🌱 Tampa Police Officer Arrested And Suspended + Dog Bars Sue Florida

Good morning, friends. It's Tuesday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally, including news about...

• A Tampa police officer was arrested and placed on administrative leave this past weekend
• Dog-friendly bars have filed suit against the state of Florida for banning their ability to have dogs at their bars after previously allowing it
• PNC Bank has pledged $500,000 to the Tampa Museum of Art

Now, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 81 Low: 59.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Tampa? Partner with the Tampa Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. A Tampa police officer was arrested and placed on administrative leave after he allegedly "bear" hugged a woman and pushed her at his home, according to Tampa Police Department (TPD). The officer was booked into the Orient Road Jail. The officer is facing a charge of misdemeanor battery, according to a new release. The officer is the son of another officer who filed a discrimination lawsuit against the department in the 1970s. (WTSP)
2. Pups Pub Tampa and Pups Pub Orlando have joined and filed suit against the State of Florida banning dogs from bars. Attorneys said the state reversed its position after initially allowing dogs. The bars do not serve food and separate dogs from where drinks are made. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
3. Bouzy is now open in South Tampa's Hyde Park Village and is being run by Cru Hospitality Group. The new bar boasts 200 wine selections for guest to enjoy. "Cru Hospitality Group is thrilled to expand into such a vibrant community," said Jennifer Bingham, owner and sommelier at Cru Hospitality Group. (Tampa Patch)
4. West Fortune Street Fish Market located at 1926 West Main St. in Tampa has been named the "best crabs on the planet," according to a viral video online. Other menu items at West Fortune include fried okra, corn fritters, and a soft-shell crab sandwich. (That's So Tampa)
5. PNC Bank has pledged $500,000 to the Tampa Museum of Art’s Centennial Campaign, according to an announcement from the museum. The PNC Family Classroom and Gallery will have new programming and education thanks to the donation. The donation will also allow the downtown Tampa museum to expand how many children, adults, and teenagers it serves. (Florida Politics)

Today in Tampa:

• Crochet Buddies at Bruton Memorial Library. (3 p.m.)
• Happy Hour Yoga at Armature Works. (5:30 p.m.)
• Armature Works Book Club — Feb. 7. (6:30 p.m.)
• LUCERO at Floridian Social Club. (7 p.m.)
• Salsa Class With Jae Phillips Dance Studio at Hotel Haya. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "🐱 This is sweet Nolah, an 8-year-old domestic shorthaired cat who needs to find her new home. Nolah is good with other cats, good with children, and litter trained." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "You're invited to the Annual City of Tampa Black History Celebration on Monday, Feb. 13 at the Tampa Convention Center. Hear an inspiring address from this year's keynote speaker, Dr. Tonjua Williams, campus president of St. Petersburg College." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• All three Mattison's Restaurants in the Sarasota area are serving a special menu for Valentine's Day on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Reservations are strongly suggested for those interested as the holiday approaches. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Pulte Homes is expanding into Hillsborough County with its Valri Forest community in Valrico. A grand opening celebration will be held at the community on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tampa Bay Newswire)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Temple Terrace Public Library (February 8)
• Hope Spot Festival (February 11)
• Add your event

For sale:

• Tarot Card Read Readings & Home or Office Energy Cleansings! (Details)
• Add your item

Gigs & services:

• Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning offers LifeCare Plans in United States. (Details)
• Add your gig or service

That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com