Fatal Fire, Cabbie Killed, Hurricane Season Predictions

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:

9-Month-Old Dies In Tampa Fire

A Wednesday evening fire that ripped through a home in the 5000 block of Marc Drive, claiming the life of a 9-month-old boy, remains under investigation by Hillsborough County authorities.

Hurricane Experts Adjust 2017 Atlantic Forecast

Like it or not, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is now under way and will last for months. Just in time for the kickoff, the Tropical Meteorology Project team at Colorado State University has released updated predictions for the season, which runs through Nov. 30. While the school’s climatology team initially predicted a slightly below-average season with 11 named storms, Thursday’s updated forecast calls for a season that’s a tad more active.

Cabbie Killed, Taxi Stolen In St. Pete

A Thursday morning stabbing in St. Petersburg that left a cab driver for United Taxi of Clearwater dead is under investigation by authorities. St. Petersburg Police say the man's taxi was also stolen, but was later found abandoned.

Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested After Bicyclist Critically Injured

A 33-year-old Largo man faces criminal charges following a Tuesday night crash that left a bicyclist in critical condition. According to the Clearwater Police Department, Benito Espanol-Cruz was brought into custody Wednesday evening.

Dog Flu Poses ‘Imminent Threat,’ UF Veterinarian Says

With more than a dozen confirmed cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus reported across the state and more suspected, officials at the University of Florida are urging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms in dogs and cats has a high survival rate, but veterinarians say potentially deadly complications, such as pneumonia, may arise.

Florida Ranks In Top 10 For Jobs: Study

As graduates from the Class of 2017 start hitting the pavement in hopes of landing gainful employment, Florida is one of the best states in the country to look for a job. That’s according to WalletHub, which on Thursday released its analysis of the best and worst states for jobs.

Stately Palma Ceia Home Features Southern Style

Love houses with Southern charm? This home in Palma Ceia delivers in a big way, from its stately gated drive to a soaring circular staircase.

Teen Molested At Siesta Key Sleepover: Deputies

A 57-year-old Sarasota man faces multiple charges after a teenage girl accused him of molesting her during a July 4 sleepover at a home on Siesta Key last year. The man, who was also recently charged in a similar case in Manatee County, is also accused of supplying kids Xanax and alcohol.

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