Deadly Parasite, Tarnished Life, Rabies Alert

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:

Man Who Helped Lost Girl Says His Life Is ‘Tarnished’ By Facebook Shaming

A 39-year-old Lakeland man called out on Facebook as a “child molester” after he tried to help a lost toddler reunite with her family says his life has been tainted by the experience. What was intended to be an act of kindness was mistaken as an abduction attempt. While police believed him, the child’s parents and their friends did not.

Man, 36, Killed In Possible Racing Crash

The Pinellas Park Police Department is investigating a multiple-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man on Tuesday night.

Maggot-Covered Dog Leads To 2 Arrests In Sarasota

Two people face criminal charges after Sarasota Animal Services Officers say they found a maggot-covered dog tied to a utility trailer outside a Walnut Avenue home.

Riverfront Estate Boasts Views, Acreage

House hunters in the market for properties with room to roam inside and out may find this waterfront estate in Bradenton to their liking.

Cheaper Florida Concealed Weapon Permits On The Way

Floridians who wish to join the estimated 1.7 million other residents of the state in holding a concealed weapon license will find their out-of-pocket costs are about to get lower. The price to apply for a new license or renew an existing one officially drops by $5 on July 1.

4th Rabies Case Reported In Hillsborough County

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is warning all residents to take care after the fourth rabies case of 2017 was recently confirmed in Tampa. The latest case involves a domestic cat that was exposed to the deadly virus.

Potentially Deadly Parasite Found In Florida Counties

University of Florida researchers have found evidence of a potentially deadly parasite in five counties across the state, including Hillsborough. The study was designed to determine the geographic distribution of the rat lungworm, which is known to cause meningitis in humans.

Pinellas Deputy Fired Over Snapchat Post

A 23-year-old Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office rookie is out of a job after the agency says he made an “inappropriate” Snapchat post that was ultimately shared on other social media sites. The post went viral, sparking both anti-law enforcement sentiments and a Florida Department of Law Enforcement inquiry, the sheriff’s office said.

Soldier's Child Porn Arrest ‘Disturbing,’ Polk Sheriff Says

A 31-year-old former Lakeland resident faces 10 counts of child pornography following an investigation into his alleged criminal activities. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Army Specialist Nathan Scott Gray on Thursday.

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