Botched Liposuction, Forged Papers, Burning Bed: 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 had people talking over the last few weeks:

Polk County EMT Forged Promotion Paperwork: Sheriff

A 28-year-old Polk County Fire Rescue emergency medical technician is in hot water with the law and her employer after authorities say she forged documents to gain a promotion. Polk County deputies say the documents Kayla Anne Rivas Zehtab turned in to be eligible for a firefighter promotion – and a $11,123 a year raise – were phony.

Botched Liposuction Lands 2 Behind Bars: Sheriff

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced two arrests following a lengthy investigation into alleged illegal activity at the Orozco Medical Clinic in Tampa. Deputies say two people on staff performed – and botched – liposuction procedures. Complicating matters, authorities say neither are licensed medical doctors.

Shark-Dragging Video Sparks MTV ‘Siesta Key’ Boycott

Nearly 6,000 people had joined the “Boycott Siesta Key MTV” movement on Facebook as of Monday morning while the cable network readied for the show’s July 31 debut. Allegations that cast members have ties to those involved in the controversial video that apparently shows a shark being dragged to its death behind a powerboat prompted the effort. The video surfaced on social media last week, sparking outrage.

Florida’s Burning Bed Case Takes New Turn

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has announced new charges for the New Port Richey woman accused of lighting her estranged husband’s bed on fire while he slept in it. Deputies say Eva Marie Brennan, 48, also threatened a deputy’s family while on the way to the Land O’ Lakes Jail following her arrest on attempted murder and arson charges last week.

What Florida Singles Hate The Most: Deal Breaker Map

Florida singles on the hunt for romantic partners may find that working out is a turn on, but doing it together is not. While that might seem surprising in a state known for its near year-round beach weather – and the skimpy clothing that goes along with it – “workout couples” are the biggest turnoff for singles in the Sunshine State, according to an analysis from the creators of a dating app called HaterDater.

Charges Mounting For Florida Beach Joyrider (Video)

The 27-year-old Pinellas Park man arrested Thursday afternoon after allegedly driving a black Jeep Cherokee across Clearwater Beach and onto Caladesi Island faces a growing list of criminal charges for the stunt that was live streamed on Facebook. Clearwater Police announced a lengthy list of charges late Thursday night and said other law enforcement agencies involved may add more for the “jaunt onto Caladesi Island.”

Florida Drug Dealer Reported Stolen Cocaine: Cops

A Florida man’s Sunday plea for help from deputies in Okaloosa County didn’t fall on deaf ears exactly, but its outcome probably wasn't quite what he expected. That’s because officials say the Fort Walton Beach man described himself as a “drug dealer” and was asking for help in recovering cocaine that had been stolen from him.