Rowers Threatened, Truther, ‘Angry’ Woman: Weird Florida

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the more unusual, wacky, wonderful or just plain weird stories that have run over the past few weeks:

Rattlesnake Pays Firefighters A Visit

An effort by Polk County Fire Rescue to put out a brush fire in the Indian Lake Estates area took a wild turn Wednesday afternoon. According to the agency, firefighters got a bit of a start when a rattlesnake slithered past them.

Alleged Sandy Hook Truther Skips Court Appearance: Reports

A 57-year-old Brandon woman accused of threatening the parent of a boy who died during the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre failed to make a court appearance in Fort Lauderdale Wednesday, several media outlets are reporting. A warrant has now reportedly been issued for her arrest.

Stolen Range Rover Slammed Into Parked SUV: Cops

A routine traffic stop in New Port Richey took a dangerous turn Tuesday night when police say the driver of a 2015 Range Rover attempted to flee.

Stolen iPad Led Deputies To Man's House

A 20-year-old Sarasota man faces criminal charges after deputies say an auto burglary victim helped them track his stolen iPad right to the accused thief's door.

Teen Rowers Threatened By Woman With Rifle

A 62-year-old Osprey woman faces a lengthy list of criminal charges after Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies say she brandished a rifle while threatening a group of teenagers and young adults who were conducting daily rowing practice on water behind her Palmetto Avenue home.

‘Angry’ Woman Repeatedly Rammed Car, Fled: FHP

A 24-year-old Temple Terrace woman faces criminal charges after Florida Highway Patrol troopers say she repeatedly smashed into a car on State Road 54 Monday night before fleeing the scene.

Drunk Driver Slammed Into Deputy’s Cruiser: Sheriff

A 61-year-old Englewood woman faces DUI charges after the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says she slammed into the back of a deputy’s cruiser while he was stopped at a red light Thursday night.

Walt Disney Settles Florida Wage Dispute For $3.8 Million

Walt Disney Co. has agreed to pay out $3.8 million in back wages to employees of two of its Florida holdings to bring the company in compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Photo courtesy of Polk County Fire Rescue