Manatee Emoji, 46 Auto Thefts, Santa Jaws

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:

Manatee Emoji? Florida Zoo Fights for the Cause

Cats, dogs, elephants and tigers all have their own emojis. Why not manatees? That’s the question Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is posing as November’s Manatee Awareness Month continues.

3 Clearwater Convenience Stores Robbed in 1 Day

A string of convenience store robberies in Clearwater remains under investigation as police search for suspects in the crimes. The same person is believed to be responsible for at least two of the robberies.

Thanksgiving Beach Plans? Here’s How to Check Tampa Bay Area Water Conditions

With T-shirt weather expected to make a return as Thanksgiving week progresses, chances are more than a few folks have big plans to hit the beach over the holiday. Checking on local beach conditions before heading out is smart though, especially as red tide remains a concern in some coastal areas in the Tampa Bay region.

Santa Jaws Resurfaces at Mote Marine This Week

Anyone who knows anything about Santa Claus knows the jolly old elf just can’t do it all himself. That’s why Mote Marine Laboratory’s mascot Gilly the Shark is gearing up to lend a hand ... or fin.

14 Arrested in 60-Day Auto Theft Spree

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 14 people connected with a rash of auto thefts in the southern part of the county over the past 60 days. The cases also serve as a cautionary tale for motorists who wish to avoid becoming victims themselves, according to the agency.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday 2016: Mall Hours Around Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents gearing up for post-Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales will find many of the region’s malls plan to observe special hours to accommodate them. To help folks keep track of what’s open and what’s not, Patch has created a roundup of holiday hours.

Online Tool Helps Floridians Avoid Charity Scams

As the season of giving fast approaches, scammers are gearing up to part generous people from their money. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam wants to help stop the bad guys in their tracks by arming residents with information they can use to avoid getting scammed.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission