Lyme Disease, Top Schools, Sweltering Heat

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:

Tampa Bay Area Schools Rank Among Florida's Best

As the clock winds down on summer 2017, Tampa Bay area parents and students can see how their individual school districts and schools stacked up against others across Florida on new rankings reports released by Niche.com. The website’s annual rankings take a dive into districts and the best public schools across the country and each state.

Hillsborough, Pinellas Lead Florida In Recycling

As the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation pushes toward a statewide recycling goal of 75 percent by the year 2020, counties in the Tampa Bay area are leading the charge. Hillsborough and Pinellas have already surpassed the state’s goal, tying in first place for countywide recycling at 82 percent, state records show.

70 Jobs: Preschool Teacher, Cook, Attorney

Tampa Bay area residents looking for work will find a number of employers are in the market for new hires. From healthcare and skilled trades to technology and beyond, openings are available in a variety of industries.

As Florida’s Lyme Disease Cases Rise, Researchers Offer Slick Solution

While most Floridians prefer the backyard pool or beach this time of year, some are still taking time out to explore the Sunshine State’s more rugged, woodsy areas. Those who do may find nearly invisible ticks just waiting to make meals of out them. Lyme disease, one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, is on the rise — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there may be as many as 300,000 cases of the infection per year in the United States, though many of these could go undetected.

3 Stabbed Before Man With Gun Stops Robber: Deputies

Two good Samaritans suffered stab wounds on Sunday when they tried to come to a woman’s aid in a Publix parking lot in Seminole. That’s when Pinellas County deputies say a third good Samaritan with a gun stepped in and put an end to the struggle without firing a shot.

Amy Grant, Michael Smith Set Tampa Stop On Christmas Tour

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith are poised to help Tampa Bay area residents get into the holiday spirit later this year. The two have announced a Tampa stop on their joint Christmas tour that also features Jordan Smith from “The Voice” and a full symphony orchestra.

Sweltering Heat Dominates Tampa Bay Area Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors may want to dress for the heat, but keep umbrellas handy just in case as the workweek continues. According to the National Weather Service, the next few days are expected to be quite steamy.

Land O’ Lakes Sinkhole Claims 7th Home

As the full extent of the damage created by the Land O’ Lakes sinkhole becomes evident, Pasco County officials announced Monday that another home had been condemned. The most recent addition to the list brings the total number of homes deemed a total loss to seven.

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