Released Inmate Goes Right Back, Gator Takes Walkabout, Fishy Tale: Weird Florida

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the weirder stories that have made headlines over the past few weeks:

Man Arrested Hours After Jail Release, Deputies Say

A 22-year-old Tampa man accused of breaking into a Land O’ Lakes woman’s home Tuesday morning was released from jail only hours before. He even had the paperwork still on him to prove it.

Murder for Hire Arrest: Sex Slavery, Kidnapping Also Considered, Sheriff Says

Rachael Natalie Leahy wanted custody of her children and didn’t see any other way to make it happen than take steps to ensure her ex-husband, David, was “gone completely.” That’s how Rachael Leahy, 34, described her situation to an undercover Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detective when she met with him on Aug. 29, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Drive-By Shooting Meant to Stop Parents’ Testimony: Sheriff

A 20-year-old New Port Richey man’s troubles with law enforcement took a turn for the worse Thursday morning when Pasco County deputies say he fired shots at his parents’ home to prevent them from testifying against him in a grand theft case.

Man Wearing Handcuffs Turns Himself In: Deputies Say

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man its deputies say slipped away from custody with handcuffs still on after a Tuesday night traffic stop. The man was still wearing those handcuffs when he turned himself in, offiicials said.

Woman Stole $85K from Girl Scouts: Sarasota Sheriff

A 42-year-old Sarasota woman faces criminal charges after deputies say she left a trail of evidence behind while allegedly swiping nearly $85,000 from the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Florida Man’s $2.8 Million Marlin Might Get Away

A Florida man might not get to reel in a cool $2.8 million prize from Ocean City, Maryland’s White Marlin Open after all. Organizers of the annual tournament say there’s something fishy about the catch and have refused to pay out the proceeds, according to court records.

Watch: Gator Strolls Through Florida Neighborhood

Residents of Wilderness Lake Preserve recently had a close encounter of the reptilian kind courtesy of an alligator with a passion for roaming.

Image via Shutterstock