Children’s Gasparilla, 29,100 Jobs, Center Ice

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 or so:

2017 Children’s Gasparilla: What To Know Before You Go

In a little more than a week, pirates will flood the waterways and streets of Tampa to once again celebrate Gasparilla Pirate Fest. But first, buccaneers of all ages will take over the town. The 2017 Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza will hit the streets Saturday, Jan. 21, highlighted by the 2017 Children’s Gasparilla Parade.

Fish Kills Continue Along Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee County Coastlines

As a patchy red tide bloom continues to hang out off Florida’s west central coastline, more fish kills and reports of respiratory irritation have been recorded by the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, fish kills were reported in Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee counties over the past week.

Mom Faces More Charges In Sex Case Involving Teens

The number of teenage boys a Bradenton mother is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with has climbed to five. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced three additional victims in the case against Jaimie Ayer, 40, on Friday.

Florida Hospital Center Ice Sets Public Skate Schedule

Tampa Bay area residents itching for the opening of Florida Hospital Center Ice don’t have much longer to wait. The new ice sports complex in Central Pasco County has announced the date of its first public skate.

2016 Brought 29,100 New Jobs To Tampa Bay Area: Gov. Scott

Tampa Bay area private-sector employers added 29,100 new jobs to the economy in 2016, according to figures released by Gov. Rick Scott’s office on Friday.

Crews Lake Middle School Principal Killed In Crash

The 46-year-old principal of Crews Lake Middle School was killed in a Friday morning crash near the intersection of State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

Woman Collecting Cash For Disabled Vet Duped Donors: Cops

A 54-year-old Bradenton woman has been charged with scheming to defraud after police say she collected donations from about a dozen people to provide medical care for a disabled veteran she supposedly lived with.

Isolated Tornadoes, Severe Storms: Tampa Bay’s Weekend Forecast

The Tampa Bay area’s streak of sunny days is expected to go out with a bang over the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, a front approaching the area is expected to bring strong-to-severe thunderstorms with the potential for tornadoes along with it.

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