Medical Marijuana, Crist and Rubio Win, Free Big Macs for Vets

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Former Gov. Charlie Crist Wins David Jolly’s U.S. House Seat

Former Gov. Charlie Crist is headed to Washington, D.C. Voters in Florida’s U.S.Congressional District 13 selected the Democrat to represent them in a tight race against incumbent Republican David Jolly.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio Wins Reelection Bid

Republican Marco Rubio has retained his seat in the U.S. Senate, according to Tuesday's unofficial election results. The incumbent senator soundly beat challenger U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a Democrat, to retain his seat.

Update: St. Pete Crossing Guard, 72, Dead After Crash

A 21-year-old man faces DUI manslaughter charges after a Tuesday afternoon crash claimed the life of a St. Petersburg school crossing guard.

Watch: Dolphins Winter and Hope Deliver Election Day Distractions

Folks who have had it up to their ears with the 2016 election season can enjoy a little visual distraction courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Winter and Hope. The two plucky dolphins, however, are doing some stumping for last-minute votes themselves.

McDonald’s Offering Free Big Macs for Vets

Tampa Bay area veterans and active duty military can enjoy free sandwiches at McDonald’s this Friday. Participating locations throughout the region have announced plans to give out free Big Macs in honor of Veterans Day.

Deputy Pulls Woman Off Sunshine Skyway Bridge Ledge

A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office court processing deputy was on his way home from work Monday night when an unusual sight grabbed his attention. A woman was sitting on a ledge near the top span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub to Become Memorial

The city of Orlando has announced big plans to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the June 12 terrorist attack on the Pulse nightclub. The popular gay bar that became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history will someday soon become a memorial.

Florida Ballot Measures 2016: Medical Marijuana Passes; Solar Fizzles Out

Three of four constitutional amendments on the 2016 Florida ballot got a thumbs-up from voters Tuesday. The only one to fail was a utility company-backed measure that could have put up a constitutional barrier to new laws to broaden the solar power market in the Sunshine State. Approval of Amendment 1 may have also jeopardized consumers’ ability to obtain credits from utility companies when solar equipment they own or lease produces excess power that could be returned to the power grid.

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