Information Breach, Tourism Record, DUI Wolfpack

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 day:

Lakeland Fire Dog Earns FEMA Credentials

Lakeland Fire Rescue officially has a new four-legged member on its Urban Search and Rescue Team. Phinnegan has joined fellow canine partner Cabela in earning coveted certification from FEMA.

Florida Set Tourism Record In 2016: Governor Scott

A roller coaster of negative news ranging from brushes with hurricanes to Zika virus scares didn’t seem to change tourists’ minds about visiting the Sunshine State last year. Florida broke its own tourism record in 2016 with 112.8 million people paying the state a visit, according to Gov. Rick Scott’s office.

Information Breach Reported By Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Aging Services has notified about 650 clients about a possible breach of protected health information that occurred in 2011. The potential breach was brought to the county’s attention in December 2016 by a former employee.

Video: Woman Foils Armed Robbery At Gas Pump

A 55-year-old woman parked at a Sarasota gas pump Thursday morning found herself the target of an armed robber. Deputies, however, say the woman fought back against the tire iron-wielding man long enough to get a good look at him and scare him off.

DUI Wolfpack Set To Prowl Manatee, Sarasota Counties

Motorists with big party plans over the upcoming Presidents’ Day weekend may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans to conduct a DUI Wolfpack Operation.

‘Soaking Wet’ Man Arrested After Car Crashes Into Lake

A 21-year-old Tampa man found himself in cold water Friday morning that quickly turned hot after Hillsborough County deputies caught up with him.

Mixed Bag In Tampa Bay Area’s Weekend Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents with outdoor plans over the long holiday weekend might want to schedule with care. While rain is in the forecast for much of Saturday, sunshine is also expected to make a strong showing on Sunday and Monday.

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Fire Rescue