Murders Up in Florida, Beach Advisories, Pollution Rules Change

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Florida Zika Cases Surpass 900

Florida’s total number of Zika virus cases climbed again Tuesday with the confirmation of several new cases. According to the Florida Department of Health, there are five new travel-related cases.

Florida Murders Up 6 Percent: FBI

Florida’s population climbed in 2015, and so did the state’s total number of violent crimes reported to the FBI. Year-over-year data shows the Sunshine State’s violent crime tally climbed from 91,345 cases in 2014 to 93,626 in 2015. The increase represents a 2.5 percent spike.

Last Day for Tampa’s Spaghetti Warehouse Coming Soon

Tampa Bay area residents who love the Spaghetti Warehouse better hurry if they want to enjoy a heaping plate of pasta before it’s gone. The company that owns the iconic eatery that has served the area for more than 30 years has announced its last day is coming soon.

Trump Florida Law Enforcement Coalition Chair Faces Assault Charge

A former cop and pilot once tasked with flying GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence around the country is under fire after two separate legal matters emerged. Vincent Caldara also served as the chair of Donald Trump’s Florida Law Enforcement Coalition.

Advisories Active for 2 Hillsborough County Beaches

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors may want to think twice before diving into the waters at two Hillsborough County beaches. The Hillsborough County Health Department issued an advisory for Ben T. Davis Beach Tuesday as a warning remained in effect for E.G. Simmons Park.

Cocaine Blamed in Dave McKay’s Death

The mystery of radio personality Dave McKay’s Aug. 4 death has been revealed by an autopsy report released this week by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Man Created 3 Facebook Accounts to Cyberstalk Estranged Wife: Sheriff

A 31-year-old Port Richey man faces cyberstalking charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say he established three Facebook accounts to “belittle and harass” his estranged wife.

Watch: Donald Trump’s Rally in Melbourne, Florida

Fresh off his first-ever presidential debate, Republic Donald Trump took the stage in Melbourne. Trump, who is running neck-and-neck in the polls with Democrat Hillary Clinton, aims to put some distance between himself and the challenger as Nov. 8 draws near.

Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Droppings, Roaches, Dirty Conditions

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at four area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety.

Polluters Now Have 24 Hours to Tell Public: Gov. Rick Scott

Waiting any longer than 24 hours to notify the public about pollution events, such as Pinellas County’s Hurricane Hermine-prompted sewage spill into Tampa Bay, is too long. That’s according to Gov. Rick Scott, who issued an emergency rule Monday that demands notification within 24 hours “by all responsible parties following a pollution incident.”

Image via Shutterstock