🌱 Tampa Ranked No. 1 For Inflation + Home Insurance Premiums Spiking

Hey, everybody! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your new edition of the Tampa Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening around town, including updates on:

• Tampa is now ranked no. 1 in the nation for inflation
• Florida homeowners, including those in Tampa, could see their insurance premiums rise 40 to 50 percent in June
• Ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren is now appealing to the Florida Supreme Court for reinstatement

But first, today's weather: Variable cloudiness. High: 84 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa is ranked no. 1 in the United States for inflation, according to a new study by WalletHub. Tampa beat South Florida for the title. Experts said the issue can be addressed with "more affordable housing policies." Tampa was joined by San Diego, California at the top. (WTSP)
2. Ousted Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren is now petitioning Florida’s Supreme Court to reinstate him as the county's top prosecutor. A federal case filed by Andrew Warren ultimately ruled in his favor, but the judge lamented that federal courts lacked the jurisdiction to restore Warren to power despite the courts finding the law was broken. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to reinstate Warren. (Tampa Patch)
3. Tampa City Council is being asked to allow the Police Citizens Review Board (CRB) to obtain independent legal representation. The request is a major goal for police reform activists, pressuring the local government to increase accountability for Tampa Police Department. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Tampa homeowners should brace for impact as home insurance premiums are widely expected to rise in June between 40 percent to 50 percent, amid skyrocketing inflation in Florida. An attempt by the Florida legislature to meet twice and address an unstable home insurance market did not address the cost to homeowners. (WFLA)
5. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced Tuesday that the city is ready to expand the Tampa Riverwalk by five miles. The federal U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for 80 percent of the project with the rest of the cost covered by City of Tampa. The project partially be paid by gas taxes. (Tampa Patch)

Today in Tampa:

• The Largest Networking Event In Tampa Bay at Armature Works. (9:15 a.m.)
• Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. (10 a.m.)
• Meet The Tampa City Council Candidates At Tiger Bay Club. (noon)
• Works Of Photographer, Filmmaker Shane Brown On Display at The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. (noon)
• Women In Tech & Entrepreneurship at Four Green Fields. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A cybersecurity firm called Ridgeline International has expanded to Tampa's WestShore District. The company plan to create 30 jobs in the next few years. The company said they were attracted to the area due to the "SOCOM presence and the large military and veteran population." (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Tickets go on-sale this weekend for The Green Gala at The Sunshine State Theatre. It is the first time the event will be open to the public. (Tampa Bay Newswire)
• Popular Tampa coffee and beer brewer King State is expanding to St. Petersburg. The new location will be at the historic Harlan Hotel building at 15 8th St. North inside the COhatch co-working space. (St. Pete Rising)

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Featured events:

• Walk'n with Rick for District 6 (February 18)
• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 22)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
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Featured housing:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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