Trump’s ‘Thank You’ Tour, Port Jobs Up, MacDill AirFest 2018

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:

I-75 Tanker Crash: 2 Serious Injuries, 500 Gallons of Gas Spilled

A Lehigh Acres woman has been cited for making an improper lane change that prompted the three-vehicle collision that shut down Interstate 75 lanes in the University Parkway area well into Tuesday morning.

Jaw-Dropping Gator ‘Riding’ Manatee Photo Raises Awareness for Gentle Giants

Spotting manatees at Orange City’s Blue Spring State Park is nothing out of the ordinary. Nor is catching a glimpse of an alligator. What is unusual is capturing an image of what appears to be an alligator riding on the back of one of Florida’s gentle giants.

Sexual Abuse At Special Needs Group Home Prompts 2 Arrests, Deputies Say

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of two men in connection with several recent sexual battery cases at a Bradenton group home for special needs people.

MacDill AirFest 2018 Dates Announced

Tampa Bay area residents eager for the return of MacDill’s AirFest have some dates to put on their calendars. The 6th Air Mobility Wing confirmed Tuesday that the show will make a return in 2018.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season 2016 Breaks Records

Sea turtle lovers have reason to celebrate. Mote Marine Laboratory’s scientists have reported that the 2016 nesting season from Longboat Key south to Venice was a record-breaker.

Donald Trump’s ‘Thank You Tour’ Coming to Florida

Floridians who want to see President-elect Donald Trump in person before he takes office early next year will get their chance Friday. Trump has announced an upcoming Orlando stop on his USA Thank You Tour 2016.

Florida Ports Added 200,000 Jobs Since 2012

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday announced that Florida’s 15 seaports have added 200,000 new jobs across the state since 2012.

Pasco Woman Slept With Teen, Threatened His Life: Deputies

A 22-year-old Port Richey woman faces sexual battery and tampering with a witness charges after Pasco County deputies say she struck up a relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

Photo courtesy of the Blue Angels media gallery