Ridesharing Rules Set, Comic Book Scientist, Fire Weather

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:

USF Football Player Arrested In 2nd Sexual Battery

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of University of South Florida football player LaDarrius Jackson in connection with a March sexual battery. The arrest is Jackson's second in less than two weeks.

Uber, Lyft Bill Inked By Gov. Rick Scott

Uber and Lyft operators across the state of Florida will face new rules of the road starting on July 1. Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday inked legislation that creates uniform rules for ridesharing services across the state, effectively overriding a mishmash of local laws.

Marvel Comic Features Mote Marine Scientist

Being a scientist is cool. Being a scientist featured in a comic book might be even cooler. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Dr. Tracy Fanara can attest to that thanks to the latest edition of Marvel Comics’ “The Unstoppable Wasp.”

Fire Weather Watch Issued For Tampa Bay Area

The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a red flag warning for most of the Tampa Bay area Wednesday with a fire weather watch set to go into effect on Thursday. Continued dry conditions, hot temperatures and relatively low humidity levels are combining to create a recipe for potential disaster, the agency warns.

Attempted Abduction Investigation Continues

Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say they have interviewed a person of interest in a possible attempted child abduction that occurred in New Port Richey Tuesday evening. The investigation, however, continues with no arrests announced.

Free Grocery Shuttle To Hit The Road In St. Pete

St. Petersburg residents who have had difficulty getting to the grocery store since the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Tangerine Plaza closed earlier this year will soon find a free shuttle available to serve them. The city of St. Petersburg has announced plans to kick off a regular Saturday run for a “free grocery shuttle” that will offer service on a trial basis over the next few months.

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