Accidental Shooting, Flea Market Deal, Skimmer

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:

51 Loggerhead Hatchlings Released On Turtle Beach

Fifty-one loggerhead hatchlings are back in their natural environment after the folks at Mote Marine Laboratory swooped in over the weekend to make a save.

St. Pete Pier Groundbreaking Set

St. Petersburg residents and visitors eager to see a replacement for the pier put in place don’t have to wait too much longer for work to get under way. The city has announced plans for a groundbreaking next week.

USA Flea Market, Pasco County Reach Agreement

Pasco County has announced it has reached an agreement with the USA Flea Market following the discovery of hundreds of code violations earlier this month. While the deal calls for the demolition of most buildings on the Port Richey property, it does leave the door open for a possible reopening sometime down the road.

Bradenton Boy Shot, Killed

A Bradenton boy shot by his sibling Thursday afternoon has died from his injuries.

Dog’s Hot Car Death Leads To Arrest

A former employee of Manatee County Animal Services faces cruelty charges following the completion of an investigation into a dog’s May death.

Tampa To San Diego Nonstop Flights Set By Southwest

Flying to San Diego out of Tampa International Airport is about to become much more convenient for travelers. Southwest Airlines announced plans to launch a new nonstop route early next year. To sweeten the prospect for passengers, it’s also offering $99 one-way fares for a limited time.

Skimmer Found On St. Pete Gas Pump

he Thursday morning discovery of a skimmer on a gas pump in St. Petersburg has police urging folks to check their credit and debit card accounts for fraudulent charges.

McDonald’s Expands Delivery Service In Tampa Bay Area

More Tampa Bay area McDonald’s lovers can get their Big Mac and fry fixes without leaving the comfort of their own homes. The restaurant chain has announced a doubling of locations in the region that offer McDelivery service powered by UberEATS.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission