Gator Wrangling, Trump’s Electoral College Victory, Gold Cup Soccer

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top headlines from the past day:

Donald Trump Sweeps Florida’s Electoral College Vote

Despite protesters’ best efforts, all 29 of Florida’s electors cast their ballots in favor of President-elect Donald Trump Monday.

Watch: Cop Wrangles Gator on Doorstep

Folks with horror stories about unwanted holiday company may not be able to top one Sarasota family’s tale. It seems an alligator paid the family's front doorstep a visit and had no intention of leaving right away.

Holiday Travel In Florida: 4.8 Million To Hit The Road

Motorists in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties with plans to hit the road over the holidays won’t be alone. AAA anticipates 5,378,552 Floridians have holiday travel plans. An estimated 4.8 million intend to travel by vehicle, the auto club says.

Man Playing Video Game Plowed Car Into 2 People, Deputies Say

A 53-year-old Clearwater man was arrested Sunday after Pinellas County deputies say he drove onto a sidewalk in Dunedin while playing a video game on his phone. The man’s car struck two people before deputies say he took off from the scene.

Facebook, Twitter, Google Sued: Orlando Terror Victims' Families Seek Accountability, Report Says

Twitter, Google and Facebook should be held accountable for allegedly providing “material support” in the radicalization of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, according to a federal lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Michigan Monday.

Gold Cup Soccer Action Returns To Tampa Next Year

Soccer’s governing body in North and Central America and the Caribbean on Monday announced the 14 stadiums that will play host to 2017 Gold Cup championship games. Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is one of the venues.

Tampa Bay Area Weather: Christmas Week 2016

Tampa Bay area residents don’t have to worry about a white Christmas, but they may find the week ahead a bit warm. The National Weather Service anticipates fairly balmy days throughout the region leading up to Sunday’s holiday.

86 Jobs: Paramedic, Banquet Chef, Cable Installer

Tampa Bay area residents looking for work will find no shortage of employers hiring. To help out, Patch has rounded up some of the latest listings from its Jobs Boards.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission