🌱 Tampa Military Retiree Charged + The Monster Jam Coming Soon

Hi all. I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your new edition of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening around town, including updates on...

• A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel from Tampa has been sentenced to three years in prison.
• The Monster Jam is coming to Amalie Arena in August.
• A St. Petersburg man has survived an encounter with flesh-eating bacteria.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 91 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel from Tampa has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing classified national defense documents. The accused man served in various intelligence positions, including working with classified intelligence information for the Joint Special Operations Command, the Special Operations Command and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI investigated the case. (Tampa Patch)
2. A St. Petersburg man has survived after an encounter with flesh-eating bacteria. The man acquired the bacteria from a human bite in February. A doctor was forced to cut the infected tissue out of the victim's thigh in surgery. The condition could have been fatal without medical attention. (WFLA)
3. 1.3 million homeowners in Florida, including those in Tampa, are facing a major premium hike with double digit increases in the state-run homeowners' insurance. The increase comes amid an inflation crisis in Tampa and across the state, as well as an unstable insurance industry. Citizens Insurance premiums are increasing by 14.2%. (ABC Action News)
4. Polk County has ended a five-year tradition of supporting LGBTQ+ residents after three members of the county commission voted against a Pride proclamation. The decision comes amid attacks in the state against the LGBTQ+ community by Florida Republicans. Despite this Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland, Mulberry, Winter Haven and Polk County Public Schools all agreed to support Pride proclamations. (The Ledger)
5. The Monster Jam is coming to Amalie Arena on August 19. Tickets are now on-sale to the event which features monster trucks weight 12,000 pounds. There will be a Monster Jam Pit Party before the show for fans to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Strut: The Tampa EDITION Feat. Bosco. (8 p.m.)
• Música In Flor Fina at Hotel Haya. (8 p.m.)
• Launch Pad at Carmine's Restaurant & Bar. (9 p.m.)
• Jaded - Aerosmith Tribute at Wild Rover Brewing Co. (9 p.m.)
• Bollywood Party at Tampa Karaoke VIP. (11 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "Upgraded digital bag claim signs are being installed. All four signs on the third floor of the Main Terminal will be replaced with larger digital displays by the end of June. 🥳" (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "Thank you, U.S. Military. ZooTampa is saluting the brave men and women of the United States armed forces with free admission all summer long. From now through September 1, All active-duty military members and their families can receive one complimentary admission for themselves and up to 3 direct dependents." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Congratulations to all of our students who were named winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Out of 3,000 total winners, 61 are from Hillsborough County." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Westchase (June 10)
• Big Gay Beach Party (June 10)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (June 12)
• Grand Opening Uptown Cheapskate (June 15)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Bonus Bucks Giveaway! (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for 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