34 Sharks, Thin Blue Line, Water Shortage

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:

Researchers Tag 34 Sharks Off Florida’s Gulf Coast

Thirty-four sharks kicking around off Florida’s Gulf Coast are now contributing to science as they swim through their days thanks to a recent research cruise intended to advance understanding of the apex predators’ populations.

Pinellas Bayway Bridge Replacement Open House Set

Residents who want to learn more about an upcoming $53 million project to replace the Pinellas Bayway Bridge will get their chance Thursday. The Florida Department of Transportation has announced an open house to discuss the project with residents.

Anti-Death Penalty Prosecutor Can’t Have Cases Back: Florida Supreme Court

Lake County State Attorney Brad King will continue to ride herd over first-degree murder cases out of Orange and Osceola counties as a battle over the death penalty plays out in court. The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday denied Aramis Ayala’s request to get her cases back temporarily following Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to pull them over a death penalty dispute.

Thin Blue Line Act Moves Toward Key Vote

A bill that would make it easier for prosecutors to seek the death penalty for convicted cop killers and those who attempt to take law enforcement officers’ lives goes up for a key panel vote in the U.S. House on Thursday. Members of the House’s Judiciary Committee are expected to take up the Thin Blue Line Act at 10 a.m.

Free Fishing Trip Set For Florida Wounded Veterans

Tampa Bay area Purple Heart recipients and veterans with service-connected disabilities are invited to sign up for an upcoming fishing trip free of charge courtesy of Operation Outdoor Freedom.

Tighter Water Restrictions Could Be Coming To Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay area residents and others in the 16-county district covered by the Southwest Florida Water Management District have been put on notice: tighter water restrictions could be coming.

Wild Search For Accused Stalker Nets 4 Arrests

A search for a 28-year-old New Port Richey man wanted on aggravated stalking charges took a few unusual turns Tuesday. Pasco County authorities say the man fled capture, tried to hit a deputy’s cruiser with a SUV and then inadvertently led them to a few other people accused of breaking the law. One of the three men arrested as a result of the initial manhunt is accused of threatening to shoot down the sheriff’s office helicopter involved in the search.

Fire Weather Risk High As Dry Conditions Linger: Forecasters

As thousands of acres across Florida continued to burn due to active wildfires Wednesday morning, forecasters at the National Weather Service issued a warning that lingering dry conditions could spark more blazes. Fire weather, the agency reported, is likely to remain a big concern across west central and southwest Florida through the workweek.

A bull shark is brought aboard the R/V Bellows, the Florida Institute of Oceanography ship used for the week-long research cruise. Credit Eckerd College/Dr. William Szelistowski.