Explosive Discovery, Babysitter Arrested, Pelican Deaths

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 day:

St. Pete Pelican Deaths: Mystery Continues

As the city of St. Petersburg works with other agencies to unravel the mystery behind a rash of recent pelican deaths, initial water tests from the two affected areas have shown no abnormalities, officials report.

President Obama Defends Wet Foot, Dry Foot Change

President Barack Obama defended his shift in America's longstanding wet-foot, dry-foot policy on Wednesday at his final White House press conference.

Child Killed By Train: Babysitter Charged With Neglect

A 26-year-old Zephyrhills woman has been charged in connection with the death of a toddler in December. The woman faces neglect charges after the 2-year-old boy she was watching was struck and killed by a train on Dec. 12.

3 Women’s Marches Planned In Tampa Bay Area

As thousands of women prepare to descend on Washington, D.C. this Saturday, to let the new presidential administration know where they stand on the issues, three local marches are in the works for those who cannot attend events in the nation’s capital.

Holiday Man Sexually Battered Girl, 7, Deputies Say

A 31-year-old Holiday man faces sexual battery charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say he engaged in sexual activity with a girl over a several-year period, starting when the child was 7.

Discovery Of Torpedo Prompted Florida Evacuations

A contractor working on the foundation for a new home in Indian River County’s Ocean Ridge subdivision got more than he bargained for Tuesday. After digging about 3 feet down, the man came across an obstruction in the soil.

Lakewood Ranch Property Features Private Guest House

House hunters in the market for a home that was designed from the ground up for entertaining might find this new listing in Lakewood Ranch of interest. Complete with its own guest house, wet bar, theater room and lake views, this property boasts more than 6,500 square feet of living space.

Loitering Call Leads To Meth Trafficking Arrest

A 35-year-old Sarasota man faces criminal charges after a call about someone loitering in a Publix parking lot came in late Tuesday night. The man, deputies say, not only had methamphetamine on him, but was also behind the wheel of a car reported stolen out of Manatee County.

Photo courtesy of the Indian River County Emergency Services Department