Hot Car Death, Tropical Disturbance Eyes Florida, Man Killed Trying on Flak Jacket

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

Tropical Disturbance May Bring Heavy Rain to Florida

Tampa Bay area residents in flood prone areas may want to keep an eye on water levels over the next few days as a tropical disturbance is expected to make its way across the state. According to the National Hurricane Center, the system was located near the Bahamas Monday morning. >>> Read more.

Man Killed Trying on Flak Jacket in Tampa

A 24-year-old Tampa man faces a number of charges after police say he shot and killed his cousin. The victim was trying on a flak jacket Saturday night and allegedly wondered aloud whether it was bulletproof. Alexandro Garibaldi told police he heard a gunshot Saturday night and found Mendez outside the home with the gunshot wound, the email said. A witness, however, told police a different story. >>> Read more.

Road Rage Shooter Grazes Victim in Wal-Mart Parking Lot: Police

Investigators are looking for the suspect accused of firing on two people, grazing one man after a road rage incident Sunday night on State Road 54, according to Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The victims were driving behind the suspect when he reportedly "brake checked" twice — braking suddenly — before both vehicles coincidentally turned into the Wal-Mart parking lot. >>> Read more.

Hot Car Death: Fundraiser for Palm Harbor Dad Taken Down

An online fundraiser for a dad charged in the hot car death of his son has been removed from GoFundMe. More than $5,000 was raised in five hours in defense of Troy Whitaker before the page on the popular fundraising website was removed. Troy Whitaker, 41, is accused of leaving his son in a truck all day. He is reportedly a firefighter paramedic at Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue. >>> Read more.

Courtney Campbell Causeway Crash: Dropped Gatorade May Have Sparked Chain Reaction

A momentary distraction caused by a dropped Gatorade bottle may be to blame for a multi-vehicle crash that sent eight people to the hospital Sunday night. An 18-month-old injured in the wreck suffered life-threatening injuries. >>> Read more.

Missing Child May Be Traveling With Pinellas Park Man: Police

Authorities are searching for a missing 3-year-old who may traveling with a 30-year-old man, according to Pinellas Park Police. Officers describe the child, Harry Charles, as a black male with black hair and brown eyes. >>> Read more.

Fall Forecast 2016: Tampa Should Be Warmer, With One Eye on the Atlantic

A national trend of warmer temperatures is going to be especially true in Tampa and across most of Florida this fall, according to the latest seasonal forecasts. The National Weather Service notes temperatures across the country will be above average for the 3-month period through November — particularly in Florida and the Gulf Coast. >>> Read more.

64 Jobs: Behavior Analyst, Math Teacher, Scrum Master

Folks in the market for new gigs will find no shortage of opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. Here are just a few of the recently posted openings on the Patch Jobs boards. >>> Read more.

Fugitive Captured After Multi-County Chase

A 25-year-old Holiday man remained behind bars Monday after law enforcement officials say he led them on a three-county chase Friday night. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, John Byrne is accused of running from a vehicle during a traffic stop. He allegedly headed into a swamp area and is accused of stealing an unoccupied minivan and fleeing. >>> Read more.

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