Hogtied And Beaten, Thin Blue Line, Gun Range Death

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:

Florida Fire Dog Advances In National Contest

Clearwater Fire & Rescue’s four-legged arson investigator has a nose for sniffing out trouble. He also seems to have a knack for winning over hearts and votes as evidenced by his recent advance into the American Humane Hero Dog Awards’ semifinal round.

Man ‘Hogtied,’ Beaten With Dog Chain: Cops

A 29-year-old man described as a transient faces criminal charges after Sarasota Police say he hogtied another man with a dog chain, beat him and threatened him with knifes to find out where his “homeboy” might be.

Woman Stabbed Boyfriend Above The Heart: Cops

An argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend took a violent turn Wednesday night when New Port Richey Police say the woman picked up a knife and stabbed the man above his heart.

Man, 19, Dead After Shooting Himself At Gun Range: Cops

The Pinellas Park Police Department has announced the death of a 19-year-old man who suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Shoot Straight shooting range on Ulmerton Road Wednesday night.

Man, 83, Joins Newsome High Class Of 2017

Marty Sullivan was young, adventurous and didn’t like school very much. Bound, set and determined to find something – anything – better to do, he and two buddies walked into a Marine recruiter’s office in Boston hoping to join up and see some action in Korea.

Backyard Oasis, Its Own App: St. Pete House Wows

If a high-tech home with its own backyard oasis is what you have in mind, this St. Petersburg property might fit the bill nicely. With its own “resort-style, outdoor lanai” that features a living room, fireplace, kitchen and saltwater pool, that latter should be covered. And, since it also comes with its own app to control lighting, audio and entertainment, it makes the grade in the "smart house" category, too.

Thin Blue Line Act Clears U.S. House

Prosecutors across the country may soon have an easier time seeking the death penalty for convicted cop killers in federal cases. The Thin Blue Line Act, sponsored by Florida’s U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, cleared the House on Thursday by a vote of 271 to 143. The bill must now make it through the Senate before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.

Man From School Rant Case Faces Child Porn Charges

A 31-year-old Sarasota man arrested on Monday after deputies say he strolled onto the Riverview High campus to rant about corruption in school government now faces three felony counts of possession of child pornography. Aaron Talley’s latest arrest was announced late Thursday afternoon.

Arrest Made In Hit-And-Run That Left 2 Kids Hurt

An arrest has been made in a Monday hit-and-run crash that left two children injured. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Christopher Try, 20, has been charged in the wreck involving a SUV that careened through a neighborhood, leaving a swath of damage in its wake.

Photo of Quincy and Pyro courtesy of Clearwater Fire & Rescue