Death Penalty Ruling, Spaghetti Warehouse Liquidation, Rattlesnake Festival

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

Tampa Bay Weekend Weather: Mild with a Warning for Boaters, Beachgoers

Tampa Bay area residents with big weekend plans are likely to find the weather most cooperative if they’re landlubbers. Small craft operators, however, are being warned of the potential for hazardous conditions on the water in the days ahead. Beachgoers may also find red tide conditions in some coastal areas.

Fake Narcotics Cop Caught with Drugs, Sheriff’s Office Says

People trying to talk their way out of traffic tickets or other trouble with law enforcement is nothing new. Having someone falsely claim to work for the same agency as an investigating deputy to avoid hot water isn’t quite an everyday occurrence though.

Cuban Cigar, Rum Limits Lifted by U.S. Government

Tampa Bay area residents with plans to take advantage of new nonstop flights to Cuba that will open later this year can now bring back more cigars and rum for later enjoyment. The Obama Administration announced Friday that it is doing away with a $100 limit that had been in place.

Death Penalty Juries Must Be Unanimous: Florida Supreme Court

Months after the U.S. Supreme Court found Florida’s death penalty sentencing procedure unconstitutional, the Florida Supreme Court has weighed in with its own major change to the law. The state’s highest court says juries must now be unanimous when recommending death.

President Obama Coming to Florida to Stump for Hillary Clinton

Floridians who want a chance to see President Barack Obama in person before he leaves office will get their chance next week. The Hillary Clinton campaign has announced Obama will be in the Sunshine State to stump for votes on behalf of his former secretary of state.

Spaghetti Warehouse Items On the Auction Block

Tampa’s Spaghetti Warehouse location is no more, but that doesn’t mean loyal patrons can’t bring some of their memories home. The eatery’s furniture, restaurant equipment and even décor are now being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival 2016 Slithers into Town This Weekend

Tampa Bay area residents looking for small-town fun this weekend may want to set a course north to Pasco County’s San Antonio. The community is celebrating its annual Rattlesnake Festival’s 50th anniversary with two days of fun on tap.

Red Tide Continues to Cause Problems in Sarasota, Pinellas and Manatee Counties

Tampa Bay area residents with big beach plans for the weekend may want to check on the condition of local waters before diving in. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that red tide is continuing to cause problems from Pinellas County south into Collier County.

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