Target Toy Recall, Hero Cop Saves Girl, Brush Fire

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:

Woman, 75, Attacked, Choked While Walking Dog

A 75-year-old Palm Harbor woman was hospitalized with serious injuries Thursday after Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say a man attacked her while she was walking her dog.

Man Tried To Rape Woman Behind St. Pete Business: Deputies

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest in a violent attack that occurred behind a St. Petersburg business in late March. According to the agency, detectives charged an inmate already in the county’s jail in connection with the crime on Thursday.

Watch: Elephants Hunt For Easter Eggs

Kids aren’t the only ones who love to scramble for Easter eggs. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay proved that recently by treating its pachyderms to a special hunt just in time for the holiday.

Target Recalls Easter Egg Toys: Potentially Fatal If Ingested

Tampa Bay area parents might want to take a close look at their children’s Easter baskets before they’re set free to play with the toys inside. Target Corp. on Thursday issued a voluntary recall of several products that pose potential health threats. The recall includes such toys as Hatch Your Own Dino, Easter Grow Toys and Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs.

Cop Becomes Lost Girl’s Knight In Shining Armor

Clearwater Police officers are sworn to protect and serve. Some also dry tears and reunite lost little girls with their families.

Man Passed Out, Needle In Hand, In Store Bathroom

A 29-year-old Sarasota man’s alleged decision to do cocaine in a convenience store bathroom Friday morning ended with a trip to jail. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the man was found by deputies passed out in a bathroom stall with a needle still in his hand.

Large Brush Fire Breaks Out In Tampa

Tampa Fire Rescue says a 50-acre brush fire that broke out on the site of the former Georgetown Apartments on West Fair Oaks Avenue had been brought under control just before 9 p.m. Friday. The blaze had spread to an estimated 50 acres, but was deemed "under control" with crews staying on scene to tackle any hot spots that might arise.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay