Community Corner
Naked Market Robber | Jan. 6 Rioter To Run For Office | Sick Dogs Dumped: FL News
World's Largest Rubber Duck | Retired Cop's Ticket Threats | Teen Driving Stolen Car Died In Crash | Upcycle Art Show | Zoo Saves Manatees
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.
Jan. 6 Rioter ‘Lectern Guy’ Files To Run For Manatee County Commission
A man photographed carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach, is running for Manatee County Commission.
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World's Largest Rubber Duck Comes To Downtown Clearwater Park
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, standing 61-feet tall, will be on display in downtown Clearwater through Jan. 26.
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2 Arrested For Dumping Sick Dogs At FL Park: Police
Two people were arrested after dumping at least 11 dogs sick with parvovirus at a Largo park, police said.
Aveda Institute Student Threatened Shooting At School: Pinellas Sheriff
An 18-year-old girl attending Aveda Institute in Clearwater threatened a shooting at the school, the Pinellas County sheriff said.
DUI Driver Hit Deputy During Tampa Traffic Stop: Hillsborough Sheriff
A DUI driver left the scene after hitting an unmarked patrol vehicle during a traffic stop in the Tampa area, the sheriff’s office said.
2 Arrested In Armed Robbery At Bradenton Grocery Store: Sheriff
Two men were arrested in the armed robbery of a Bradenton grocery store, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.
This spring, ZooTampa will open its new Straz Family Manatee Rescue as part of its new Florida Waters expansion.
2 Airlifted To Trauma Center After RV Fire: Hernando County Officials
Two were seriously injured when an RV caught fire in eastern Hernando County, officials said.
Charter Bus Caught Fire On I-275 In Tampa: FL Troopers
A charter bus was engulfed in flames near the I-275 downtown Tampa exits, Florida Highway Patrol said.
Major Retailer Closing 20 FL Locations
The retailer has moved to reduce its brick-and-mortar footprint in Florida and other states.
Naked FL Man Robbed Meat Market Wearing Nothing But A Mask: Police
A FL man faces multiple charges after robbing a Lake City meat market while naked, police said.
Slingshot Driver Hospitalized After Crash: Pinellas County Sheriff
Impairment is thought to be a factor in an Oldsmar crash that left a Slingshot driver with life-threatening injuries, deputies said.
Upcycle Art Show In St. Pete Focuses On Sustainability, Recycled Materials
Artist Rachel Covello curated “The Art of After: Upcycle Art Show” at 5 Deuces Galleria in St. Pete.
Man Accused In Theft Of Classic Car Arrested 2 Years Later After Removing Ankle Monitor
A man accused in theft of a 1977 Porsche from the now-closed Sarasota Classic Car Museum was arrested again while out on bond, police said.
Flu Cases Surging In FL: What To Know About Subclade K Mutation
At least 11 million people have gotten sick, and 5,000 people have died from the flu this season. Here's what Florida is experiencing.
Retired FL Cop Arrested After Making Threats Over Parking Ticket At Publix: Sheriff
A retired Lakeland cop was arrested for threatening a volunteer officer for giving him a ticket for parking in Publix fire lane, PCSO said.
20-Year-Old Murder Investigation In Tampa Closed After Suspect’s Death: Hillsborough Sheriff
The suspect in the murder of a Tampa woman 20 years ago died before charges could be filed against him, the Hillsborough sheriff said.
‘Stranger Things’ Star Surprises Fans At FL Movie Theater: Reports
Millie Bobby Brown, who played Eleven in “Stranger Things,” made a surprise appearance at a FL movie theater for a screening of the finale.
Top 100 FL High Schools For Sports Ranked In New Report
The 2026 rankings from Niche looked at the number of sports and the number of championships, and relied on student and parent reviews.
Teen Driving Stolen Car Died In Palmetto Crash: Manatee County Sheriff
An 18-year-old who stole a car in Hillsborough County died after crashing it in Palmetto, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
Man Arrested On 10 Counts Of Child Porn Possession: Pinellas Sheriff
A Seminole man was arrested for child porn possession, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.
Masked Robbers Pepper Sprayed CVS Employees: St. Pete Police
Two masked robbers who pepper sprayed CVS employees and stole merchandise are sought in St. Pete, police said.
10 Cars Damaged In Fire At Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Parking Garage: Officials
At least 10 cars were damaged in a fire at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay parking garage, Tampa Fire Rescue said.
Holiday Woman Charged With Carjacking: Pasco County Sheriff
A Holiday woman is accused of a carjacking and an attempted carjacking in Pasco County, the sheriff’s office said.
Tampa Man Sent Online Threats To U.S. Congresswoman: U.S. Department of Justice
A Tampa man pleaded guilty to sending threatening messages to U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar, reports said.
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