Dog Attack, Tampa Bay’s Best Schools, Hot Car Death

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:

Tampa Bay Area’s Top Elementary Schools Ranked

When it comes to standardized test scores, student-teacher ratios and other factors that help define quality in education, some schools simply perform better than others.

Shots Fired After Pit Bulls Attack, Kill Poodle

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a Monday morning incident that led to the deaths of two dogs and the serious injury of a third.

Jim Gaffigan Sets New Year’s Eve Tampa Stop

Folks who love Jim Gaffigan’s special brand of humor may want to jot down a few dates. The Grammy-nominated comedian has announced plans to spend New Year’s Eve at Amalie Arena helping Tampa Bay area fans laugh in 2018.

Best States Ranked: Where Does Florida Stand?

Massachusetts is the No. 1 state in the nation, according to a brand new ranking rolled out by U.S. News & World Report. The Sunshine State comes in at the middle of the pack, but it does earn high marks in a few key categories measured in the study.

Toddler’s Hot Car Death Under Investigation

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 2-year-old Brandon boy found unresponsive in a SUV left parked in the Oak Park Shopping Center for several hours Tuesday.

Release Of Pulse Shooter's Wife Blocked

Just one day after a federal magistrate agreed to set bond at $500,000 for Noor Salman, the wife of Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, federal prosecutors have obtained a stay on her release. Salman, 31, stands accused of helping Mateen find potential targets.

Watch: Adorable Otter Kit On The Road To Recovery

Clearwater Marine Aquarium might be best known for its work rescuing dolphins and sea turtles, but that doesn’t mean it won’t take in an occasional otter from time to time. In fact, rescuing otter babies, or kits at they’re called, is part of the organization’s mission.

Home Depot Hiring 1,350 Tampa Bay Area Workers

Tampa Bay area residents looking for work may want to check at their local Home Depot store. The national hardware retailer has announced plans to hire 80,000 workers across the country in time for spring, including an estimated 1,350 positions in the Tampa Bay area.

Photo courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium