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Safeguard Your Property with a Home Security System from Prime Protection

Learn More About the Top Home Security Company in Tampa, FL

If there's one thing that homeowners in Tampa can agree on, it's that security and safety risks are part of life. You assume some risk - even if it's small - every time you walk out of your front door. Fortunately, there are many procedures and processes in place to protect us from being victims of crimes, especially in public areas like grocery stores. But what about when we're at home? According to the FBI, property crime accounts for more than 85% of all crime in the U.S. In fact, almost 4.8 million cases of property crime were reported in 2021 alone, with 50% of people reporting that they believe a property crime could happen to them.

If you live in Tampa, chances are you've heard of or know someone personally who has been affected by a break-in or robbery. Property crimes and package theft are higher than the national average, at 53% and 61% respectively. Could you imagine coming home from dinner out with your family, only to see your front door smashed in and your belongings gone? Of course, being the victim of a home break-in is about more than disposable items like TVs and electronics. When the sacred space of your home is violated, you lose peace of mind. What's stopping the criminals from coming back and robbing your home again? Will they tell other criminals that your home is an easy target? Will your children be able to sleep at night knowing that their home has been broken into?

If you're like other Tampa homeowners and believe that peace of mind and safety is priceless, ask yourself this: "What am I doing to make sure my home is protected from burglars?" For most, the answer to that question begins by installing a home security system in Tampa, FL. When you have a burglar alarm installed, you'll have more peace of mind at home or when you're away, knowing that a home security system company like Prime Protection has got your back.

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Prime Protection: Changing the Face of the Home Security Industry

Prime Protection LLC was founded to change the face of the home security industry. We operate on the Golden Rule standard: "Do unto others as you would want done unto you." When you trust Prime Protection, you can have confidence that we will treat your home as if it were our own. Our technicians will go above and beyond to make sure your family is protected and that all of your questions are answered. Because, at the end of the day, that's how we'd like to be treated.

We're known locally as the "ADT home security company in Tampa, FL" to homeowners, business owners, and even Realtors. Regardless of your home security needs, our goal is to take great care of you and your ADT home security system. That way, you know your home, belongings, and family members are protected.

To provide the best home alarm system services, we partnered up with ADT Security. Why? Their facility is state-of-the-art, their customer service is unmatched, and no other monitoring company is approved by the Department of Defense. They're trusted with monitoring the White House - which lets you know that there's no other choice when it comes to protecting your home.

 ADT Home Security Tampa, FL

We provide a variety of home security camera systems and accessories, including:

  • Burglar Alarms
  • Home Alarm Systems
  • CCTV Camera Systems
  • 24/7 Alarm Monitoring
  • ADT Home Security Systems
  • ADT Monitored Doorbell Cameras
  • ADT Monitored Security Cameras
  • ADT Monitored Home Automation
  • Systems
  • Smart Home Security
  • Fire Monitor & Detection
  • Live Streaming
 ADT Home Security System Tampa, FL
 Home Security Near Me Tampa, FL

What Makes Prime Protection Different from Other Home Security Companies?

Simply put, your family's safety is our top priority. We offer the most up-to-date ADT home security products, and our technicians use the most current technology and methods to install our products. As an ADT-authorized dealer, we have the tools, training, and home security system products to help keep your home safe.

From start to finish, our team of professionals is happy to help explain the highlights and advantages of our products, so you can make an informed decision about protecting your home. Our flexible options allow you to pick what products you want and what services you need. It's easier than DIY!

When you trust Prime Protection for a home alarm system in Tampa, FL, you're not only treated to a professional, efficient experience. You also benefit from:

Lifetime Warranties

As long as you're subscribed to our monthly monitoring agreement, all ADT equipment you purchase from Prime Protection is covered by a lifetime warranty.

24/7 Support

ADT's customer service is available 24/7, while Prime Protection's is open from 9am to 8pm. You can reach them both by phone.

11+ Years of Experience

We've been serving homeowners and commercial clients in Tampa for more than a decade. As locals in our community, we prioritize qualities such as hard work, transparency, and reliability. We know that money doesn't grow on trees, and as such, make every effort to keep our prices reasonable for hardworking people in Tampa.

