Mystery Boat, Lunch Money Bandit, Phony Guard

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 or so:

Lunch Money Bandit Busted, Cops Say

The Clearwater Police Department has announced the arrest of a 16-year-old boy in connection with a Monday morning robbery that left a 10-year-old without his lunch money. Unfortunately for the teen accused, police say they caught up with him while he was trying to break into a car Tuesday evening.

Marijuana: Florida Bill Seeks To Decriminalize Small Amounts

While it’s not quite the embracing of recreational marijuana use that other states have passed in recent years, some Florida lawmakers are pushing the state to decriminalize possession when only small amounts are involved.

Phony Security Guard Had Stockpile Of Police Gear, Cops Say

The discovery of a stockpile of police gear during an investigation into allegations that a man was illegally impersonating a security guard has St. Petersburg Police officers looking for more potential victims.

Tampa ‘Sandy Hook Truther’ Expected To Change Plea

The Florida woman accused of threatening the father of a Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victim is expected to plead guilty at a change-of-plea hearing, according to court documents cited by multiple media reports including the Sun-Sentinel.

Robber, 'Acting Crazy,' Threw Cash Into The Air: Cops

A 40-year-old Lakeland man with a long criminal history faces more charges after police say he went on an usual robbery spree Tuesday that ended with his hospitalization.

Half-Sunken Mystery Boat Creates Anclote River Concerns

As Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies work to unravel the mystery behind a half-sunken boat discovered near the Anclote River Park boat ramp on Tuesday night, they’re turning to the public for help in identifying its owner.

Man Beaten, Run Over In Church Parking Lot: Sheriff

A Tuesday morning attack in the parking lot of Palm Grove Mennonite Church in Sarasota has led to the arrest of two men on attempted murder charges.

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