False Killer Whale Deaths, Pelican Sickness, Little Daredevil

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:

Watch: Jurassic Gator Creates Stir At Florida Nature Preserve

Alligator sightings in Florida are about as common as sunny days. But getting up close and personal with a gator that looks more like a Steven Spielberg creation than an actual living being isn’t exactly ordinary.

Little Daredevil Rescued From Clearwater Chimney

An 8-year-old Clearwater girl with a nose for adventure found herself stuck in a tight spot Monday night, prompting the need for an unusual rescue. According to Clearwater Fire Rescue officials, Isabella Cooke managed to get herself trapped inside a chimney with no way to get out.

T-Shirt Weather On Tap For Tampa Bay’s Workweek

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors who might be hoping to see winter make a return are going to have to wait a bit longer to pull out their sweaters and jackets. According to the National Weather Service, the region is in for another balmy week with highs most days in the 80s.

Atlanta Braves Plan To Make North Port Spring Training Home

Atlanta Braves fans likely won’t have to drive to Orlando to watch their team in spring training action much longer. The organization announced Tuesday that North Port is its location of choice for creating a spring training center to move to after the team’s lease ends with Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

Accused Orlando Cop Killer: Captured

The Orlando Police Department has announced the arrest of the man accused of gunning down one of its officers last week. Markeith Loyd's capture was announced via Twitter Tuesday evening.

Pelican Deaths Under Investigation In St. Pete

After more than a dozen pelicans have turned up sick or dead in area waterways over the past few days, the city of St. Petersburg is trying to hunt down the cause. Officials are also asking people to steer clear of a few bodies of water as the investigation into the mystery illness continues.

82 False Killer Whales Die After Mass Stranding Off Florida Coast

What prompted 95 false killer whales to strand themselves off Monroe County’s coastline Saturday remains under investigation. Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory is working with other agencies to better understand the unusual occurrence that ultimately led to the deaths of 82 whales.

86 Jobs: Wildlife Specialist, Collections Manager, Preschool Teacher

In the market for a new job in the Tampa Bay area? There’s good news on the employment front! Employers throughout the region have put out help-wanted signs in recent days.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission