Non-Binary Teacher Fired | Water Use Limits | Survivors Speak: 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.

Non-Binary FL Teacher Fired For Using Gender-Neutral ‘Mx.’ Title

A non-binary physics teacher for Florida Virtual School, an online public school program in the state, was fired last month for using the gender-neutral title “Mx.” rather than “Ms.” or “Mr.” in school-related emails and communications, according to multiple reports.

Loot Found Buried In Yard Of Rare Tortoise Thief

More stolen items have been found buried at the home of a St. Petersburg man charged with stealing two endangered Galapagos tortoises and rare books and comic books earlier this year. One of the animals was found alive in his yard, while the other’s carcass was found in his freezer.

‘Years Of Abuse’: Mother Suffered At Hands Of Son, Family Said

The family of Patricia Matejcek, who was killed at the hands of her son, Thomas Matejcek, Friday, said the woman faced “years of physical, mental and emotional abuse” from him “with no help from the courts to stop (him).” The 62-year-old mother’s boyfriend, Sean Harrison, 55, was also killed by her son, authorities said.

Deputy Recalls 'Scariest Moments Of His life' As Car Runs 2 Cops Down

Critically injured Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Manny Santos spoke out after being released from Tampa General Hospital where his more severely injured co-worker, Cpl. Carlos Brito, underwent another surgery over the weekend to repair his crushed leg in an attempt to avoid amputation.

Mass Shooting Survivor In Ybor City Won't Return 'To That Evil Place'

A registered nurse at a hospital, Rachel Sims came home exhausted on Oct. 28 after working the night shift, put her cell phone on silent, and fell asleep. So Sims never heard the frantic messages left on her phone from her daughter, Kila Ryker, who lives in Tampa. And she was oblivious to the mass shooting in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood that killed two people and injured 16 more — including Kila.

• Ybor City Shootings: 14-Year-Old Boy Arrested, Charged

FL Anti-Drag Law Can’t Be Enforced During Appeal: Supreme Court

Florida’s new law targeting drag shows where children are present won’t be enforced while an appeals court case proceeds, the Supreme Court decided Thursday. The state had asked the court to allow its anti-drag show policy to be enforced throughout Florida, except at Orlando’s Hamburger Mary’s, the restaurant that is challenging the law in court, during the appeals process.

Water Shortage Restrictions In Place Throughout Tampa Bay Area

Much of the greater Tampa Bay area and nearby counties are experiencing a water shortage and face restrictions on water usage, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties will be limited to once-per-week lawn watering beginning Dec. 1

Son Repeatedly Ran Over Father, Killing Him Outside Bar: Sheriff

A Michigan man faces charges after repeatedly running over his father and killing him outside a Treasure Island bar. Mark McKeown was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

FL Teacher Beaten By 270-Pound Student Living Off Donations: Reports

A Florida teacher's aide who was assaulted by a student at a school earlier this year said she is living off donations from community members after the district placed her on an unpaid leave of absence following the attack. Brendan Depa — a student who was 17 years old at the time and weighed 270 pounds — attacked Joan Naydich in a beating captured on surveillance video.

More Top Headlines

• Charges Recommended For Former Manatee Administrator
• 'Take Care Of Maya' Patient Accuses St. Pete Hospital Of Sex Assault
• Elementary School Employee Molested Student: Sheriff
• Toddler Drowns In Miami Pool: Police
• Lynx Air Launches Inaugural Flight From Tampa To Toronto
• Breeze Airlines Announces 4 New Nonstop Routes From Tampa
• 3 More Locations For Hurricane Idalia Impacts To Open In Hillsborough
• Charges Of Fraud, Possession Of Child Porn Lead To Arrest
• Cantaloupes Sold In FL Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns
• Enough Fentanyl To Kill 60,000 Found In Traffic Stop
• Tractor-Trailer Truck Crash Spills Fuel, Closes I-75 Near Gibsonton

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