Publix No. 1, DUI Wolfpack, 142 Wildfires

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:

Lakeland Man's Murder Prompts $5,000 Reward Offer

The Wednesday evening discovery of a man’s body in woods at the former Skyview Golf Course has prompted a homicide investigation. It's also led to an offer of a $5,000 reward for information that results in an arrest in the case.

Publix Ties For ‘America’s Favorite’ Grocery Store Honors

After stalling in second place for four years running, Lakeland-based Publix has been named “America’s favorite” grocery store in an annual survey conducted by Market Force. The popular chain, however, shares the title with Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans.

DUI Wolfpack Ready To Prowl Manatee, Sarasota Counties

Motorists with party plans for the upcoming weekend will want to think twice about getting behind the wheel impaired. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans for a DUI Wolfpack operation that includes Manatee and Sarasota county roads.

Sexual Assault Victim Speaks Out

At home and alone in a new city in 2015, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Cheveresan loaded a firearm and scrawled a note that would change his life.

Florida On Fire: 142 Active Blazes Reported

The number of active wildfires burning across the state of Florida rose to 142 on Thursday. That number was reached as red flag warnings remained in place throughout much of the state with no rain in sight for the Tampa Bay area until the weekend at least.

Last Day Of School 2017: When Does Your Child’s District Let Out?

With temperatures once again soaring into the 90-degree range, there’s little doubt that kids throughout the Tampa Bay area are chomping at the bit for the last day of school to arrive. With many districts in the region shuffling their calendars for an earlier start to summer vacation this year, parents might find keeping up with end-of-year dates a little tough.

Bank Robber Took The Bus: Cops

A man accused of holding up a St. Petersburg SunTrust bank on Thursday found out the hard way a bus might not make for the fastest getaway.

Threats Against Pasco Schools On The Rise: Sheriff

As the school year enters its final stretch, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says threats against campuses are on the rise. Three separate incidents have been reported over the course of five school days. While arrests were made in two of the cases, a third remains under investigation with an enhanced law enforcement presence now assigned to that school.

Firefighters Help Family Bury Puppy After Blaze

A family in the Carrollwood area had to say goodbye to their puppy after a Thursday afternoon fire ripped through their Vera Avenue home.

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