Our technicians install and maintain home security systems for many different types of clients, including:

  • Homeowners
  • Renters
  • Apartment Complexes
  • Townhomes
  • Grocery Stores
  • Offices
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Government

Prime Protection has the home and family protection you need. We provide everything you need to feel safe at home, from basic burglar alarms to ADT-monitored smart home security systems that offer total home protection. Contact our office today for help finding the right security system package for your family.

Why Should I Invest in a Home Security System in Tampa, FL?

Whether you live in a gated community miles from a metropolitan area or you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city, having a home alarm system is a smart investment. Modern home security systems do more than sound an alarm if someone breaks in - they can include home automation features that make your life easier and can even help reduce energy consumption. But that's just the start. Let's take a look at some of the biggest reasons why you should consider investing in a burglar alarm for your home in Tampa.

 ADT Alarm System Tampa, FL

The top reason to buy a security system for your home is for the protection it provides. From home intrusions and burglaries to fires and even natural disasters, today's residential home monitoring systems work even when you're not there. They can also help in the event of a medical emergency. Buying a robust alarm or camera system for security is an investment.

However, when you discover that the average burglary costs homeowners more than $2,600 per victim (according to the FBI), the cost starts to make a lot of sense. When you're the victim of a home break-in, the damage goes beyond fiscal. There's long-lasting psychological damage that occurs, too, and having a home security system can help prevent that trauma.

 ADT Security Systems Tampa, FL

Research conducted by Professor Joe Kuhns of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at UNC Charlotte found that nearly 60% of burglars planned their break-ins less than 24 hours before attempting them. Additionally, 83% of burglars surveyed reported that they looked for signs of an alarm system, and over half of them stated that they would abandon their plans if they saw one. This research underscores the effectiveness of visible alarm system indicators such as ADT stickers, yard signs, and outdoor cameras in deterring potential burglars, as their crimes are often opportunistic in nature.

 Smart Home Systems Tampa, FL

By installing a home security system, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected whether you're away or asleep. Plus, modern wireless security systems from ADT that are connected to the internet also allow you to check on your home from anywhere in the world. So, if you're on a business trip in Dubai and want to check on your home, you can do so in a moment's time.

 ADT Home Automation Tampa, FL

When you have a professionally installed home alarm system from a company like Prime Protection, many home insurance companies offer you a discount on the price of your premium. More substantial discounts typically apply to systems that include environmental monitoring for smoke, water damage, fire, and intrusion monitoring. While a discount on your home insurance may not cover the total home security camera system in Tampa, FL, it can make having one more affordable over time. Plus, if you need to file an insurance claim for a break-in or other event, having high-def, reliable video footage can be incredibly beneficial.

 Home Security System Tampa, FL

Safety products like ADT-monitored home automation systems can include home automation features that provide convenience and energy savings, making it easier to save time and money. Smart lights and thermostats, when paired with a security system, can adjust themselves to save energy when the system is armed. Additionally, smart door locks and connected garage door openers can offer a secure way to allow friends and family into your home.

 Home Security Company Tampa, FL

In case of an emergency, home automation security systems can offer fast and efficient response times. Whether it's alerting you to a potential threat at your back door or contacting emergency services or the police automatically, these systems help ensure that help is nearby when you truly need it most.

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Security Camera Systems Tampa, FL

Prime Protection Pro Tip

Many wireless home security systems from ADT work with a smartphone app. This makes keeping up with your pets and family much easier. For example, motion and door sensors will alert you if someone is sneaking around your property. But they can also alert you when your child walks in the front door after school, if an older adult in your home gets out of bed.

Popular Products from Our Home Security System Company in Tampa, FL

Want to learn more about the products and services offered at Prime Protection? We offer a wide range of home security alarm products, from affordable security cameras to fully monitored home protection plans that include automated features. Here are just a few of the most popular products we provide to homeowners and commercial clients in Tampa:

 ADT Home Security Tampa, FL
 ADT Home Security System Tampa, FL

ADT Monitored Home Automation

By integrating a home automation system, you can turn your house into a futuristic living space. Automating your home provides you with control over various aspects such as lighting, energy efficiency, home security, and video doorbells. A few features of ADT's monitored home automation package include the following:

  • Smart Plugs
  • Monitored Smart Door Locks
  • Smart Thermostats
  • Monitored Garage Door Security
  • Monitored Security Cameras
  • More

ADT Monitored Doorbell Cameras

When it comes to home robberies, almost 34% of criminals come through your front door. Doorbell cameras with motion detection from ADT can help you keep unwanted guests away from your home. When your doorbell camera detects someone at your front door, you'll get an alert on your smartphone. When you're not at home, you can see and communicate with anyone who happens to be at your front door, from delivery drivers to neighbors.

