Data Breach, Super Bowl, Safest Suburbs

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

Social Security Numbers Swiped In State Data Breach

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering free credit protection for an estimated 469 people whose social security numbers may have been compromised during a recent data breach. Another 16,000 concealed weapons licensees’ names may also have been obtained during the hack, state officials say.

Firefighters Dive In To Rescue Injured Owl

Daring water rescues aren’t necessarily out of the ordinary for firefighters in a state like Florida. It’s not every day, however, that first responders find themselves diving in to rescue an injured owl from a backyard pool.

Tampa, St. Pete Area Among Best For Young Professionals: Forbes

As new college graduates across the country plan their next moves, Forbes has some ideas on where they should consider relocating to. The magazine recently released its list of top 25 cities for young professionals in 2017.

Giant LEGO Exhibit Set To Debut In Tampa

Tampa Bay area LEGO lovers will soon get a treat of epic proportions courtesy of the Vinik Family Foundation. The Art of the Brick, a giant, 100-work art exhibit, is set to open next month in downtown Tampa at no cost to the viewing public.

Super Bowl 55 Coming To Tampa: NFL

Raymond James Stadium will be the site for Super Bowl 55 following a unanimous vote from the NFL’s owners on Tuesday.

Pinellas County Suburbs Rank Among Florida’s Safest

The Tampa Bay area is well represented in a new ranking report released by Niche.com that names the 2017 Safest Suburbs in Florida. While first-place honors didn’t go to a community in the region, dozens of towns in the area are on the list of 100.

Pinellas Utility Scam: More Victims Come Forward

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is looking for help identifying several men accused of tricking their way into elderly residents’ homes by posing as water department employees. Once inside, deputies say one of the men distracts residents while the other swipes items from victims’ homes.

51 Jobs: Prisoner Transport, Baker, Electrician

In the market for a new job in the Tampa Bay area? There’s good news on the employment front! Employers throughout the region have put out help-wanted signs in recent days.

‘Whiskey And Wheaties’ Bill Vetoed By Gov. Scott

Florida’s so-called “Liquor Wall” stands. Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have made it legal for some grocery and big box retailers to display and sell liquor from their grocery aisles.

Beware Of Gas Pump Skimmers, Florida Officials Warn

Whether the plan is to travel across town for a backyard barbecue or across the state for an overnight getaway, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs is warning motorists to be wary at the gas pump. Gas pump skimmers designed to help thieves swipe credit and debit card information remain an ongoing concern across the Sunshine State, according to Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Photo courtesy of Polk County Fire Rescue