Strawberry Festival, Inmate Attack, Cold Front

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:

Fog, Marine Warnings Go Up Ahead Of Cold Front

A cold front expected to drop temperatures back down into the 70s throughout the Tampa Bay area this weekend is on the way, but it may bring the potential for hazardous boating conditions along with it, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service.

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.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio Booted From Tampa Office

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s constituents in the Tampa Bay area will soon find themselves driving more to conduct face-to-face business with the Republican and his staff. Following a steady stream of protests outside his Tampa office building, Rubio’s been asked to pack up operations by Friday.

‘Traditional Masterpiece’ Capitalizes On Lakefront Views

Folks in the market for a house in the Tampa Bay area that boasts plenty of space and waterfront views may find this Lakeland spread to their liking. With more than 7,000 square feet of living space and views that overlook Scott Lake, this home lists for an asking price of $1.35 million.

Student Was Piloting Plane That Crashed: St. Pete Police

A student pilot was behind the controls of a plane that crashed at Albert Whitted Airport Wednesday. According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, the man was not injured but some damage was reported.

Spring Break 2017: Tampa Bay Area School Closing Dates

Tampa Bay area school kids suffering from early spring fever can rest assured a break is on the horizon. The dates kids will have off, however, do vary from county to county.

Bail Set For Orlando Shooter’s Wife, Noor Salman

A California federal judge’s Wednesday decision to release Noor Salman on $500,000 bond earned immediate reaction from Orlando Police Chief John Mina. Salman, 31, is accused of aiding and abetting her husband, Omar Mateen, in the deadly Pulse nightclub shooting that left 49 people dead and more than two dozen injured last June.

Watch: Inmate's Attack On Deputy Caught On Video

A Hillsborough County detention deputy is nursing a twisted ankle, cuts and other injuries after the sheriff’s office says an inmate at the Falkenburg Road Jail tried to strangle him on Tuesday.

Florida Strawberry Festival Opens Thursday

The sweet smell of strawberries – served up Southern style – is about to fill the air in eastern Hillsborough County for the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival