Daring Water Rescue, Disney Settlement, Prosecutor Pulled

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 week:

Walt Disney Settles Florida Wage Dispute For $3.8 Million

Walt Disney Co. has agreed to pay out $3.8 million in back wages to employees of two of its Florida holdings to bring the company in compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Watch: Orphaned Otter Kit On The Mend In Clearwater

An orphaned 6-week-old otter kit found by a family in New Port Richey is on the mend at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Finnegan, as he’s been named, was spotted not moving on the ground on March 8 by a family out walking their dog.

Marlins Pitcher Was Piloting Boat Before Crash

Florida investigators have determined that Marlins ace José Fernández was captaining the 32-foot Sea Vee when it crashed into a South Beach jetty at a high rate of speed on Sept. 25, 2016, killing himself and two others on board.

JCPenney Announces Florida Store Closings

Tampa Bay area residents concerned JCPenney might close local stores as part of the company’s restructuring can breathe a sigh of relief. The major retailer has announced the 138 stores slated for closing later this year with none in the region on the list. Even so, two locations in Florida, along with the Lakeland distribution center, will shutter in the coming months.

Prosecutor Pulled In Accused Cop Killer Case

Gov. Rick Scott has pulled Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd first-degree murder case. Ayala announced on Thursday she would not seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. The announcement sparked immediate and harsh criticism, including Scott's demand she recuse herself.

Man, 25, Sent Teen Nude Photos: Police

The Tarpon Springs Police Department has announced the arrest of a 25-year-old Palm Harbor man following an 8-month investigation into possible online sex crimes.

Alabama’s ‘Southern Drawl’ Tour Coming To Tampa

Tampa Bay area country music lovers with a passion for classic tunes may want to put a date down on their calendars. May 28 is the day Alabama plans to bring its “Southern Drawl Tour” to town with The Charlie Daniels Band in tow.

Watch: 2 Jet Skiers Saved From Clash With Cruise Ship

Two spring breakers out jet skiing in the Port Canaveral area on Saturday found themselves in danger when their path crossed with an oncoming cruise ship. A quick-acting Brevard County Sheriff’s deputy and a port captain are getting the credit for averting the potential disaster.

Photo courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium