Genetically Modified Mosquitoes, Dave McKay Way, Wet Weather

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

Florida Zika Virus Cases Climb to 662

The Zika virus infection count in the state of Florida climbed to 662 on Friday with the announcement of 15 new travel-related cases. Five of those cases involve residents of the Tampa Bay area.

Dave McKay Way: Pinellas Park to Rename Street

A segment of Pinellas Park’s 81st Avenue North will soon have a new name. The city council recently voted unanimously to rename a stretch of the road Dave McKay Way.

Funeral Set for Capt. Bob Silah, Operation Helping Hand Chairman

Services have been announced for Capt. Bob Silah, chairman of Operation Helping Hand. Silah, a longtime resident of Hillsborough County, died Monday at the age of 80.

Zika Virus: Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Requested for Pinellas

Several Pinellas County lawmakers have joined forces to ask the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for emergency authorization to allow the use of genetically modified mosquitoes in Pinellas to help kill off the Zika-carrying Aedes aegyptimosquito should the need arise.

Tampa Bay Weekend Weather: Storms Won't Squelch Heat at First

Tampa Bay area residents with big outdoor plans this weekend might want to keep their umbrellas handy. Forecasters at the National Weather Service say the region’s in for some pretty decent chances of rain over the next few days. That, however, doesn't mean we'll get a break from the heat.

Pets OK After Fire Scare at Big Bend Animal Hospital

Pets and people alike are OK following a Friday morning fire scare at Big Bend Animal Hospital.

Tropical Disturbance Edges Closer to Florida; Gaston Weakens for Now

While Tropical Storm Gaston continues on a path near Bermuda, residents throughout Florida and the Tampa Bay area are keeping an eye on a disturbance heading close to the Sunshine State.

Breastfeeding Report Card: Where Florida Stands

Mothers in Florida are trying breastfeeding on average with the rest of the country, but more moms in the state are abandoning the effort too soon, according to a new study released this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Mothers stopping breastfeeding early is a national problem, due in part to a lack of support, according to the CDC's annual Breastfeeding Report Card.

Tampa Bay High School Football: This Week’s Game

Find out what’s happening in Tampa Bay high school football this week. Patch delivers weekly schedules and scores for varsity teams throughout the region.

Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue