Seawater Bacteria, Hurricane Irma, Labor Day Grocery Hours

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:

Snooty’s Death: Staff Knew Panel Was ‘Askew,’ Officials Say

Less than six weeks after the death of iconic Snooty the manatee, the South Florida Museum has released an expert’s report highlighting measures that may have prevented the tragedy. Museum officials have also confirmed that staff at the Parker Manatee Aquarium knew the panel to an underwater plumbing area was loose. That oversight enabled Snooty to swim into the area where he became trapped and drowned just days after turning 69 years old.

'Rapidly Intensifying' Hurricane Irma Now A Category 3 Storm

As Tropical Depression Harvey fizzles out, Hurricane Irma is drawing the spotlight. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Irma to a Category 3 storm early Thursday evening, saying she would likely remain a powerful storm for the next few days at least. The center's forecasters described the storm as "rapidly intensifying" in announcing the upgrade.

Deadly Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims 3rd Life

The Florida Department of Health on Thursday confirmed the third 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.

‘Mediterranean Masterpiece’ Boasts Picture-Perfect Views

Tampa Bay area house hunters in the market for properties that capitalize on waterfront views may find this home on Davis Islands makes their jaws drop.

Publix, Winn-Dixie Labor Day 2017 Store Hours

Tampa Bay area residents who find themselves a few items shy for their Labor Day barbecues can relax. Two of the region’s most popular grocery chains plan to open normal hours to serve them on Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Tampa Bay Area

With much of the Tampa Bay area already soggy from days of rain and some rivers in flood stage, forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning storms anticipated over the next few days could complicate matters.

Photo courtesy of the South Florida Museum