Jealous Boyfriend, Spontaneous Combustion, 5 Times the Legal Limit: Weird Florida

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the wackier, wonderful or just plain weird stories that have had people talking over the past few weeks:

Video: Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Transforms into Death Star

Stormtroopers commandeered Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Monday night, “magically” transforming it into the Empire’s feared Death Star right before park-goers’ eyes.

Babysitter’s Jealous Boyfriend Extorted Cash from Land O’ Lakes Man, Deputies Say

A Temple Terrace man faces extortion charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say he took jealousy just a little too far. The 19-year-old is accused of threatening to harm his perceived rival’s spouse and child if $1,000 in cash wasn’t paid.

Sandy Hook Parent’s Life Threatened by Tampa Woman: Feds

A 57-year-old Tampa woman who reportedly believes the Sandy Hook massacre never happened faces four federal charges for threatening the life of a parent whose child died during the Dec. 14, 2012, mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.

Woman Blew Nearly 5 Times Over Legal Limit: Deputies

A 36-year-old Brandon woman was nearly five times over the legal limit when she drove her Jeep Wrangler into another car Wednesday night, according to Hillsborough County deputies.

Watch: Florida Man Caught Peeping Up Woman’s Skirt at Walmart

A Sarasota man’s alleged decision to take a break from shopping at a local Walmart to have a gander, or three, up a woman's skirt didn't end so well for him.

‘Spontaneous Combustion’ Blamed in Tampa Scrap Metal Fire

A Friday night fire that sent a plume of black smoke into the air above Port Sutton Road has been attributed to spontaneous combustion by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue officials.

‘Creep-In,’ Cat Loving Florida Burglar Busted, Cops Say

St. Petersburg Police say they’ve caught the man responsible for giving a Shore Acres resident quite a fright in mid-November.

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