Coyote Stuck On Hotel Ledge | Felon Shoots Pregnant GF, Cops Say | Swatting Incident: FL News

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.

Fatal Thanksgiving Shooting Under Investigation In Tampa: Police

A man was killed in a Thanksgiving Day shooting in Tampa, police said.

FL Man With Dementia Rescued 80 Hours After Going Out For Walk: Reports

After 80 hours, a missing FL man with dementia was rescued from a wooded area, reports said.

29 Registered FL Sexual Offenders, Predators Arrested In Sting: Officials

During a recent four-day sting, 29 registered FL sex offenders and predators were arrested in Hillsborough County, law enforcement said.

Death Of Man In Protective Custody Investigated By FDLE: Bradenton Police

A man at a Wawa gas station who claimed “the cartel” was chasing him died after being taken into custody, Bradenton police said.

8 FL Cities Earn Perfect Scores For LGBTQ Equality In 2025 HRC Index

The Human Rights Campaign's 2025 Municipal Equality Index evaluated 18 FL cities for LGBTQ+ laws, policies and services.

Woman Who Worked At Pasco School Had Romantic Relationship with Student: Reports

A woman who worked at a Pasco County high school was accused of having a romantic relationship with a student, reports said.

FL Girl, 8, Stabbed Grandmother Who Was Attacking Her Mother With Knife: Reports

A woman who attacked her estranged daughter was stabbed by her 8-year-old granddaughter at a north FL home, the sheriff’s office said.

Student Charged After Bringing Gun To Plant City Middle School

Detectives later learned the teen had been suspended from school on Wednesday and was not allowed on campus.

Woman Fatally Ejected From Truck Near Skyway Bridge After Driver Fell Asleep: Police

The driver fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle, police said, which crashed, killing the 27-year-old.

Unrestrained Boy, 4, Dies After Being Thrown From Truck In Rollover Crash: FL Troopers

A 4-year-old boy was killed and five others were injured when a driver lost control of his truck, which overturned, FL Highway Patrol said.

Drugs, Gun, $6.7K In Cash Seized At Tampa Home: Hillsborough Sheriff

1 person was arrested when the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a Tampa home, and seized drugs, cash, and a gun, deputies said.

Trio Of Illnesses, New Flu Mutation Concerns Experts: What To Know In FL

The upcoming holidays could see an uptick in FL emergency room visits due to a trio of respiratory illnesses, including a new flu strain.

Fire Tears Through 3 Boats At Madeira Beach Marina: Officials

Three boats caught fire at a Madeira Beach marina on Thanksgiving day, fire officials said.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott Says FL Home Was Targeted In Thanksgiving Swatting Attempt

Sen. Rick Scott's Naples home was the target of a Thanksgiving Day swatting attempt — the second in about two years — he said.

Englewood Man Fatally Shot 2 Brothers During NY Hunting Trip: Troopers

An Englewood man was charged with murder in the fatal shootings of his two brothers during a NY hunting trip, troopers said.

Identity Of Woman Using Stolen Credit Cards In Bradenton Sought: Watch

A woman was caught on camera while using stolen credit cards at a Starbucks and a Wawa in Bradenton, police said.

Tampa Woman Posed As Twin Sister When Pulled Over For DUI: Reports

A Tampa woman accused of DUI pretended to be her twin sister when pulled over by St. Petersburg police, reports said.

4 Missing Fishermen Sat On Overturned Boat For 20 Hours: Clearwater Officials

Four fishermen sat on top of their overturned boat for 20 hours before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, Clearwater police said.

DUI Driver Slammed Through U.S. 19 Concrete Divider: Clearwater Police

A Clearwater man suspected of driving under the influence crashed through a concrete divider on U.S. 19 and ran from the scene, police said.

Stranded Coyote Safe After Getting Stuck On Ledge Of FL Hotel: Watch

A coyote is safe after getting stranded on the ledge of a Fort Myers hotel parking garage, police said.

Driver Dies In Fiery Thanksgiving Day Crash On I-75: FL Highway Patrol

Investigators are working to identify a driver who died after crashing into a bridge pillar on Interstate 75, FL troopers said.

15-Time Felon Shot Pregnant Girlfriend, Causing Baby’s Early Delivery: Hillsborough Sheriff

A 15-time convicted felon shot his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach, causing the early delivery of her baby, the Hillsborough sheriff said

Armed Man Found Hiding In Brush At FL State Park: Hillsborough County Sheriff

Among the Tampa man's charges are unlawfully taking deer or wild turkey, jail records show. Deputies are still looking for 2 suspects.