On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here’s a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Missing Diver’s Body Found In Waters Off Sarasota County Beach: Sheriff
Detectives are investigating the death of a diver whose body was pulled from the waters off a Sarasota County beach.
Find out what’s happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lala Owner Arrested On Child Porn Charges: St. Pete Police
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Substitute Teacher ‘Drunker Than Cooter Brown’ Arrested For DUI At School: Polk Sheriff
A substitute teacher was arrested for DUI in the parking lot of a school in Lake Alfred, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Arsenic Found In 28 Candy Products Tested By FL Health Officials
Woman Arrested After Illegal Gambling Investigation: Sarasota County Sheriff
A woman was arrested for running an illegal gambling operation in Venice after a months-long investigation, Sarasota County sheriff said.
First Responders Save Unresponsive 4-Year-Old Boy On I-275: Watch
Deputies and Tampa Fire Rescue saved the life of a 4-year-old boy who wasn’t breathing in a vehicle pulled over on I-275, FL troopers said.
Woman Killed In Fiery 3-Vehicle Crash On U.S. 301: FL Troopers
A 64-year-old NY woman died after the SUV she was a passenger in caught fire following a 3-vehicle crash on US 301, FL troopers said.
Missing Manatee Man Found Injured After Being Hit By SUV On I-75: Officials
An endangered man missing from Palmetto was hit by an SUV while crossing an I-75 exit ramp in the Sun City area, officials said.
1 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured In 3-Vehicle U.S. 19 Crash: FL Troopers
A Hudson man died after failing to stop for a red light on U.S. 19 and hitting an SUV in front of him, FL Highway Patrol said.
3 Measles Cases Confirmed In FL Since Jan. 1, State Report Says
Since the start of the new year, more than 400 measles cases have been reported in 14 states, including Florida, the CDC said.
Mayor Called FL Official’s Claims That St. Pete Overspent By $49M ‘Political Theater’
FL’s CFO Blaise Ingoglia, who oversees DOGE in the state, accused the city of St. Petersburg of wastefully spending $49 million.
U.S. House Rep. Vern Buchanan To Retire, Won’t Seek Reelection
U.S. House Rep. Vern Buchanan, who represents parts of Hillsborough, Sarasota and Manatee counties, will retire after 20 years in office.
St. Pete Mother Charged With Murder Of 4-Year-Old Son: Police
A mother was charged with murder for suffocating her 4-year-old son at their home, St. Petersburg police said.
Corrections Deputy Arrested For Punching Hospitalized Inmate: Pinellas Sheriff
A corrections deputy was arrested and fired after punching a hospitalized inmate, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.
Hillsborough Man Pleaded Guilty To Impersonating Federal Officer: U.S. DOJ
A man pretended to be a U.S. Army special agent while going door-to-door in a Hillsborough neighborhood, the U.S. DOJ said.
2 Dogs Rescued From Sulphur Springs House Fire: Tampa Fire Rescue
A family was displaced after a Sulphur Springs house fire, Tampa Fire Rescue said. Two dogs were rescued from the blaze.
Woman Who Threatened To ‘Beat Up’ Flight Attendant In FL Sentenced: U.S. DOJ
A woman will spend time in federal prison for threatening flight attendants on a 2024 flight from Tampa to Puerto Rico, the U.S. DOJ said.
Fire Destroys St. Pete Ceramics Studio, Owners Vow To Rebuild
After an early morning fire destroyed St. Pete Ceramics, the studio’s owners are looking to the future and plan to rebuild the space.
Snow Chances Along FL Gulf Coast Increase, Forecasters Say
A storm front is expected to bring record cold and a chance of snow flurries to much of Florida’s west coast this weekend, the NWS said.
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