Doorbell camera features include:

  • Weatherproof
  • Two-Way Audio
  • HD Imaging and Video
  • Wide Viewing Angles
  • Wireless
  • Compatible with Android and Apple Devices
  • Infrared LED Night Vision
 Home Security Near Me Tampa, FL
 ADT Alarm System Tampa, FL

ADT Monitored Home Alarm Systems

These days, having a reliable alarm system for your home in Tampa is essential. Aras like Sunny Isles Beach has seen an increase in property crime at more than 12 incidents per 1,000 people in 2024 alone. With hurricanes and other natural disasters occurring often, it's normal to be concerned about your property.

Fortunately, ADT's home alarm system covers various aspects of home protection, including monitoring for burglaries, fire, flood, and carbon monoxide. Prime Protection LLC offers additional features like video monitoring, door lock and unlock, thermostat adjustment, garage door control, light control, and even the ability to see and communicate with visitors at your front door through home automation options.

Features of our monitored home alarm systems can include the following:

  • Burglar Alarms
  • Command Panel
  • Monitored Glass Break Detectors
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Window & Door Sensors
  • Key Fob for Alarming & Disarming

Is Signing Up with Prime Protection Easy?

Now that you know a little more about our company, our products, and why you should invest in a home security system in Tampa, FL, you may be excited to learn more or sign up for ADT monitoring services. We make it as easy as possible so you can get the protection you need in as little time as possible. Here's a quick snapshot of our working process:

 ADT Security Systems Tampa, FL

Get Your Quote Today!

Whether your home security system is underperforming, outdated, or non-existent, Prime Protection is here to help. Our home alarm systems do more than make noise - they make your life easier and provide peace of mind, even when you're away.

If a worst-case scenario happens and your home is burglarized, you'll have the right protections in place to keep your family safe. Contact Prime Protection today and take the first step toward a safer, more enjoyable home life in Tampa.

 Home Security Company Tampa, FL

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WWE NXT House Show Results From Tampa, FL. 3/8/25

WWE held a non-televised WWE NXT live event on Friday, March 8, 2025 at the University Area Community Complex in Tampa, Florida.Featured below are complete quick-match results of the show courtesy of @marcusdj813, @Cory_Hays407, @SmileyMambo and ...

WWE held a non-televised WWE NXT live event on Friday, March 8, 2025 at the University Area Community Complex in Tampa, Florida.

Featured below are complete quick-match results of the show courtesy of @marcusdj813, @Cory_Hays407, @SmileyMambo and WrestlingBodyslam.com.

WWE NXT LIVE RESULTS (3/8/2025): TAMPA, FL.

* Main Event: Last Man Standing: Ethan Page defeats Je’Von Evans due to interference from the Mystery Faction* Zaria and Sol Ruca defeat Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin* Stevie Turner and Robert Stone host a Summit with the two NXT Women’s Champions. NXT Women’s NA Champion Stephanie Vaquer goes face-to-face with NXT Women’s Champion Giulia in a promo for WWE Roadblock, interrupted by Nikkita Lyons and Arianna Grace, who claim that they are owed an opportunity. Tag Team Match: Vaquer and Giulia defeat Lyons and Grace* Yoshiki Inamura defeats Charlie Dempsey* Niko Vance (with Brooks Jensen and NXT NA Champion Shawn Spears) defeats Channing (Stacks) Lorenzo* Trick Williams defeats Brooks Jensen (with Niko Vance and NXT NA Champion Shawn Spears). Post-match, Williams calls out Eddy Thorpe. Thorpe comes to the ring and the two brawl as security attempts to separate them* Gallus: Mark Coffey and Wolfgang (with Joe Coffey) defeat Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon* Gallus: Joe Coffey (with Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) defeats Bronco Nima. The Mystery Faction appears after the match, but leaves after a stare down with Gallus* Jaida Parker defeats Layla Diggs* Javier Bernal defeats Oro Mensah

