Prison Lockdown, Algae Bloom, Lightning Strikes

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Waterspout Spotted Near Clearwater Beach

A Friday afternoon waterspout that passed through the Intracoastal Waterway was visible from Clearwater Beach. Although the spout made a few jaws drop, no injuries or property damaged were reported.

Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims 2nd Life

The Florida Department of Health on Friday confirmed the second Vibrio vulnificus bacteria-related death in 2017. Fifteen other people have been sickened by the seawater bacteria in counties across the state since the year began.

Accused Bird Napper Behind Bars

A 42-year-old Holiday man faces burglary charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say he swiped a macaw from a New Port Richey home earlier this month.

Florida Leads U.S. In Lightning Fatalities (Video)

A Friday morning lightning strike in Clearwater that sent a 76-year-old man to the hospital stands as a reminder of how quickly Florida’s weather can take a hazardous turn. The state is once again leading the nation in the number of lightning-relating deaths.

Lightning Strikes Man On Clearwater Golf Course

A 76-year-old man was struck by lightning Friday morning while golfing at Clearwater Country Club.

Tampa Bay Area Weekend, Solar Eclipse Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors hoping for a day without strong chances for rain may see their wish materialize soon. Unfortunately, that day isn’t Monday when the region will experience a partial solar eclipse.

Mom, Daughter Prostitution, Massage Operation Shut Down: Cops

A call into Crime Stoppers about possible illegal activities occurring at a home on Sarasota’s Bay Street kicked off a month-long investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of a mother and her adult daughter.

Florida Prison Lockdown Has ‘Nothing To Do With Charlottesville’

Inmates in the care of the Florida Department of Corrections will spend the weekend observing a partial lockdown status. State officials say the decision to cancel weekend visitation and limit other activities was based on “credible intelligence.”

Old World Artistry Makes St. Pete Beach Estate Stun

House hunters in the market for waterfront properties that stand out as distinct might find this new listing in St. Pete Beach to their liking. Spanning more than 6,600 square feet, this five-bedroom home boasts artistic touches throughout, including eight custom-crafted chandeliers.

Algae Bloom Confirmed In Old Tampa Bay

The strong smell and discolored water Pinellas County residents reported to authorities was confirmed to be an algae bloom in Old Tampa Bay. Pinellas County Environmental Management confirmed the bloom in the north end of Tampa Bay. The algae bloom stretches from Safety Harbor to the south end of the Bayside Bridge near Feather Sound.

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