Valiant Rescue Attempt, Baby On Board, Kidnapping: Weird Florida

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

Video: Baby Kidnapped To Force Mom To Change Story, Police Say

The St. Petersburg Police Department has announced the arrest of a 35-year-old woman, accused of trying to get her neighbor to change a statement to law enforcement. To coerce the woman into recanting her story, police say the woman kidnapped her neighbor’s 2 ½-month-old daughter Thursday morning.

Auto Thief Took Off With Baby In Lexus, Cops Say

The St. Petersburg Police Department is asking for help identifying a man its officers say stole a Lexus Wednesday morning that happened to have a 1-year-old girl inside. While baby and SUV were both recovered rather quickly, police would still like to speak to the person responsible.

Accused Bathroom Peeper Charged In 2nd Case

A 28-year-old Brandon man who was arrested on video voyeurism charges in January after the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said he tried to record one of its female detectives in a Publix restroom faces more charges. This time the man is accused of taking photos of a woman in a Michael’s craft store restroom.

Man Snatches Eagle From Gator's Jaws

A Florida man’s heroic attempt to snatch a bald eagle from an alligator’s jaws on Wednesday ended in tragedy. After receiving a medical evaluation, the bird was euthanized due to extensive injuries.

Watch: ‘Doggy Door Burglars’ Sought By Deputies

A trio of men recently broke into a Valrico home using a backyard doggy door to gain entry. While the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says its deputies have arrested one of the men accused, two suspects have eluded identification so far.

Dover’s Airstream Ranch Is Coming Down

Motorists who travel Interstate 4 in the Dover area may soon notice a familiar sight is no more. Work crews have been busy this week tearing down the iconic “Airstream Ranch” display.

Man Rescued From Tampa Garbage Truck

Tampa firefighters are called upon to rush into all sorts of unsavory places to rescue people from peril. Burning buildings, engulfed cars and even the occasional storm drain aren’t out of the question. It’s not every day though that they’re asked to breach a garbage truck to rescue a person trapped inside.

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