. Join us Sunday, Oct. 16 for a screening of 'Friday the 13th' at 2 p.m. Be sure to come early for the chance to snap a spooky selfie with the Mistress of the Dark, Elvira." (Tampa Theatre via Facebook)

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Events:

• Dead Poets Society: Kerouac in Memoriam (October 19)
• Dreaming in Premodern China (October 20)
• 7th Annual HCC Hawk Run — 5K / 1-Mile Glow Run and Walk (In-person and Virtual) (October 22)
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Announcements:

• Public Adjuster in Ft. Myers, FL — LA Consulting - Public Adjusters. (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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