Rescue Dogs, Missing Kids Found, Sanctuary County

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 week:

Lakeland Fire Dog Earns FEMA Credentials

Lakeland Fire Rescue officially has a new four-legged member on its Urban Search and Rescue Team. Phinnegan has joined fellow canine partner Cabela in earning coveted certification from FEMA.

Missing Brandon Girl Found In Pasco County

Jenna Irmler, an 11-year-old girl from the Brandon area, has been found alive and in good condition more than 24 hours after she was reported missing. The child was found in Pasco County Thursday morning, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee.

Intruder Shot By St. Pete Woman

The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating an early Thursday morning shooting that left a middle-aged man injured.

Missing Trinity Girl, Mother Found

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday afternoon that Hailey Mae Puyana had been found safe. The 9-year-old's mother Kristen Hooper had also been located.

White Rhinos Get Some Valentine’s Love

White rhinos need a little love, too. At least that seemed to be the case at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo on Tuesday. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, zoo staff members set up a “kissing booth” for the critters.

Credit Card Skimmer Found At Tampa Credit Union

The Tampa Police Department is asking for help identifying a man its detectives say placed a credit card skimmer on a bank’s ATM over the weekend.

3 Tampa Bay Eateries Up For National Awards

One Tampa restaurateur and two chefs from the region have made the cut as semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation’s 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Described by many as the “Oscars” for the restaurants, the annual awards program singles out movers and shakers in the industry from across the country.

Seagull Rescued After PVC Pipe Beating

A seagull struck with a PVC pipe early Tuesday morning is under care at a local animal sanctuary while the man accused of harming the creature faces criminal charges.

Pinellas County Sanctuary Status Sought By Activists

A handful of activists gathered on the steps of St. Petersburg's City Hall Tuesday, hoping to convince City Council members to put a little pressure on Pinellas County to declare itself a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.

Dog Killed, Owner Arrested After 'Vicious' Attack

One pit bull-type dog was shot and killed and another seized by authorities after a Lakeland Electric employee was “viciously” attacked Monday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo