Rays’ Stadium, Tampa Bay Ferry, Infant’s Death

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

Rays Want Your Stadium Ideas

As the Tampa Bay Rays continue their search for a new location to call home, the team is hoping to get fans involved in the process. With that in mind, the Rays launched “Ballpark Reimagined” on Monday.

Man Accused in Pinky the Flamingo’s Death Out of Jail

The 45-year-old man accused of throwing Busch Gardens’ famous dancing flamingo Pinky last Tuesday was released from the Hillsborough County Jail on Sunday. Anthony Corrao faces felony animal cruelty charges in the case, which ultimately led to Pinky’s death.

Tampa Bay Ferry Gets Final Thumbs Up

It won’t be long before Tampa Bay area residents will be able to hop on a ferry to travel between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The Pinellas County Commission on Tuesday gave a thumbs up to the project, agreeing to spend $350,000 to help float a trial run.

Florida 14th Toughest State on DUI, Study Finds

Tampa Bay area motorists who happen to see flashing lights in their rearview mirrors may find out the hard way Florida is one of the toughest states in the country on DUI violators. A new study, in fact, ranks the state the 14th strictest.

Alligator Kills Florida Woman’s Dog

A Florida woman is mourning the loss of her 1-year-old Jack Russell terrier after a fatal encounter with an alligator at Pinellas County’s Joe’s Creek Greenway Park.

Scammers Striking Duke Energy Customers

Duke Energy customers in the Tampa Bay area are being warned of a new scam that’s making the rounds in a very big way. The company reports that scammers have struck residential and business customers throughout the region in hopes of parting victims and their money.

Lights Out for Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade

Tampa Bay area residents who want to take in Walt Disney World’s Main Street Electrical Parade may want to make the drive east before too much longer. The theme park has announced that the lights go out on the long-standing feature after its Oct. 9 run.

Newborn Killed: Mom Was Featured on ‘I’m Pregnant And 55 Years Old’

Kathleen Steele had it all. A great job, a devoted husband, a beach house and even a sailboat. The only thing missing from her life was children.

Atlantic Hurricane Predictions Get Worse, 12-17 Named Storms Expected

With the exception of some rain and flooding, the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been fairly uneventful for Florida and the Tampa Bay area so far. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, however, warn the season is far from over. In fact, they’ve revised their predictions for the season, saying there’s a 70 percent chance of 12 to 17 named storms forming.

African Penguins Return to Lowry Park Zoo

Visitors to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo who just can’t get enough of the African penguins have reason to celebrate. The zoo has announced that 11 birds have returned to their habitat and they’ve brought a new friend, Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World