Counterterrorism, Missed Vote, Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting

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, 14, Tried To Suffocate Infant: Pasco Deputies

A 14-year-old Port Richey boy faces attempted first-degree murder and child abuse charges related to a December incident involving a 4-month-old baby.

Charlie Crist Apologizes For Missing Vote On Israel

When the U.S. House voted 342-80 Thursday night to denounce last month’s United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned Israel’s settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, one of the resolution’s co-sponsors wasn’t on the House floor. St. Petersburg’s Charlie Crist failed to make it in time for the vote.

$5.8 Million Counterterrorism Spend Requested By Gov. Scott

Gov. Rick Scott is pitching a $5.8 million budget request to hire 46 new counterterrorism agents to work at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If the measure is approved, each of the agency’s seven regions will have its own counterterrorism squad meant to prevent attacks, such as the one that occurred at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub over the summer.

Tilikum, 'Blackfish' Orca, Dies After Lengthy Illness

Tilikum, the SeaWorld Orlando orca involved in the 2010 death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, has died. Park officials made the announcement about the killer whale featured in "Blackfish" via the park’s website Friday morning.

Man Punched Cabbie, Refused To Pay: Deputies

A 24-year-old Land O’ Lakes man faces criminal charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say he called for a taxi on Fowler Avenue in Tampa, accepted a ride to Foggy Ridge Parkway in Lutz and then refused to pay the driver. Not only is the man accused of stiffing the cabbie, deputies say he punched the man for his troubles, as well.

‘Significant Weather' Expected In Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay area residents may want to pull out their jackets and batten down the hatches as the weekend arrives. According to the National Weather Service, a strong cold front’s arrival in the region is expected to bring thunderstorms and much cooler temperatures to the region.

5 Dead, 8 Injured In Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting

A gunman opened fire Friday afternoon at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, killing five people, wounding at least eight others and sending scores scrambling in terminals and evacuating to tarmacs. He was taken into custody unharmed, police said.

2017 College Football National Championship: Kickoff Time, Parking, Tailgate, Security Info

As the date for the Alabama and Clemson faceoff in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium nears, the folks at the Tampa Sport Authority are trying to get the word out about parking, entertainment and other details fans need to know.

Road Rage Possible In North Port Intersection Shooting

he Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Friday morning shooting that occurred in the intersection of U.S. 41 and River Road in North Port. According to the agency, deputies were notified of a shooting in the northbound left-turn lane of River Road around 7:14 a.m. Jan. 6. When they arrived, they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound.

Photo of cheetahs getting ready for the 2017 College Football National Championship courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park won’t say whether the cats are rooting for Alabama or Clemson.