Best Beaches, Alleged Russian Hacker, Lakefront Views

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:

May 25, 2017

3 People Set Weedon Island Fire, Watched It Burn: Deputies

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced three arrests in connection with an April 15 fire that ripped through 6.1 acres of land on Googe Island within the Weedon Island Preserve.

‘Whiskey And Wheaties’ Bill Vetoed By Gov. Scott

Florida’s so-called “Liquor Wall” stands. Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have made it legal for some grocery and big box retailers to display and sell liquor from their grocery aisles.

Lakefront Views, Private Beach Make Tampa Estate Distinct

Property hunters who put a premium on privacy, but insist on luxury and convenience, might find this Tampa estate tough to pass by. Located on the banks of White Trout Lake, the expansive 13,000-square-foot home features distinct architectural touches in every room. It even has its own sitting area with a sunken half-moon granite bar and built-in fish tank.

Above-Normal Hurricane Season Predicted By NOAA

With the start of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season about a week away, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are urging residents to brace for a busy few months ahead. The federal agency released its predictions for the upcoming season Thursday, warning that above-normal storm activity is likely.

75 Arrests: Opioid Crackdown In Manatee County

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 75 people on a combined total of about 200 charges following several undercover operations that began on Jan. 1. The results of the operations were released on Thursday, May 25.

Siesta Beach, Caladesi Island Named Among America's Best

Just in time for the kickoff of the long Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach,” has released his annual roundup of America’s 10 best beaches. Two of those beaches happen to be along the central Gulf Coast of Florida.

DUI Wolfpack Set For Memorial Day Weekend

Motorists with Memorial Day weekend party plans will want to make sure they designate a driver before enjoying one too many at a backyard barbecue. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans to hit the road for a DUI Wolfpack Saturday, May 27.

Alleged Russian Hacker Sent GOP Operative Stolen Documents: Report

The treasure trove of hacked documents believed to have turned the 2016 presidential election upside down didn’t just involve information swiped from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign. A Republican political operative in Florida also received a whopping 2.5 gigabytes of information from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee courtesy of the alleged Russian hacker “Guccifer 2.0,” according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Photo via the National Hurricane Center