Bungling Burglars, Nude Cruise, Jurassic Gator: Weird Florida

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the more unusual, wacky, wonderful or just plain weird stories from the past few weeks:

Nude Cruise Sets Sail From Tampa Next Month

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors who’ve always wanted to cruise in their birthday suits will soon get their chance. Bare Necessities Tour & Travel is preparing for the departure of its Big Nude Boat 2017 cruise out of Port Tampa early next month.

Florida UFO Sightings Reported In 2016: Check Out The Full List

There were 23 UFO sightings reported across the Sunshine State in December 2016. More than 100 other sightings were reported in communities all across Florida throughout the past year, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

ATM Heist Fail: Bungling Burglars at Area Walgreens Sought

Despite three attempts using a chain attached to a van to steal a cash machine, the suspects failed and the ATM wouldn't budge. SEE VIDEO.

Woman Collecting Cash For Disabled Vet Duped Donors: Cops

A 54-year-old Bradenton woman has been charged with scheming to defraud after police say she collected donations from about a dozen people to provide medical care for a disabled veteran she supposedly lived with.

Snow In Florida: Do You Remember?

Snowfall in the Tampa Bay area might seem impossible considering our recent stretch of sunny days and highs in the 80s. But, it happened ... one January long ago.

Discovery Of Torpedo Prompted Florida Evacuations

A contractor working on the foundation for a new home in Indian River County’s Ocean Ridge subdivision got more than he bargained for Tuesday. After digging about 3 feet down, the man came across an obstruction in the soil.

Watch: Jurassic Gator Creates Stir At Florida Nature Preserve

Alligator sightings in Florida are about as common as sunny days. But getting up close and personal with a gator that looks more like a Steven Spielberg creation than an actual living being isn’t exactly ordinary.

Little Daredevil Rescued From Clearwater Chimney

An 8-year-old Clearwater girl with a nose for adventure found herself stuck in a tight spot Monday night, prompting the need for an unusual rescue. According to Clearwater Fire Rescue officials, Isabella Cooke managed to get herself trapped inside a chimney with no way to get out.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission