Boy Takes A Knee, Free College, Man’s Body Found

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:

Boy, 6, Takes Knee During Pledge, Gets Told To Stand: Report

When a first-grade student at Wiregrass Elementary School decided to take a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance Monday morning, he inadvertently kicked off a controversy that now has Pasco County Schools officials reminding administrators, educators and parents of Florida laws on the subject.

Body Found In Water Near Gulfport Beachfront

The Gulfport Police Department is investigating the death of a man whose body was found early Wednesday morning.

Free College Tuition For Florida Kids Floated By Lawmaker

Florida families seeking ways to fund their children’s college educations may find the state picking up the tab if one lawmaker gets his way. Under a bill filed in the Florida House of Representatives earlier this week, students across the state could gain access to free tuition with a few caveats.

Culbreath Isles Home Is An Entertainer’s Dream

House hunters with a passion for entertaining may find this Culbreath Isles estate a dream come true. Located on a waterfront lot with deep canal access to the Bay, the home was designed inside and out to impress.

Attempted Rapist Caught In Act By Sergeant, Police Say

A St. Petersburg Police sergeant out on routine patrol is getting the credit for stopping an accused attempted rapist in the act Tuesday night.

After Irma: 16 State Parks Remain Closed Across Florida

Sixteen state parks remain closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, including Hillsborough River State Park and General James A. Van Fleet State Trail in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties. Nine of the closed state parks are in Monroe County, which includes the islands of the Florida Keys. During Irma, 167 parks across Florida were closed after the storm.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Horse Wins National Award

A former racehorse and 14-year veteran of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the 2017 Thoroughbred of the Year honor by the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight announced. Valor, a 23-year-old gelding, receives a $5,000 grant, which is being donated to the Sheriff’s Activities League of Sarasota County.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office