Florida's Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From a potential burn ban in Hillsborough County to an infant left in a 123-degree car, check out the stories Florida Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of April 24.

Burn Ban Set In Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has joined others across Florida in enacting a ban on outdoor burning as dry conditions continue to spark wildfires across the region and state. The county announced Thursday afternoon its Emergency Policy Group issued an executive order to ban outdoor burning until May 4 at least.

Gov. Rick Scott Calls Racial Slur 'Disgusting'

Florida Gov. Rick Scott called the racially charged slur by a Miami state senator "disgusting" on Thursday but stopped short of calling for Frank Artiles to be expelled from the Florida Senate. State officials are reportedly conducting an investigation to determine if any Senate rules were broken. A number of protesters chanted and taped placards outside Artiles' Miami area office on April 27, calling for Artiles' resignation.

Bloomingdale Teen Has Florida’s ‘Freshest’ Recipe

Bloomingdale High School’s Gianna Rivera has the freshest recipe in the state. At least that’s the ruling of the judges who oversaw the 2017 Fresh From Florida Student Chef Cook-Off. Rivera recently joined four other regional finalists from across the state for the last leg of the competition, which is sponsored annually by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Rivera’s creation, Citrus Chicken Taco with Watermelon Salsa, wowed the judges, the state noted in an announcement.

Arrest Made In New Port Richey Stabbing

A 23-year-old Port Richey man faces aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charges after Pasco County deputies say he repeatedly stabbed a friend early Tuesday morning. The incident that led to Nickolas Ryan Barrington’s arrest unfolded around 2:30 a.m. April 25. Deputies say Barrington was at a home in the 6000 block of Westside Drive in New Port Richey hanging out with friends.

Baby Left In 123-Degree Car Seat As Mom Paid Fine

An off-duty Plant City Police officer is getting the credit for saving a baby girl from a sweltering hot car on Friday. The baby was allegedly left in the vehicle parked outside the Twiggs Street Hillsborough County Courthouse so her mother could run inside to pay a fine. According to the Tampa Police Department, the incident began to unfold just after noon on April 21.

Photo credit: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services