Super Slide, Tampa Bay Area Jobs Up, Manhunt On In Nurse's Murder

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:

Suspect Named In Tampa Nurse's Murder

The Tampa Police Department is on the hunt for the person officers say is responsible for killing a man in his home and then stealing his car and other possessions.

Envy Of The Country: Tampa Bay Weekend Weather

Tampa Bay area residents with northern friends and family might want to use this weekend as an opportunity to do a little gloating. While much of the country is hunkering down for snowfall and temperatures that may seem impossibly low to Florida natives, our region is in for sunshine, blue skies and highs in the 80s most days.

(Pet) Photos With Santa Set For Saturday

Anyone who knows anything about Santa Claus knows the jolly old elf has a penchant for four-legged critters. After all, he counts reindeer among his closest friends. Perhaps that’s why he so readily agreed to give the folks at Pinellas County Animal Services a hand during his busiest time of year.

DUI Crackdown Announced For Hillsborough County

Tampa Bay area motorists with pre-holiday party plans this weekend may want to think twice before driving impaired. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol have announced plans to join forces for a DUI enforcement saturation patrol.

Jobs Up By 32,000 In Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay area saw 32,600 new, private-sector jobs added to its economy over the past year. That’s according to figures released by Gov. Rick Scott’s office on Friday. The numbers represent jobs added over the year in November.

New ‘Super Slide’ Set To Debut At 2017 Florida State Fair

Thrill seekers who have been missing the Florida State Fair’s iconic slide are in for a treat this February. A new, improved Super Slide is set to make its debut when the annual event opens Feb. 9.

Substitute Teacher Hit Boy With Yard Stick, Deputies Say

A 59-year-old substitute teacher faces child abuse charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say she hit a student with a yard stick, leaving marks on his back.

Governor Praises Pitbull But Asks Tourism Chief to Step Down

One day after South Florida superstar Pitbull tweeted out his $1 million contract to promote Florida's "Sexy Beaches" and tourism efforts, Gov. Rick Scott asked tourism officials to no longer keep secret the amount they pay celebrities and called for the resignation of the tourism chief.

Image via Shutterstock