Confederate Memorial, Bomb Threat, Pool Homes

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 week or so:

Publix Bomb Threat Leads To Reward Offer

Information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for calling in a bomb threat to a New Port Richey Publix store last week could be worth up to $3,000. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay stepped forward with the offer after local police released surveillance photos of a suspect in the case.

Deputy Arrested, Fired After Social Media Probe

A Pasco County school resource officer was fired Friday after an investigation concluded he had inappropriate conversations with students on Snapchat. Cpl. Milton Arroyo had been on unpaid administrative leave since the allegations against him came to light earlier this year.

Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward Sets Retirement

After nearly 30 years with the Tampa Police Department, Chief Eric Ward is turning in his badge for a job in the private sector. Ward intends to go to work for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida in the next few weeks.

Battle Over Tampa’s Confederate Memorial Wages On

Hillsborough Commissioner Les Miller isn't giving up without a fight. His office confirmed Thursday Miller's plans to float a new motion calling for the removal of the Confederate memorial outside the county’s courthouse in downtown Tampa. The topic is expected to be addressed when the board meets on July 19.

7 Tampa Bay Area Pool Homes For $300K Or Less

As temperatures in the Tampa Bay area continue to soar into the 90s, folks looking for pool homes to beat the heat will find lots of options available.

Wild Monkeys ‘Attack’ Family At Florida Park (Video)

A family’s recent visit to Ocala’s Silver Springs took a wild turn when they encountered some of the park’s most famous inhabitants. It seems the resident rhesus macaques were none too happy to have human visitors and they made it quite clear by growling, hissing and chasing people away.

Police Recruiter Caught With Prostitute: Cops

A St. Petersburg Police officer faces misdemeanor charges and is out on administrative leave after he was allegedly caught soliciting a known prostitute on Friday morning.

2017 School Grades: How Tampa Bay Area Districts Fared

The Florida Department of Education’s release of school and district grades was a mixed bag for counties across the Tampa Bay area and nearby. Sarasota County once again earned coveted A-grade status from the state while most districts earned solid B ratings.

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