Scruffy Cops, Hospital Grades, Best Colleges for Vets

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

Cross Bay Ferry Up and Running

Folks who dread taking the bridges have a new way to travel between St. Petersburg and Tampa. The Cross Bay Ferry began running regular trips between the two towns Friday, Nov. 4.

Explosion Risk: Samsung Recalls 2.8 Million Washing Machines

Samsung Electronics America has issued a voluntary recall of an estimated 2.8 million top-loading washing machines after reports of 730 units exploding. Nine people were reportedly injured as a result.

Sea Turtle Nesting Not Quite Over

Sea turtle nesting season’s official end date has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the turtles care to pay attention to the calendar. That’s according to officials at Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory, who are warning folks that unhatched nests may still be found on some area beaches.

Ridgewood High Student’s Arrest Serves as Reminder, Superintendent Says

The Tuesday arrest of a 15-year-old Ridgewood High School student serves as a reminder that making violent threats can have serious consequences, Pasco County’s school superintendent says.

USF Named Best 4-Year College for Veterans by Military Times

The University of South Florida found its way to the top of the charts according to Military Times. USF was named the best four-year college for veterans in the magazine’s Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 rankings, which was released Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Florida Unemployment Rates Released: Improvements Marked Across the State

Unemployment rates were down in 224 metropolitan areas across the country in a year-over-year comparison of September data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday. Rates had climbed in 141 of the 387 areas covered by the report, but the news was mostly good for communities across the state of Florida.

Florida’s Wildfire Risk Rises as Dry Conditions Persist

With an estimated 33 wildfires burning across the state and conditions ripe for more, officials are warning residents to exercise caution when burning outdoors.

Florida Cops Quit Shaving For a Cause

Tampa Bay area residents who happen to spot cops on the beat with 5 o’clock shadows or bright pink or purple nail polish don’t need to be concerned. “Movember” has officially arrived and that means some law enforcement agencies across the region are relaxing their appearance requirements for good causes.

29 Tampa Bay Area Hospitals Graded on Patient Safety

Six Tampa Bay area hospitals received an "A" with new safety grades released Monday by the nonprofit Leapfrog Group. There were 29 hospitals in the region that were graded. Fourteen received either a "C" or a "D." There were no "F" grades in the area.

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