Community Corner

3 Die Stuck In Cistern | Pastor Theft Ring | Rabies Alert: FL News

Driver's License Slots Sold | Mayor Hauls In Cocaine | Saving Dogs In Hot Cars | Car Hits House On Live Video | 7-Year-Old Slain: FL News

FLORIDA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all 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.

Mayor Lands Unexpected Catch While Fishing In Florida Keys

A Florida mayor and her family were fishing in the Florida Keys for spiny lobster, but instead landed a 70-pound block of cocaine.

Reward For Information On 7-Year-Old's Shooting Death Increased

On what should be a celebration of his 8th birthday and one month since his shooting death, Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay has increased the reward for tips leading to the identification and arrest of those who were involved in the death of Yitzian Torres Garcia.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

FL Sewing Vlogger Films Car Nearly Crashing Into Her House

A Florida vlogger caught a car nearly crashing into her house on camera while filming a sewing tutorial video, according to multiple reports.

Pastor Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Retail-Theft Ring: AG

A pastor and the founder of a halfway house serving those recovering from drug addiction was one of five people arrested and charged for stealing more than $1.4 million in merchandise from Home Depot stores across multiple counties. The group sold the stolen items on eBay.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Appointment Fraud Rampant At Inundated Tax Collector's Office

This county tax collector is warning residents about third parties fraudulently selling driver's license appointments at its offices throughout the county. An internal investigation revealed scammers are taking advantage of residents by bulk booking driver's license appointments and reselling them to residents in need of services for a fee.

3 Floridians, Dog Die After Falling Into Cistern In Texas Field

Three Florida residents and their dog died after police said they fell into an underground cistern while hog hunting in a rural Texas corn field.

Caretakers Made Intellectually Disabled Man Live Outside: Police

Two caretakers face charges for neglecting a non-verbal 22-year-old intellectually disabled man, according to police. The victim was found living in squalor behind a house. He was forced to sleep outside and sometimes stayed in a makeshift hut in the backyard. He hadn’t bathed and was covered in feces, police said.

More Hurricanes Likely In 2023 Due To Heat Wave, NOAA Says

In an about-face from earlier 2023 Atlantic hurricane season outlooks, National Hurricane Center forecasters said Thursday that the region can expect an above-average number of hurricanes as the peak hurricane period of August through October gets underway.

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