Seawater Bacteria Death, NASA’s Asteroid Mission, Justice for Pinky

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

Seawater Bacteria Death Confirmed in Sarasota

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed the state's fifth death in 2016 due to Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. The most recent death involved a person in Sarasota County, according to the agency.

New Zika Virus Cases Confirmed in Pinellas, Polk Counties

The number of confirmed, travel-related Zika virus cases in the Tampa Bay area rose by three Wednesday. Florida Department of Health officials confirmed one new case in Pinellas County and two in Polk.

NASA Asteroid Recovery Mission Readying for Takeoff

NASA typically shoots for the stars on its out-of-the-world missions, but that won’t exactly be the case in September. When the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft takes off from Cape Canaveral, it will aim for the asteroid Bennu.

Man Arrested Hours After Jail Release, Deputies Say

A 22-year-old Tampa man accused of breaking into a Land O’ Lakes woman’s home Tuesday morning was released from jail only hours before. He even had the paperwork still on him to prove it.

Pinky the Flamingo’s Death Prompts Call for Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws

More than 87,000 people are demanding “Justice for Pinky the Flamingo” by asking Florida lawmakers to up the penalties for those convicted in animal cruelty cases.

Tampa Bay’s 10 Fastest-Growing Companies: 2016 Inc. 5000

Inc. magazine has rolled out its annual Inc. 5000 listing of the country’s fastest-growing companies. While no Tampa Bay area firms cracked the coveted Top 10, a number of local firms did earn high marks.

Pasco County Hiring 911 Call Takers

Tampa Bay area residents who work well under pressure and enjoy helping people may find a job opportunity in Pasco County of interest. The county’s emergency communications department is in need of 19 new 911 call takers.

Artist’s rendering of OSIRIS-REx at Bannu courtesy of NASA