Flag Desecration, Beach Restoration, ‘Suicide by Cop’

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

American Flag Desecration at Synagogue Under Investigation

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a troubling discovery made at Congregation Schaarai Zedek over the weekend. A desecrated American flag, with an anti-Semitic message scrawled on it, was found outside the synagogue’s walls Saturday afternoon.

36th Annual Lake Morton Swan Roundup Set for Tuesday

People aren’t the only creatures that need annual checkups. It seems swans, too, benefit from a yearly health exam. To make sure its flock on Lake Morton remains healthy and continues to thrive, the City of Lakeland’s Park Division plans to conduct its 36th annual swan roundup Oct. 18 at 7 a.m.

Junk Food Nixed in St. Pete Vending Machines

People who put their spare change into vending machines on property owned by the City of St. Petersburg may soon notice changes in the available options. The city has adopted a new policy approved by Mayor Rick Kriseman that requires healthier choices in vending machines by the end of 2017.

Watch Wednesday’s Presidential Debate at the Movies

Regal Cinema locations across the country plan to air the third and final presidential debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Regals in the Tampa Bay area are taking part in the free event.

Man Who Shot at George Zimmerman Gets 20 Years

The man convicted of trying to kill George Zimmerman will now face 20 years in prison. Matthew Apperson was found guilty last month on three charges related to the May 11, 2015, shooting in Lake Mary.

$1.3 Million Apollo Beach Nature Preserve Project Completed

Hillsborough County is ready to celebrate the completion of a $1.3 million beach restoration project in Apollo Beach. An official opening ceremony for the new beach at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is set for Saturday, Oct. 22.

Tampa Bay Workweek Weather: Cooler Temps in the Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents ready for daytime temperatures in the 70s may have their wishes materialize over the coming week. A cold front set to move into the area on Friday is expected to bring cooler conditions to the region.

Man Crashes into Trooper’s Cruiser, Gets Arrested

A 25-year-old Wesley Chapel man faces a long list of charges after the Florida Highway Patrol says he crashed into one of its cruisers early Sunday morning.

1 Dead in Holiday Standoff

A man is dead following deputy-involved shooting that began with a domestic dispute that turned violent. According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the man involved told his girlfriend he wanted "suicide by cop."

Photo courtesy of the City of Lakeland