Seawater Bacteria, Algae Bloom, ‘Last Damn Show’

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 week:

Algae Bloom Confirmed In Old Tampa Bay

The strong smell and discolored water Pinellas County residents reported to authorities was confirmed to be an algae bloom in Old Tampa Bay. Pinellas County Environmental Management confirmed the bloom in the north end of Tampa Bay. The algae bloom stretches from Safety Harbor to the south end of the Bayside Bridge near Feather Sound.

Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims 2nd Life

The Florida Department of Health on Friday confirmed the second Vibrio vulnificus bacteria-related death in 2017. Fifteen other people have been sickened by the seawater bacteria in counties across the state since the year began.

Statewide DUI Crackdown Kicks Off

Folks with big party plans heading into the final stretch of summer may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired. The Florida Highway Patrol announced the kickoff of its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign on Thursday.

Carnival Expands Cruises To Cuba From Tampa

Tampa Bay area residents with dreams of cruising to Cuba will find more opportunities available in the coming year. Port Tampa Bay and Carnival Cruise Line on Thursday announced the addition of five more trips Cuba on the 2018 schedule.

The Art Of The Brick Ends Free Run Soon

Tampa Bay area residents who want to take in Nathan Sawaya’s masterpieces made entirely from Legos will need to act fast. The Art of the Brick is scheduled to end its Tampa run on Sept. 4.

Bus Driver Who Dropped Kids Off Blocks From School Under Investigation

The St. Petersburg Police Department says a Tuesday morning scare involving missing kids from Lealman Innovation Academy ended with all students accounted for. The school bus driver who allegedly dropped the kids off blocks from campus, however, is now under investigation by the school district.

Florida Hate Groups: Map Shows Active Racist Organizations

After a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, sparked racial violence over the weekend, including a counter-protester's death, the Southern Poverty Law Center is shining a light on hate groups that are active across the country.

Hero Cop Saves 2-Year-Old In Clearwater Beach

A vacationing police sergeant from Morris Township, New Jersey, jumped into action Sunday afternoon, saving the life of a drowning 2-year-old at Clearwater Beach.

Threats To Kill Teacher Land Student Behind Bars: Deputies

The first bell on the 2017-18 school year hadn’t even rung when Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say they brought on 18-year-old Marchman senior into custody for allegedly taking to Facebook to threaten her former teacher.

‘Last Damn Show’ Returns With Chance The Rapper

Tampa Bay area music fans hoping that WiLD 94.1 would bring back its Last Damn Show are in luck. The station and Amalie Arena announced the return of the popular multi-act production Monday morning.

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