Eaglets Hatching Soon, Teacher Arrested, McDonald’s Loving Gator

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 or so:

McDonald’s Loving Gator Gets To Stay With Florida Woman

Christmas came early for Lakeland’s Mary Thorn and her alligator Rambo. After a lengthy back-and-forth with state wildlife officials, it’s been decided the McDonald’s eating, ATV-riding critter should remain in Thorn’s care.

Teacher Accused Of Molesting Disabled Student

A 68-year-old teacher at LaVoy Exceptional Center faces criminal charges after allegations came to light that he may have inappropriately touched a student while on school grounds.

Watch Live Stream: Florida Eaglets Set To Hatch For The Holidays

While children across the country are eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival later this week, Harriet and her new mate M15 are preparing for the arrival of a pair of eaglets. The two are set to become parents sometime between Christmas and New Year’s.

Woman Found Dead In St. Pete Alley Identified

As St. Petersburg Police continue their investigation into the death of a 22-year-old woman whose body was found in an alley Thursday morning, they’ve released more details in the case. According to the agency, Taylor Anne McAllister’s body was found around 7:45 a.m. by a man looking for aluminum cans in the 2100 block of 63rd Avenue South.

‘I’m Part Of ISIS’ Pasco Man Told Mom Before Wednesday Arrest: Sheriff

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force have found no formal ties between a 21-year-old New Port Richey man and terrorist organizations. Even so, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco says Sherif Elganainy is a "very dangerous person” and has proclaimed to his mother in the past that he is a “terrorist.”

Fatal Hit-And-Run In Gulfport Claims St. Pete Man’s Life

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Wednesday night hit-and-run crash in Gulfport that left a 41-year-old St. Petersburg man dead.

Pasco Deputy Fired After Domestic Battery Arrest

A 33-year-old Pasco County deputy faces criminal charges following a domestic dispute at his Land O’ Lakes home.

No Increase in Cubans Trying to Enter U.S. by Sea Since Castro's Death

The total number of Cubans attempting to enter the United States illegally from Cuba by sea has not shown any significant change since the death of former president Fidel Castro last month, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Photo by Desiree Deliz courtesy of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam