Fire Weather, Recovery Operation, $3.8 Million Disney Settlement

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:

‘Critical Fire Weather’ Conditions Kick Off Tampa Bay’s Weekend

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big outdoor plans this weekend should find the weather most cooperative. While sunny days and highs only in the 70s are expected, forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning that the dry streak could increase fire risks over the next few days. With that in mind, a red flag warning has gone up in parts of region.

Manhunt: 2 Armed Kidnappings In 2 Days

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for several suspects believed to be connected to two separate armed kidnappings that occurred over the past two days.

Drunk Driver Slammed Into Deputy’s Cruiser: Sheriff

A 61-year-old Englewood woman faces DUI charges after the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says she slammed into the back of a deputy’s cruiser while he was stopped at a red light Thursday night.

Walt Disney Settles Florida Wage Dispute For $3.8 Million

Walt Disney Co. has agreed to pay out $3.8 million in back wages to employees of two of its Florida holdings to bring the company in compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

JCPenney Announces Florida Store Closings

Tampa Bay area residents concerned JCPenney might close local stores as part of the company’s restructuring can breathe a sigh of relief. The major retailer has announced the 138 stores slated for closing later this year with none in the region on the list. Even so, two locations in Florida, along with the Lakeland distribution center, will shutter in the coming months.

Search For 2 Men Missing Near Pass-A-Grille Turns To Recovery

While the U.S. Coast Guard officially suspended its search for two men who went missing in Pass-a-Grille channel waters on Tuesday, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its efforts. The search-and-rescue mission, however, has turned into a recovery operation, the agency acknowledged in a Friday morning email to media.

Watch: Orphaned Otter Kit On The Mend In Clearwater

An orphaned 6-week-old otter kit found by a family in New Port Richey is on the mend at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Finnegan, as he’s been named, was spotted not moving on the ground on March 8 by a family out walking their dog.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office