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.
St. Pete Police Officer Battered His Wife While On Parental Leave: Officials
Find out what’s happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dead Dogs, Cats, Birds Found At Home Of FL Animal Rescue Owner: Sheriff
A self-proclaimed animal rescue owner faces multiple charges after animals were found dead and neglected at her home, officials said.
Find out what’s happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
16-Year-Old Downloaded Child Porn, Bestiality Videos From Dark Web: Hillsborough Sheriff
A Valrico teen is accused of downloading child porn and bestiality files from the dark web, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
Elite Sports Academy Fined $1.72M For Accepting Students With Mexican Drug Cartel Ties
Venice Man Arrested For Murder Of Missing Bradenton Woman: Police
Driver Clocked At 129 MPH On U.S. 19 While Returning To Work From Lunch Break: Police
An 18-year-old man returning late to work after his lunch break was arrested for going 129 mph on U.S. 19, Clearwater police said.
Jaguar Slammed Into Back Of FL School Bus, Became Wedged Underneath It: Watch
A witness filmed a Jaguar slamming into the back of a FL school bus and becoming wedged underneath it after failing to slow down.
New Witnesses Lead To Arrest In 1999 Cold-Case Murder: Sarasota Sheriff
After 26 years, an arrest was made in a 1999 cold-case murder in Sarasota, the sheriff’s office said.
Attempted Homicide Charge Filed Against Juvenile In Stabbing: Sheriff
A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed by a juvenile in Zephyrhills, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office said.
A Polk County teacher was arrested for burning debris in his yard and cursing a 5-acre brush fire despite a burn ban, the sheriff said.
ZooTampa Mourning Death Of Beloved Florida Panther
Her image appeared on a NYC skyscraper and a U.S. postage stamp, symbolizing the importance of wildlife conservation, the zoo said.
FL Pizzeria Plans To Add Iguana Pizza To The Menu
A FL pizzeria made headlines after a video on social media showed its staff making a pizza with meat from cold-stunned pizzas.
Clearwater Woman Charged In Hit-And-Run Death Of Pedestrian
Elbert Gilbert, 60, was fatally hit by a car while in a crosswalk in Clearwater, police said.
FL Measles Outbreak Is Largest Among U.S. Colleges In Recent History: Reports
Measles cases have spiked across the U.S. and FL since the start of the year as FL officials push to get rid of some mandatory vaccinations.
Man Hit, Killed By Tractor-Trailer While Standing On Side Of I-75: FL Troopers
A Sarasota man was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer truck while standing outside his vehicle parked on the shoulder of I-75, FHP said.
Speeding Motorcyclist Killed In Clearwater Crash: FL Troopers
A speeding motorcyclist died after hitting an SUV while trying to pass it in Clearwater, FL troopers said.
2 Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting: St. Pete Police
Two people were charged with attempted murder in the shooting of an 18-year-old outside a St. Pete apartment complex, police said.
4 FL Beaches Among Top 10 In U.S., New Ranking Says
Four FL beaches were among the top 10 in the U.S. according to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches ranking.
Arrest Made In Deadly Shooting At Tampa Cookout: Police
A man was charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of another man during a cookout at a Tampa home, police said.
Tesla Driver Arrested In Fatal Pasco County Hit-and-Run: FL Troopers
A Tampa bicyclist died after being hit by a Tesla driver who left the crash site in Pasco County, FL troopers said.
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