#NXTTampa Who will triumph at #NXTRoadblock? pic.twitter.com/hiT3C54Kwp

— Jeff Reid (@JeffReidUP) March 9, 2025

???? @giulia0221g #NXTTampa pic.twitter.com/yRpe2AN0On

— will (@deadboiIife) March 9, 2025

Trick Williams promo talking about Eddy Thorpe and how he got whipped during Black History Month and he’s not going out like that. He calls out Eddy Thorpe and here we go! #NXTTampa pic.twitter.com/6eRQucV64C

— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) March 9, 2025

Zaria and Sol Ruca defeat Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin #NXTTampa pic.twitter.com/vr0K2063zc

— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) March 9, 2025

Do It With A Smile. ???????????? @OfficialEGO #NXTTampa pic.twitter.com/n6QfRHh0vP

— Mary-Kate Anthony (@marykayfabe) March 9, 2025

5 Florida road trips to take for spring break from Tampa Bay

Want to get away for spring break? One of the pros (and cons) about living in Florida is that the state is huge: You can drive for 6 hours from Tampa Bay and still not cross the state line. That makes it harder to leave, but easier to explore the cities that make up this wild peninsula. Here are some suggestions for trips worth the drive.Winter ParkA road trip to Orlando is a no-brainer. A quick (ha, ha) drive east on Interstate 4 and you’re in The City Beautiful. But Orlando is huge, and congested, and teeming with tou...

Want to get away for spring break? One of the pros (and cons) about living in Florida is that the state is huge: You can drive for 6 hours from Tampa Bay and still not cross the state line. That makes it harder to leave, but easier to explore the cities that make up this wild peninsula. Here are some suggestions for trips worth the drive.

Winter Park

A road trip to Orlando is a no-brainer. A quick (ha, ha) drive east on Interstate 4 and you’re in The City Beautiful. But Orlando is huge, and congested, and teeming with tourists. It’s best to focus your trip on just one part of it: Winter Park. It’s a posh area home to some of Central Florida’s best restaurants (Fun fact: The esteemed Michelin Guide separates Winter Park from the rest of Orlando) and lots of family-friendly things to do.

Stay near Park Avenue (The Alfond Inn is nice, if you can swing it), where you can while away hours shopping and eating on the lovely main thoroughfare. When you’re tired of walking, hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour (scenicboattours.com), a charming 18-passenger ride that takes a leisurely course through lakes and canals and past stunning multimillion-dollar homes.

Need a break in the air conditioning? Head to the gorgeous Morse Museum, a large space home to the most comprehensive collection of works from Louis Comfort Tiffany. Admission is less than $10, and the colorful glass works are stunning. Grab brunch at the Briarpatch, a classic Park Avenue spot, and hit up The Ravenous Pig or Prato for dinner. If you’ve got kids in tow, head just down the street to the Orlando Science Center, a very cool hands-on museum that has something for tiny tots and teens.

St. Augustine

If you’ve never been to the nation’s oldest city, remedy that this year with a trip to the other Florida coast. St. Augustine is a tiny town steeped in history and tourists, and it’s best to just lean into all that. The first thing to do? Book a trip on one of the town’s ubiquitous trolleys, like the Old Town Trolley Tour, a breezy hop-on, hop-off tour with live narration.

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Stay on for every stop your first time through, then use it throughout your trip as a fun form of transportation. Splurge on a night at the historical Casa Monica Resort & Spa if you want to be in the thick of it. It’s located just steps away from Flagler College and the pedestrian-only St. George Street, one of the city’s most famous roads.

St. Augustine is also home to some really top-notch food and drink, if you know where to look. Head to St. Augustine Fish Camp for casual, family-friendly fare that’s heavy on seafood but satisfies other palates, too. At The Ice Plant, you can take a distillery tour, sip on playful cocktails and have a yummy lunch or dinner. Hit up the bohemian cafe Sunday on your way out of town, and grab brunch and a cookie for the road.

St. Augustine is more than 3 hours from Tampa Bay, so it’s a good idea to break up the trip with another stop. Navigate your brood to Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and all the fun college town things that come with that. Have lunch at Afternoon, a hip order-at-the-counter brunch spot with some seriously delicious food. Then head to The Lynx, a bookstore that author Lauren Groff opened last year to great fanfare. It’s a fun addition to Gainesville’s quirky scene.

