Zika in Pinellas, Goody Goody, Tropical Threats

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Watch: Gator Strolls Through Florida Neighborhood

Residents of Wilderness Lake Preserve recently had a close encounter of the reptilian kind courtesy of an alligator with a passion for roaming.

Goody Goody Opens Its Doors

The wait is over. Goody Goody officially opened its doors in Hyde Park Village early Tuesday morning to a crowd of eager diners, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Restaurant Inspections: Roaches in Ice Cream Machine, Candy

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at three area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t hold up to state guidelines for health and safety.

Man Took Train for Sex with New Port Richey Teen: Deputies

A 21-year-old man from Staten Island, N.Y., faces criminal charges after Pasco County deputies say he was found hiding in a 13-year-old New Port Richey girl’s closet. Deputies say the two met online when she was 10 and began “dating” about a year ago.

Locally Transmitted Zika Virus in Pinellas Confirmed

The first locally acquired case of Zika virus in Pinellas County has been confirmed by the state of Florida. The case was announced by Gov. Rick Scott Tuesday morning along with four other new locally transmitted cases in Miami-Dade County.

Tampa Area Unemployment Down, Jobs Up, State Says

Tampa Bay area residents looking for work may find opportunities in the region more plentiful. According to Gov. Rick Scott’s office, the Tampa area has added 39,800 new private-sector jobs over the year in July.

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2016: The Peak is Now

As Tropical Storm Gaston, Tropical Depression Fiona and an unnamed disturbance swirl in the Atlantic Ocean, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say there is a good reason for so much activity all at once. The peak of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially arrived.

Tropical Storm Gaston Forms; Disturbance Eyes Florida

Tropical Storm Gaston has officially formed in the Atlantic Ocean as forecasters continue to track Tropical Depression Fiona and an unnamed storm. As of Tuesday morning, only one of the three appear to have the potential to brush the Sunshine State.

Graphic of a hurricane courtesy of the National Hurricane Center