Cop Attacked, Medical Marijuana Scam, Wildfires

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:

Cowboy Killed In Self-Defense During Ranch Shootout: Deputies

The bullet that killed Milton Lamar Varn during a Saturday shootout on a Plant City ranch was fired in self-defense by the 62-year-old man’s ex-wife, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Toothache Drove Man To Leave Kids Home Alone: Sheriff

A 36-year-old New Port Richey man who went to the hospital Tuesday morning to get a toothache checked out found himself behind bars instead. The man is accused of leaving two small children home alone in the early morning hours so he could seek medical care.

Florida Medical Marijuana Scams Prompt Warning

A new scam cropping up in the Sunshine State is meant to part those in need of medical marijuana from their money. Reports of its existence have prompted a plea for caution from the Florida Department of Health.

Florida Wildfire Damage Up Significantly Over Last Year

As Florida remains under a wildfire-related state of emergency, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reporting a significant uptick in acres burned over last year's Jan. 1 through April figures. With nearly 80,000 acres of land within the state's fire jurisdiction burned so far in 2017, Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Wednesday the current number represents more than a fourfold spike over damage reported during the first few months of 2016.

School Bus Driver Arrested On Battery Charge

A 71-year-old Sarasota County Schools bus driver faces battery charges after authorities say he repeatedly toyed with a 13-year-old girl’s hair without her consent. The man is also accused of touching the girl’s neck.

Boating Enthusiasts Will Love This St. Pete Home

Folks who love the great outdoors might be hard-pressed to look beyond this St. Petersburg home’s backyard. After all, with an outdoor kitchen, salt water pool, putting green and deep-water dock, the home capitalizes on everything that makes Florida waterfront living so great.

Tampa Cop Under Attack Helped By 2 Witnesses

Two witnesses to a violent struggle between a Tampa Police officer and a burglary suspect Wednesday afternoon are being called out as heroes for diving in to help bring an 18-year-old man into custody.

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