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Child Rapist + Senior Housing Fire + GOP Treasurer Arrest: FL News

Man Kills Neighbor, Self | Airboat Crash Injures 16 | Teen Guilty In County Fair Shooting | Rep. Castor Bomb Threat | Top Holiday Lights

FLORIDA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Boy, 15, Guilty Of Murder In Fatal County Fair Shooting: Brodsky

A 15-year-old was convicted of murder for shooting another teen to death at the DeSoto County Fair in 2023, State Attorney Ed Brodsky said.

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First Drive-Thru Shake Shack In Tampa Bay Area Opens

The Tampa Bay-area’s first drive-thru Shake Shack and the second in Florida recently opened. Find out where it’s located.

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Man Who Fatally Stabbed His Girlfriend At Manatee Motel Convicted: SAO

A man who fatally stabbed his girlfriend, hid her body under a bed at a Bradenton motel will spend decades in prison, state attorney said.

Wrong-Way Crash Seriously Injures 2 Drivers In Pinellas: FL Troopers

Two people were seriously injured Friday morning in a wrong-way crash on Roosevelt Boulevard in Pinellas County, FL Highway Patrol said.

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On Interstate 275 In Hillsborough County

Florida state police said the crash happened around 2:40 p.m. Friday on Interstate 275 just north of milepost 43.

Driver Accused Of DUI Passed Out With Kids In Car: Report

Pinellas County Jail records show the woman faces two charges after reportedly driving under the influence in downtown St. Petersburg.

Suspect In Custody After Shooting Woman In Venice: Sarasota Sheriff

The suspect, who drove away from the shooting scene before deputies arrived Friday night, crashed his car on I-75 N, the Sarasota sheriff said.

Deputy, Suspect Killed After Traffic Stop Shooting In Charlotte Co.

The man accused of fatally shooting a Charlotte Co. deputy during a traffic stop was later shot and killed by deputies at a gas station.

Motorcyclist Hits, Kills Man Crossing Street: FL Highway Patrol

The motorcyclist and his passenger were seriously injured in the Pasco County Crash on U.S. 19, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Hundreds Of Seniors Displaced After Downtown St. Pete Apartment Fire

A Monday night fire at Lutheran Apartments in downtown St. Pete displaced nearly 300 seniors, who need somewhere to stay for up to 10 days.

Man Fatally Shot Woman At Tampa Home: Police

The suspect who killed a woman in a Tuesday morning shooting at a Tampa home was charged with first-degree murder, police said.

Can You Shoot Down Drones In FL? What To Know

Florida is one of a dozen states to report mystery drone sightings, prompting a common question: Is it legal to shoot down a drone?

Tampa Man Threatened To Plant A Bomb At Rep. Castor’s Office: Reports

A Tampa man “left a vulgar, racist, obscenity-laden voicemail” at U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s Tampa office in May, reports said.

16 Injured When Two Airboats Collide In Florida Everglades

Two airboats carrying 33 people total collided in the Florida Everglades in Collier County on Friday afternoon.

Hillsborough GOP Party Treasurer Charged With Grand Theft: Sheriff

The Hillsborough County Republican Party treasurer was arrested after writing himself personal checks from the party’s bank account, HCSO said.

1 Killed, 1 Injured In Pasco County Crash: FL Highway Patrol

An 87-year-old Ridge Manor man was killed in a Saturday morning crash in Pasco County, Florida Highway Patrol said.

GA Woman Pleads Guilty To Identity Theft In FL: U.S. DOJ

A Georgia woman defrauded Suncoast Credit Union of more than $165,000 in a bank fraud case, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Person Of Interest In Meat Market Shooting Sought: St. Pete Police

The investigation into the Kings Meat Market fatal shooting continues in St. Pete as officers look for a person of interest, police said.

1 Seriously Injured In 5-Vehicle Crash On I-75: FL Highway Patrol

A driver was seriously injured in a 5-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer truck Wednesday morning on I-75, FL Highway Patrol said.

Where To Find The Best Holiday Light Displays In The Tampa Bay Area

From Godzilla to Star Wars to botanical gardens, Patch has compiled some of the best Christmas lights displays in the Tampa Bay area.

St. Pete Student Brought Gun, Kitchen Knife To School: Reports

A St. Petersburg middle school student was arrested for bringing a gun and a kitchen knife to school, reports said.

‘Porch Pirates’ Stole Packages, Cards From Manatee Homes: Sheriff

A couple was arrested in Bradenton for stealing packages, as well as Christmas cards and mail, from Manatee County homes, the sheriff said.

Man Killed Neighbor, Self In New Tampa Murder-Suicide: Sheriff

A man fatally shot his neighbor before turning the gun on himself Wednesday evening in New Tampa, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

Longboat Key Among 'Top 12 Destinations For 2025' In World: List

This barrier island off the coast of Sarasota and Manatee counties is among the “Top 12 Destinations for 2025,” Forbes Travel Guide said.

Boy, 15, Shot, Killed At St. Pete Apartment Complex: Police

A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed at the TGM Bay Isles apartment complex in St. Petersburg Wednesday, police said.

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