ATM Hauled Away, Vet Arrested, Gentleman’s Retreat

Patch operates 24 news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Florida Veterinarian Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

A veterinarian from Lakeland and her husband face criminal charges after Polk County Sheriff’s deputies say they found 28 miniature horses, two full-sized horses, eight dogs and other animals at their home in poor condition. Gail Anne Nichols, 66, and her husband, Paul Craig Smith, 74, were brought into custody on Tuesday.

‘Gentleman’s Retreat' Replaces Man Cave In Bayway Isles Estate

Guys who have been dreaming of having their own man caves, but find typical designs too lowbrow may want to check out a new listing on the St. Petersburg market. A 6,500-square-foot mansion up for grabs for just under $5 million boasts its own “gentleman’s retreat” with a “deluxe wet bar.”

Hooter’s Manager Helps Take Down 'Violent' Suspect (Video)

A Brandon Hooter’s manager is receiving thanks after stepping in to help two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies as they struggled with a man accused of creating a ruckus in the restaurant.

2017: Deadly Year For Florida Law Enforcement

As the Kissimmee Police Department prepares to pay final respects to two of its officers slain in the line of duty last week, the total number of law enforcement deaths in Florida has climbed to levels not witnessed since 2011.

Watch: African Penguins Meet For 1st Time

Valentine’s Day may still be months away, but that’s not stopping the folks at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and The Florida Aquarium from doing a little matchmaking. Officials are hoping that “Rocky” and “Thumbelina,” a pair of critically endangered African penguins, will hit it off.

National Parks Lifetime Senior Passes: How Floridians Can Score Them Before Prices Jump

Florida seniors are joining hundreds of others across the country in the rush to get their hands on a National Parks Service Senior Pass before prices jump at the end of August. A dramatic increase – from $10 to $80 – was passed by Congress in December.

No Free Soda For Food Stamp Users, State Rep. Says

Floridians who receive food stamps will no longer be allowed to purchase soft drinks with their benefits if a state lawmaker gets his way. State Rep. Ralph Massullo filed a bill to ban the use of food stamps for the purchase of carbonated beverages last week.

McDonald’s ATM Hauled Off By 3 Masked Men

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is on the hunt for three men accused of forcing their way into a McDonald’s Wednesday morning and then helping themselves to the store’s ATM.

‘Visiting Angel’ Was Anything But: Deputies

When Christine Martinez, 31, stopped by a former patient’s Holiday home on Aug. 14, she allegedly told the woman she was there to “say hello.” The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says that wasn’t the only reason for the visit.

Screenshot courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo