Tampon Tax, Nude Cruise, UFO Sightings

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:

Florida UFO Sightings Reported In 2016: Check Out The Full List

There were 23 UFO sightings reported across the Sunshine State in December 2016. More than 100 other sightings were reported in communities all across Florida throughout the past year, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

10-Day Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Pitched For Florida

If Gov. Rick Scott gets his way, Floridians will get more chances to save on sales taxes at checkout lines. In the $618 million tax cut package pitched by Scott Wednesday, he’s included four sales tax holidays, including a 10-day reprieve for back-to-school shoppers.

Cool It With Cuba, Gov. Rick Scott Tells Florida Ports

Relations between the United States government and Cuba warmed considerably during President Barack Obama’s time in the White House. That doesn’t mean, however, that the chill between the Sunshine State and its neighbor to the south ended.

Expansive Sarasota Country Club Estate Features Lake Views

Tampa Bay area house hunters in the market for a golf course property that includes lots of space and extras may find this estate in Sarasota’s Founders Club of interest. The near 7,000-square-foot home features its own pool, home theater and access to an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. course.

Sanctuary County Claim ‘Absurd,’ Pasco Sheriff Says

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco wants the folks behind a study that implicated his county and several others in the region as being sanctuaries for illegal immigrants to hop on a plane from Washington, D.C., to see for themselves that local law enforcement upholds the laws of the land.

Nude Cruise Sets Sail From Tampa Next Month

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors who’ve always wanted to cruise in their birthday suits will soon get their chance. Bare Necessities Tour & Travel is preparing for the departure of its Big Nude Boat 2017 cruise out of Port Tampa early next month.

Customer Shoots Armed Robbery Suspect

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Thursday morning shooting that left an armed robbery suspect injured.

Man Dies After Fleeing Deputy On Foot

A Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy’s attempt to save a man believed to be impaired from harm Wednesday night didn’t turn out as expected. According to the agency, the man fled the deputy’s custody, was struck by a Ford Escape and died Thursday morning from injuries he sustained in the crash.

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