Black Lives Matter, Creepy Clown Warning, Hurricane Matthew

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Busch Gardens Welcomes Bouncing Baby Gorilla

Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may notice a new face in the park’s Myombe Reserve Habitat. Baby western lowland gorilla Oliver officially joined the family on Aug. 18.

Creepy Clown Sighting Prompts Warnings from Sheriff’s Office

The wave of creepy clown sightings that has swept the country over the past few weeks has hit the Tampa Bay area. A high school girl was reportedly at her bus stop Wednesday when she spotted a clown.

Vice President Joe Biden Coming to Sarasota, Orlando to Stump for Hillary Clinton

Tampa Bay area residents who want to see Vice President Joe Biden in person before he leaves office early next year will get their chance on Monday. Biden is scheduled to make appearances on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s campaign in Sarasota and Orlando.

Confederate Flag Prompts Black Lives Matter Protest at Manatee High

Teens at Manatee High School showed their disapproval of a fellow student’s decision to bring a Confederate flag on campus Wednesday by staging a peaceful protest before classes Thursday.

Jose Fernandez’s High School Jersey Stolen

A candlelight vigil meant to honor the memory of former Alonso Raven turned Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez took a criminal turn Wednesday night. According to Hillsborough County Public Schools, someone swiped the jersey the now-deceased baseball great wore during his time at the Tampa high school.

Hurricane Matthew Forms with 75 MPH Winds

It's official: Hurricane Matthew is now moving its way westward across the Caribbean Sea on a projected path that may bring it in contact with Jamaica and Cuba early next week. As of Thursday afternoon, the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Gang Investigation Nets Multiple Arrests; 1 Suspect Still Wanted

A long-term investigation into gang activity in Manatee County has resulted in multiple arrests with authorities still looking for one suspect on an array of outstanding charges.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center