Baby’s Death, Disney Parade, Gator Attacks Dog

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

6-Year-Old Boy Killed 13-Day-Old Sister, Sheriff Says

A 13-day-old baby girl is dead in what Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has described as one of the worst cases he’s seen in his career. While the child’s 6-year-old brother admitted to the violent assault that caused the infant’s death on Monday, her 62-year-old mother is the one that faces criminal charges.

Bomb Hoax Arrest Made

A 26-year-old Tampa man faces felony charges in connection with a June bomb hoax in Temple Terrace.

Alligator Kills Florida Woman’s Dog

A Florida woman is mourning the loss of her 1-year-old Jack Russell terrier after a fatal encounter with an alligator at Pinellas County’s Joe’s Creek Greenway Park.

Newsweek's Top Public High Schools 2016: 10 Florida Schools Make the List

Newsweek released its list of the best public high schools in the country Thursday morning. Ten Florida schools made the grade, including one in the Tampa Bay area.

Florida Zika Virus: Travel-Related Cases Top 400

The total number of Zika virus infections in Florida swelled to 486 on Thursday with the state’s announcement of 21 new travel-related cases and three non-travel related cases. The number of travel-related infections confirmed now stands at 404.

Macy’s Closing 100 Stores: Will Tampa Bay Locations Be Impacted?

Tampa Bay area shoppers may soon have a few less Macy’s locations to visit. The company announced Thursday its plans to close 100 stores nationwide by early next year. The move continues a retail trend of reducing brick-and-mortar locations in favor of bolstering online sales.

Scammers Striking Duke Energy Customers

Duke Energy customers in the Tampa Bay area are being warned of a new scam that’s making the rounds in a very big way. The company reports that scammers have struck residential and business customers throughout the region in hopes of parting victims and their money.

Lights Out for Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade

Tampa Bay area residents who want to take in Walt Disney World’s Main Street Electrical Parade may want to make the drive east before too much longer. The theme park has announced that the lights go out on the long-standing feature after its Oct. 9 run.

Florida Confirms Brain-Eating Amoeba Case

On the heels of an 11-year-old South Carolina girl’s death due to Naegleria fowleri, or the brain-eating amoeba, a resident of Broward County has been hospitalized with the condition. The Florida Department of Health confirmed the localized case this week.

Ex-Tampa Cop Charged in Sexual Assault

A Tampa Police Officer fired back in March following sexual assault allegations now faces formal charges. Chief Eric Ward announced the arrest of Adam York on Thursday.

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