Air Bag Recall, Thousands of Dead Fish, Lightning Score

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

Florida Gulf Coast Red Tide Concerns Prompt Call for Research Funding

As thousands of fish wash up on shores from Pinellas and Manatee counties to Sarasota south to Collier, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is calling on the federal government to help. The Republican, whose district includes Sarasota and Manatee counties, would like to see more money set aside for red tide research.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Thanks First Responders for Help After Fire

When an August electrical fire knocked out power and forced an evacuation of patients at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, more than 40 agencies, hospitals and individual volunteers from Pasco County and surrounding areas came together to help. That outpouring of support prompted HCA West Florida, the hospital’s parent company, to search for a way to extend its thanks.

Watch: President Barack Obama Rallies for Hillary Clinton in Miami Gardens, Florida

Democrat Hillary Clinton is pulled out the big guns Thursday in her bid to win the White House Nov. 8. President Barack Obama took the stage in Miami Gardens to campaign on his former secretary of state’s behalf.

Bradenton Man Accused of Hanging, Beating Puppy

A 39-year-old Bradenton man faces felony charges after police say he hung his 3-month-old puppy and punched her in the head.

Obamacare: President Chooses to ‘Ignore the Problems,’ U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis Says

President Barack Obama took the stage in Miami Gardens Thursday to campaign on behalf of Hillary Clinton. He also used the opportunity to defend his signature Affordable Healthcare Act.

Lightning Ranked No. 1 Franchise by ESPN

The Tampa Bay Lightning has been named the No. 1 professional sports franchise in this year’s ESPN Ultimate Standings. The Bolts beat out 121 other teams across all sports to earn the honor.

Pumpkin, Rock Tossing Lands Man Behind Bars

A 26-year-old man was just “playing around” when a rock tossed at the window of a New Port Richey home caused the glass to shatter. That first encounter with the cause-and-effect scenario, however, didn’t stop the man from throwing more rocks and a large pumpkin at more of the home’s windows, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said.

Potentially Deadly Honda, Acura Airbag Problem Has Florida Issuing Warning

Tampa Bay area residents who drive Honda and Acura vehicles impacted by a recent recall related to faulty airbag inflators are being asked to take their cars in for free repairs. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a call for action Thursday, along with Honda and Acura.

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