Challenging High Schools, Rain, Red Tide

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:

Rain Returns To Tampa Bay’s Forecast

With more than 140 active wildfires burning across the Sunshine State on Friday, the need for rain is more than evident. Forecasters say it’s looking like the Tampa Bay area, at least, may witness a few drops over the Mother’s Day weekend ahead.

Stolen: City Of Tarpon Springs Truck

The Tarpon Springs Police Department is on the hunt for a thief accused of taking a five-finger discount on a pickup truck Friday morning. The truck in question should be fairly easy to spot on local roads. It has the City of Tarpon Springs’ seal emblazoned on its doors.

Man Accused In Anti-Muslim Tirade Has Tampa Bay Ties

A man accused of going off on a drunken tirade directed at a Muslim family enjoying a day at a Texas beach once called Plant City home. Alexander Jennes Downing, 35, listed the town as his home address during a July 2016 arrest on domestic battery and abuse of an elderly or disabled adult charges.

100 Palms, Natural Creek Make Estate A Rare Find

House hunters with an eye for traditional architecture and a passion for outdoor beauty may find this estate in Clearwater’s Countryside area hard to turn away from. The one-owner home is situated on more than an acre property, featuring more than 100 palms and a natural creek.

Florida Wildfires Demand ‘Reality Check,’ Insurers Say

As the Sunshine State endures its worst wildfire season in recent history, property insurance companies are urging residents to make sure their finances and homes are both ready in case disaster strikes.

Red Tide Levels Low In Time For Mother’s Day

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big Mother’s Day weekend beach plans may find the weather iffy at times, but the water should be nice. The red tide bloom that’s plagued the region’s coastal waters for months hasn’t exactly gone away, but conditions are improving.

Tampa Bay’s ‘Most Challenging’ High Schools Named By The Washington Post

The Washington Post recently set out to recognize high schools across the country that push kids to achieve. The publication recently released its 2017 list of the Most Challenging High Schools in the U.S. That list ranks dozens of schools in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties along with hundreds of others from across the country.

Illegal Puppy Sales Land 2 In Jail

A Tampa pet shop owner and employee are in hot water after the Florida Department of Agriculture’s law enforcement unit alleges they sold puppies without proper health permits.

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