Gas Pump Skimmers, Beach Conditions, Mini-Ranch

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:

Firefighters Rescue Trapped Teen In 7 Minutes

When a 14-year-old Clearwater girl managed to get her leg trapped between two large pipes Thursday afternoon, firefighters worked quickly to devise a plan to free her.

Tampa Bay Area Weather: Memorial Day Weekend 2017

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with backyard barbecue and beach plans over the Memorial Day weekend are likely to find the weather most cooperative. While rain doesn’t play a significant role in the forecast for the next few days, forecasters at the National Weather Service say steamy daytime highs should be expected.

Own A Mini-Ranch For Under $500K

Horse lovers on the hunt for a home suitable for their four-legged friends, but still convenient to the city and comfortable for them might find this spread in Land O’ Lakes intriguing. Located in the equestrian-friendly community of The Oaks, the 2.5-acre estate boasts a six-stall horse barn, an outdoor dog kennel and fast access to Interstate 75 and nearby shopping.

Watch: Thief Makes Riding Lawn Mower Getaway

Clearwater Police officers are no strangers to fielding grand theft auto calls. It’s not every day, however, they find themselves hot on the trail of a suspect in a grand theft riding lawn mower case. That is especially so when the suspect is accused of using the mower to make a brazen, broad daylight escape.

Artistic Kids Get Into MOSI Free This Summer

Tampa Bay area parents hoping to kick off their kids’ summer vacations with an out-of-this-world adventure can do so for free thanks to MOSI. Between May 27 and June 30, the hands-on science museum in Tampa is offering kids entry at no cost, but there is a caveat.

Sales Tax Holiday Set As Hurricane Season Nears

Floridians who haven’t prepared for the June 1 start of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season may find an upcoming tax holiday of interest. Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed legislation that sets June 2-4 as Florida’s 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Check Tampa Bay Area Beach Conditions Before You Go

With sunshine, blue skies and highs in the low 90s expected over the next few days, chances are pretty strong more than a few people have plans to visit beaches in the Tampa Bay area during Memorial Day weekend. Checking on conditions at local beaches before hitting the road, however, is a good idea though. While red tide levels have waned significantly in recent weeks, this concern hasn’t gone away entirely.

Beware Of Gas Pump Skimmers, Florida Officials Warn

Whether the plan is to travel across town for a backyard barbecue or across the state for an overnight getaway, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs is warning motorists to be wary at the gas pump. Gas pump skimmers designed to help thieves swipe credit and debit card information remain an ongoing concern across the Sunshine State, according to Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Photo courtesy of MOSI