Adorable Tiger Cub, Magic in Lakeland, DUI Crackdown

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:

Watch: Vehicle Slams Into Cop's Cruiser, Causes Pileup

Moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle that’s pulled over is not only a smart way to avoid a crash, it’s the law in Florida. The Largo Police Department is trying to send that message home to area motorists after a four-vehicle pileup occurred along Roosevelt Boulevard Tuesday afternoon.

Red Tide Fish Kills Reported in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties

The persistent red tide bloom that’s caused problems off Florida’s central and southern Gulf Coast for months is showing no signs of going away any time soon. The bloom’s presence, in fact, spread into slightly into Hillsborough County this week with higher concentrations and fish kills reported in other Tampa Bay area counties.

Video: Adorable Malayan Tiger Cub Makes Lowry Park Zoo Debut

A rare Malayan tiger cub with a plucky personality made her official public debut at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Wednesday. While Berisi was born a star due to her critically endangered status, zoo officials say her antics make her even more so.

Orlando Magic Moving D-League Team to Lakeland

Basketball fans won’t have to make the trek to Orlando to take in professional play much longer. The Magic’s ownership group has announced its intention to purchase the Erie BayHawks and move the D-League team to Lakeland.

FHP Launches DUI Crackdown

Floridians with big holiday party plans may want to designate a driver before the fun gets too “spirited.” The Florida Highway Patrol’s annual statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign officially kicked off Wednesday, Dec. 14 and is set to run through New Year’s Day.

Bradenton Uber Driver’s Carjacked Ride Crashed in Pasco County

An early Wednesday morning pursuit of a vehicle reported stolen out of Bradenton ended with a car crashing into trees in the Wilderness Lakes subdivision, and the eventual capture of two people.

Tow To Go Gearing Up for 2016 Holiday Season

As the holiday season prepares to kick into overdrive, AAA and Bud Light are gearing up to offer free rides home for Tampa Bay area motorists who find themselves too intoxicated to drive.

Sen. Bill Nelson Smacks Down N.J. Senator in Push-Up Contest

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is already known for his tenacity and willingness to take on out-of-this-world assignments without batting an eye. Now, the 74-year-old Florida Democrat can also add push-up champ to his list of accomplishments.

Photo courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo