Teen Drivers, Manatee Sets World Record, $1 Million Win

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

Clearwater’s United Taxi Named Best in America

Clearwater’s United Taxi has been named the best in the business by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association. Owner Nick Cambas is expected to receive the national accolade early next month.

Snooty’s Guinness World Records Edition Now on Sale

Fans of Bradenton’s Snooty the manatee can now read all about the creature’s accomplishments in print. The South Florida Museum announced Friday the "Guinness World Records 2017" edition, featuring Snooty, is now on sale.

Clearwater Pitches in to Help Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is celebrating the release of its third sea turtle equipped with a satellite tag. Xeno, a sub-adult female loggerhead, was put back into waters off Clearwater Beach Thursday morning.

‘Strong Odor of Alcohol’ Involved in Jose Fernandez’s Boat Crash

The bodies of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and the two other young men recovered after the deadly boat crash in late September each had a "strong odor of alcohol emanating from them," according to a search record affidavit obtained by several media organizations, including Patch.

St. Pete Woman Wins $1 Million From Publishers Clearing House

A St. Petersburg woman is $1 million richer after Publishers Clearing House’s Prize Patrol paid her a recent visit.

Cross-Bay Ferry Arrives in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents who are tired of gridlocked bridge traffic will soon have a new way to travel between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The Cross-Bay Ferry is scheduled to begin shuttling passengers between the two cities on Nov. 4. Tickets for rides go on sale starting Nov. 1.

Teen Drivers’ Worst Habits Behind the Wheel in Florida

Teens in Florida are buckling up when they get in a car, but phones are in increasing worry over lax seat belt use, as more than one in three teen drivers in Florida reported texting while driving, according to a survey of the state's teens. More than one in five got into a car with a driver who had been drinking.

Beware: Water-Damaged Vehicles Could Be Flooding Florida's Resale Market

Tampa Bay area residents on the hunt for used vehicles are being warned that waterlogged models may be flooding the market as sellers look to make fast cash by rehabbing rides not quite fit for resale. The Better Business Bureau of West Florida has issued an alert about the potential pitfall used vehicle buyers may encounter.

Photo courtesy of the City of St. Petersburg