Silver Springs

Located just east of Ocala, Silver Springs is one of the largest artesian springs ever discovered, and it’s a perfect spring break locale. Silver Springs State Park has grown to be quite the attraction, with everything from kayak rentals to boat rides to dining at the quaint Springside Cafe. The most iconic activity continues to be the Glass Bottom Boats, which allows visitors to see through to the water during 30-minute tours. You can also kayak the 5-mile Silver River. However you enjoy the springs, get ready for manatee sightings, which are abundant.

Don’t want to drive back the same day? Stay at a hotel in nearby Ocala for the night, and then head to the World Equestrian Center, a huge facility that opened in December 2020 in what’s colloquially known as the horse capital of the world. It’s actually the largest equestrian complex in the United States. Check out their calendar of events at worldequestriancenter.com/events to find out which competitions and shows are open to the public and how much they cost.

Lakeland

Back in 2019, I took a reporting trip to Lakeland to suss out its food scene and was really impressed with what I found: lots of homegrown restaurants producing high-quality fare. It’s only gotten better in the years since. Spend one day in this quaint city checking out The Joinery food hall and the adjacent Lake Mirror area. At The Joinery, you’ll find craft beer, cocktails, ice cream and several food vendors from big-name chefs. It opens at 11 a.m. every day.

After you eat, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Mirror, one of the many lakes dotting the downtown area. Stop to admire lovely Hollis Garden, or let the kids expel some energy on the Barnett Family Park playground. You must hit up Born & Bread Bakehouse for breakfast or lunch. One of the foodie pioneers in Lakeland, they’ve been dishing out exquisite pastries and bread for more than seven years. Other great spots for dining: Revival for awesome cocktails; Concord Coffee for good espresso and light breakfast; Nineteen61 for upscale Latin American fare.

Just outside of downtown is the new Bonnet Springs Park, one of the coolest outdoor play spaces in Central Florida. If you’ve got kids, it’s a must. Exploring all 168 acres can take up an entire day, from the state-of-the-art playgrounds for all ages to a nature center and butterfly house. There are botanical gardens, several walking paths and even a cafe with a rooftop garden and bar. Admission is free.

Consider one other stop on your way back to Tampa Bay: About 30 miles southeast of Lakeland is Bok Tower Gardens, home to a contemplative landscape garden with acres of ferns, palms, oaks, pines and flowering foliage, plus a wildlife population that includes 126 different species of birds. The centerpiece of the attraction is the Singing Tower, from which bells ring out. The tower’s carillon concerts are at 1 and 3 p.m. daily, with short selections played on the hour and half-hour.

Sarasota

We’re talking downtown Sarasota specifically, close to the core of the Tampa Bay area but just far enough that you probably don’t go as often as you should. It’s a beautiful enclave of Florida’s west coast home to art, fine dining and an opera house. If the weather is nice, plan to spend several hours at Selby Gardens, a sprawling botanical garden right downtown. Recent renovations have made it even more beautiful. Stop by The Green Orchid at the entrance for a bite to eat before or after your visit.

Speaking of food: Our must-trys downtown include Kojo for dinner, neighboring Bar Hana for a tiki drink, Sage (housed in an old newspaper building!) for a swanky night out and C’est La Vie for breakfast. Or branch out a bit and try Florence and the Spice Boys, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant in The Landings shopping plaza that’s perfect for lunch like a chicken shawarma bowl.

There are lots of ways to take in the performing arts in Sarasota, from seeing a grand opera at the Sarasota Opera to a smaller cabaret show at one of Florida Studio Theatre’s handful of performance spaces. Don’t miss The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, home to a rotating collection of fine art and also the iconic Circus Museum.

Seafood Fest, Plant Market, Ukraine Ballet: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something fun to do? Embracing Our Differences, chili cook-off and parade, St. Pete CommUNITY festival, Beer, Bourbon & BBQTiffany Razzano, Patch StaffFLORIDA — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There’s something for every interest - from seafood and barbecue festivals to craft beer events to live music.“The Sleeping Beauty” by the State Ballet Theatre of U...

