‘Creepy Clown’ Arrest, Zika Virus, Hurricane Matthew

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Alleged ‘Creepy Clown’ Threat Results in Boy’s Felony Arrest

An online threat levied against students at Seven Springs Middle School has resulted in the arrest of a 12-year-old boy on second-degree felony charges.

Florida Zika Cases Edge Closer to 1,000; 2 New Tampa Bay Infections Confirmed

The total number of confirmed Zika virus cases in Florida rose to 980 on Tuesday with the confirmation of six new travel-related cases and six new non-travel related cases. The Tampa Bay area’s tally rose by two Oct. 4, as well.

Scream-A-Geddon Scarier Than the 2016 Election?

Tampa Bay area motorists who travel Interstate 275 northbound may have noticed two familiar faces staring down at them. Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton get top billing on side-by-side billboards that proclaim Pasco County’s Scream-A-Geddon is scarier than either presidential candidate.

Florida National Guard Activating Ahead of Hurricane Matthew, Gov. Scott Says

As Hurricane Matthew continues a trek through the Caribbean Sea as a powerful Category 4 storm, Gov. Rick Scott has activated 200 members of the Florida National Guard with 6,000 more standing by for deployment if they’re needed. On its current projected path, Matthew could impact the Sunshine State at some point on Thursday.

Christmas Town Returning to Busch Gardens with Rudolph, Bumble

Tampa Bay area residents who might be hoping it would look a little more like Christmas don’t have much longer to wait. Busch Gardens has announced the return of Christmas Town this November.

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular Coming to Tampa

Tampa Bay area residents who want to see a holiday performance that’s complete with acrobatics, daring feats and a full symphony orchestra will get their chance soon. Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is coming to Amalie Arena in early December with tickets set to go on sale this Friday.

Hurricane Matthew 'Pounding' Cuba With Florida Still In Its Path

Hurricane Matthew was "pounding the eastern tip of Cuba" early Tuesday evening, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.

Lake Park Reopening Date Set After Sinkhole Prompted Closing

Tampa Bay area residents who have been missing the outdoor fun at Lake Park have some good news on the horizon. Hillsborough County announced the park will reopen to the public on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay