Track Santa, Baby Born In Bathroom, New Year’s Resolutions

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:

Crossbow-Toting Man Shot, Killed, By Deputies

A 55-year-old Palm Harbor man is dead after Pinellas County deputies say he pointed a loaded crossbow at two of their own Thursday night.

Sarasota Baby Born In McDonald’s Bathroom: Report

Parker Jordan is going to have one whopper of a story to tell his own kids when he grows up. While more than a few babies are born on roadsides, in taxis and other unusual locations each year, Parker’s arrival may one-up them all.

Starbucks Giving Away Espresso At Pop-Up Cheer Parties

Starbucks is hoping to spread a little goodwill over the holiday season. To help achieve the goal, the coffee chain has kicked off a campaign dubbed 10 Days of Cheer. During the promotion, which lasts through Jan. 2, customers at select stores will receive free tall espressos.

Track Santa’s 2016 Tampa Bay Area Arrival

Tampa Bay area families wondering just when Santa Claus will make his appearance Saturday night have an easy way to keep up with the jolly old elf’s journey across the globe. The folks at NORAD are once again prepared to track Santa’s Christmas Eve travels.

Christmas 2016 Beach Plans? Here’s How To Check Tampa Bay Area Waters

With highs expected to reach the mid-80s over Christmas weekend, chances are good that more than few people have plans to visit local beaches this holiday season. Checking on conditions at local beaches before heading out is a smart idea though. Red tide remains a problem in some areas and unsafe bacteriological levels are also a concern in places such as Davis Islands Beach.

Floridians Carry 5th Highest Debt Load In Country: Study

Floridians and credit cards seem to go together like sunshine and beaches. That’s according to a new report that shows Florida residents have some of the worst credit card debt in the country.

Best Christmas Weekend Weather: Tampa Bay’s Got It In 2016

As folks in the Rockies and Midwest prepare for the arrival of a “significant storm system” that promises to dump heavy snowfall and deliver strong winds, Tampa Bay area residents are in for a Christmas weekend of sunshine and blue skies. According to the National Weather Service, the next few days should be quite warm and maybe just a bit steamy.

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