Looking for something fun to do? Embracing Our Differences, chili cook-off and parade, St. Pete CommUNITY festival, Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff

FLORIDA — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There’s something for every interest - from seafood and barbecue festivals to craft beer events to live music.

“The Sleeping Beauty” by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents “The Sleeping Beauty” Friday, 7 p.m., at the Mahaffey Theatre.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

This two-day event at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park features more than 60 beers, more than 40 bourbons and lots of barbecue on Friday and Saturday.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Largo Seafood & Music Festival

This family- and pet-friendly seafood and music festival takes place Friday through Sunday at Largo Central Park.

Pow Wow Festival

The city of Seminole celebrates 56 years of its annual Pow Wow Festival, which runs through Sunday. The weekend includes a carnival midway, live music and entertainment, fireworks, and more.

Parrish Heritage Festival & Chili Cook-Off

This event kicks off Saturday with a parade from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by the chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Embracing Our Differences Community Celebration

Fifty billboard-sized works of artare paired with inspirational quotes in this display at St. Pete’s Poynter Park. A community celebration of the display takes place Saturday, noon to 3 p.m., and includes live music, food trucks and interactive activities.

Pasco Blues Festival

This music festival features a day of live blues acts, food and drinks on Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

St. Pete CommUNITY Festival

This festival takes place Saturday, 2 p.m., at Azalea Park in St. Pete and offers an array of activities, entertainment and food for all ages.

Safety Harbor Craft Beer Festival

More than 30 craft brewers will set up at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park Saturday, starting at 3 p.m.

Animal House Blues

This Saturday evening blues concert presented by On the Mark Productions and Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity in Odessa will raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Tropical Soiree Peace, Love & Plants Market

This Sarasota market takes place Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features yoga and a dance class, a live butterfly release, live music, a tropical tea party, and more.

33 Charged In Massive Tampa Bay Drug Bust

Prosecutors accused the large group of defendants of selling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in Tampa Bay. Patch StaffTAMPA BAY, FL — Thirty-three people are facing charges after a massive drug bust in the Tampa Bay area, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday.Uthemeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is leading the charge in the drug trafficking case.Prosecutors accused the large group of selling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in Tampa Bay. More than 66 ounces of ...

Prosecutors accused the large group of defendants of selling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in Tampa Bay.

Patch Staff

TAMPA BAY, FL — Thirty-three people are facing charges after a massive drug bust in the Tampa Bay area, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday.

Uthemeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is leading the charge in the drug trafficking case.

Prosecutors accused the large group of selling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in Tampa Bay. More than 66 ounces of fentanyl, at least 73 ounces of cocaine and eight ounces of methamphetamine were seized during the bust, prosecutors said.

Thirty people have been arrested thus far, but prosecutors said three people remain at large. Three of the accused were already incarcerated in prison, prosecutors said.

Of those who were charged, 15 of them are being charged on suspicion of fentanyl trafficking or conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, and 19 of them face cocaine trafficking or conspiracy to traffic cocaine charges, prosecutors said.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Other charges included trafficking or conspiracy to traffic in illegal substances and violation of the Racketeer and Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, prosecutors said.

“Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, enough fentanyl to kill 931,000 Floridians was taken off the streets,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who dares to sell this poison in Florida: the rule of law will prevail, and you will be found and brought to justice.”

