🌱 Tampa Police Officer Fired + Tampa No. 1 On 'Best Places To Live'

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Tampa Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally. Including news on...

• A police officer with TPD has been fired after body camera footage exposed the officer dragging a woman in a parking lot at Orient Road Jail against her will.
• Flight cancellations continued nationwide and at Tampa International Airport on Wednesday.
• Tampa Bay has made No. 1 on Forbes Advisor's Best Places to Live in Florida 2022 list.

But first, your local weather:

• Sunny and pleasant. High: 73 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. An officer with Tampa Police Department (TPD) was fired on Tuesday after new body camera footage showed him allegedly dragging a woman to a jail entrance. In the video, former Officer Gregory Damon is seen grabbing the woman and dragging her out of the car into the entrance of the jail against her will at Orient Road Jail. Audio of the footge shows the officer saying derogatory words to the victim as he continued to drag her. (WTSP)

2. More than 100 scheduled at Tampa International Airport were canceled Wednesday morning in what federal officials are calling a "meltdown" of the airline's system. Thousands of flights nationwide were also impacted by the holiday travel disruptions. Southwest Airlines is now under federal investigation. (Tampa Patch)

3. Cru Hospitality Group is planning to open 3 new restaurants in Tampa and is now hiring for multiple food and beverage positions at its various upcoming properties. Those interested can apply online. Available positions include include bartender, host, server, line cook, retail wine team member, and more. (That's So Tampa)

4. A Hillsborough County teacher has gone viral after showing off dance moves in a dance off at Sumner High And Academy 2027. The video gathered millions of views and the dance off was originally planned to help students unwind after exams. (Fox 13 Tampa)

5. Tampa Bay has landed No. 1 on Forbes Advisor's Best Places to Live in Florida 2022 list. The article mentions the area beaches, major sports teams, and proximity to Miami and Orlando as reasons for the ranking. An influx of employers was also cited by the financial magazine. (ABC Action News, Forbes)

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Today in Tampa:

• Taylor Reed Music at Sparkman Wharf. (5 p.m.)
• Matt Frick at Flute & Dram. (5 p.m.)
• Matt Plaisted at Rusty Bellies. (6 p.m.)
• Tampa Bay Lightning Vs. Montreal Canadiens at Amalie Arena. (7 p.m.)
• 'Hamilton' at Carol Morssani Hall. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared: "We've placed T Josh Wells on injured reserve & promoted ILB J.J. Russell to the active roster." (Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "Say hi to Meow Meow, one of our adoptable kitties! He is a 1-year-old cat who was surrendered to HSTB. He loves to play with people, other cats, and dog." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Hillsborough County Public Schools shared: "Winter wellness tips from Hillsborough County Public Schools: Today, we challenge you to get moving. Get those endorphins pumping for an extra boost of holiday cheer." (Hillsborough County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Tampa General Hospital shared: "Dr. Christopher DuCoin, chief of the TGH Digestive Disorders Institute, joined Tampa Bay's Morning Blend to discuss how the TGH + USF Health Bariatric Center can help every single patient accomplish their unique weight loss goals." (Tampa General Hospital via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Ring in the new year with the ReliaQuest Bowl New Year's Eve Parade & Pep Rally! The parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in Ybor (along 7th Ave) featuring floats, marching bands, cheerleaders and more." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon 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