Stolen Valor, Gasparilla 2017, Rain On The Way

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:

Gasparilla Parade Of Pirates: What To Know Before You Go

For more than a century, pirates have taken to the waterways and streets of Tampa during the winter to take over the city. Luckily for area residents, the once-a-year event is a part of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which includes the third largest parade in the United States, according to Visit Tampa Bay. More than 300,000 people are expected to take to the streets this Saturday to watch the flotilla and parade, and take part in other festivities.

Man Used Letgo App to Lure Robbery Victims: Police

An 18-year-old Lakeland man faces armed robbery charges after police say he pointed a gun at two people interested in buying a Chevrolet Impala he listed for sale on the letgo app.

Rain In Tampa Bay’s Weekend Forecast

As thousands of Tampa Bay area residents prepare to partake in the 101st Gasparilla pirate invasion, it appears as if Mother Nature might be keeping watch over the festivities. Forecasters at the National Weather Service anticipate a rainy weekend ahead, but it appears that the first drops won’t fall until after pirates storm the city of Tampa.

Man Accused Of Stealing Valor A ‘Disgrace,’ Sheriff Says

A Lakeland man is in hot water after a tip to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office uncovered his alleged attempts to solicit money by impersonating a military officer. Kyle Christopher Barwan’s arrest on a charge of stolen valor was announced by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Thursday.

Red Tide Woes Continue Along West Florida Coast

Fish kills and reports of respiratory irritation continued over the past week in waters off the west central Florida coast. A persistent and patchy red tide bloom that’s plagued the region for months is blamed for the troubles.

7 Pelicans Released Back Into The Wild

As local and state wildlife experts continue to investigate the mysterious deaths of pelicans in the Coffee Pot Bayou area, the city of St. Petersburg has announced the return of seven rehabilitated birds back into the wild.

Orphaned Manatee Calf On The Mend At Lowry Park Zoo (Video)

A manatee calf brought to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in dire health about three months ago is well on the road to recovery, officials say. The little critter was named “Emoji” in honor of the zoo’s petition to get a manatee emoji created by Unicode, the organization that oversees the colorful images in the online world.

Motorist Accused Of Plowing Into College Student Arrested

The Florida Highway Patrol has announced the arrest of a 22-year-old Lakeland man in connection with the death of Pasco-Hernando State College student Brooke Ashlee Gonzalez last April. According to the agency, Scott Thomas Yutzy Jr. was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide earlier this week.

Masked Robber Shot By Victim: Sheriff’s Office Releases Details

A 30-year-old man described as a transient by Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies faces several criminal charges after his alleged attempt to rob a Wesley Chapel store backfired Thursday morning.

Bonus: Check out this video showing the pirate invasion at Tampa City Hall earlier this week.

Photo and video courtesy of the City of Tampa’s Facebook page