Prosecutors say the following people have been charged:1. Edward James III, 31

2. Elias Rosario Negron, 60

3. Enid Torres Berrios, 60

4. Jose Alexie Santiago, 25

5. Sidney Mandrell Hall, 39

6. Jerald Jerome Martin, 44

7. Angel Garcia, 22

8. Eliezer Gonzalez Mena, 36

9. Pedro Martinez Flores, 63

10. Carlos Acevedo Varela, 47

11. Ruth Allyn, 63

12. Alfredo Delvalle Ravelo, 55

13. Fernando Cabrera, 69

14. Jamel Benitez Ayala, 45

15. Elsie Tejeda, 52

16. Michelle Velazquez, 49

17. Maria Jose Loaiza, 38

18. Osvaldo Colon, 48

19. Isai Eleazar Alarcon Trigueros, 35

20. Yolymar Ojeda Gomez, 31

21. Jorge Wilfredo Vargas Torres, 23

22. Vicky Garcia, 28

23. Manuel Fernandez Mata, 35

24. William Rivera Diaz, 38 (currently incarcerated at Falkenburg Road Jail on unrelated charges)

25. Elvis Fernandez, 45 (currently incarcerated in Florida State Prison on unrelated charges)

26. Fernando Elias Rosario Torres, 33 (currently incarcerated in Federal Prison Camp Pensacola)

27. Elias Xavier Rosario Torres, 27 (currently incarcerated at Graceville Correctional Facility)

28. Angel Jimenez Torres, 40 (Arrested at his residence by Drug Enforcement Administration Orlando)

29. Alejandro Alzate, 25 (Arrested by Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Motor Vehicle Services)

30. Erika Oquendo Morales, 48

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The horrendous norovirus is hitting Florida hard. How to protect yourself.

If your spouse, neighbor, coworker or child’s teacher has the stomach bug, beware. The highly contagious norovirus is rampant in South Florida.Norovirus has torn through the United States this winter, peaking early in some parts of the country but taking hold in South Florida over the last few weeks. It arrives with cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dizziness and fatigue, symptoms that set in about 12 to 48 hours after exposure to viral particles. On average, one person with norovirus will infect two to seven others.&ldq...

If your spouse, neighbor, coworker or child’s teacher has the stomach bug, beware. The highly contagious norovirus is rampant in South Florida.

Norovirus has torn through the United States this winter, peaking early in some parts of the country but taking hold in South Florida over the last few weeks. It arrives with cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dizziness and fatigue, symptoms that set in about 12 to 48 hours after exposure to viral particles. On average, one person with norovirus will infect two to seven others.

“It’s a tough illness to have to deal with,” said Dr. Maria Garcia, an emergency medicine physician at Baptist Health South Florida.

Garcia is seeing firsthand what Florida wastewater data over the most recent 21 days confirms: Norovirus concentration levels through the state are high. Federal surveillance data only shows reported outbreaks in Florida through the end of January. Florida, like most of the south, had higher levels than in previous years as of Jan. 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Among those who caught the virus is Leslie O’Shea, of Fort Lauderdale, who said she missed three days of work last week due to the symptoms. She even slept on the bathroom floor, feeling lightheaded and struggling to stand up.

“This was the sickest I have been in a long time,” she said.

Similar experiences fill social media posts, with photos of people in bed declaring “I wouldn’t wish norovirus on my worst enemy” and “This virus is straight from the pits of hell.”

Experts say the surge of cases is being driven by a new dominant strain of norovirus called GII.17[P17], which has displaced a strain that had been around for decades. Lower population immunity to this new strain could explain this year’s harsh wave of the virus.

This new strain, the CDC said, is linked to cruise-ship outbreaks in 2025.

Indeed, South Florida’s proximity to cruise ports may be exacerbating the spread. According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, nine voyages that have departed from or docked in Florida this year have resulted in outbreaks — seven were confirmed to be norovirus. Passengers exposed to norovirus often have overnight stays in Florida and travel through local airports.

So, what to do?

Medical experts want Floridians to know that hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus. You need to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.

Norovirus is also hard to kill on surfaces, where it can live for days to weeks. If someone in your household vomits in the bathroom, you need to clean every contaminated surface with a disinfectant (typically bleach). The virus also can spread through contaminated food.

“Hand washing is key after you use the bathroom and before you prepare food,” said Dr. Indulekha Gopal, medical director for infectious diseases at Broward Health North. “The main way it spreads is person to person and not washing your hands properly.”

Here’s what else you need to know, according to medical experts:

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Most people get better after a few days. But not everyone.

“If you are dizzy, weak and the vomiting is out of control, you may have to seek medical attention,” Gopal said. “Dehydration can be problematic for young children, the elderly and anyone who is immunocompromised.”

There is no antiviral treatment for norovirus, and while there isn’t currently a vaccine, drug manufacturer Moderna is working on one. Any norovirus vaccine would require an educated guess as to which strains would be likely to circulate in a given year, which is the same concept behind the annual flu vaccine.

Additionally, it is possible to get norovirus more than once in a season, Garcia added.

“If there are multiple strains around, you might have had the virus and created immunity to one strain and someone is around you with another strain and you get infected again,” she said. “That’s why washing your hands is so important.”

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