Pier Closed, Caught In The Act, Free College

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 week:

Sarasota Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Horse Wins National Award

A former racehorse and 14-year veteran of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the 2017 Thoroughbred of the Year honor by the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight announced. Valor, a 23-year-old gelding, receives a $5,000 grant, which is being donated to the Sheriff’s Activities League of Sarasota County.

Attempted Rapist Caught In Act By Sergeant, Police Say

A St. Petersburg Police sergeant out on routine patrol is getting the credit for stopping an accused attempted rapist in the act Tuesday night.

Free College Tuition For Florida Kids Floated By Lawmaker

Florida families seeking ways to fund their children’s college educations may find the state picking up the tab if one lawmaker gets his way. Under a bill filed in the Florida House of Representatives earlier this week, students across the state could gain access to free tuition with a few caveats.

Boy, 6, Takes Knee During Pledge, Gets Told To Stand: Report

When a first-grade student at Wiregrass Elementary School decided to take a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance Monday morning, he inadvertently kicked off a controversy that now has Pasco County Schools officials reminding administrators, educators and parents of Florida laws on the subject.

Anna Maria City Pier Closed For 12 Months To Repair Irma Damage

Hurricane Irma left behind extensive damage to the Anna Maria City Pier, a tourist attraction that will remain closed for 12 months until repairs are made, Mayor Dan Murphy said. The 678-foot pier suffered wind and water damage. The restaurant on the pier suffered damage as the storm ripped off a portion of its tin roof. The tin roof of the pier’s bait shop also was torn off.

Pilot Injured After ‘Homemade’ Helicopter Crashes Into House

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has released more details related to a Monday night helicopter-versus-house crash.

Florida Fails Teachers: Study

Florida may have sunshine, beaches and theme parks, but it’s not the best place in the country to launch a teaching career. That’s according to a recently released study that ranked the Sunshine State the fifth worst in the nation for educators.

How Prosperous Is Your Florida ZIP Code? New Data Reveals Wealth Gap

Your address is becoming more of a factor in how well off you are — including the size of your paycheck and how much education you've obtained — and a new study indicates those living in the South face a tougher path to prosperity than their fellow Americans.

NFL Protests ‘Not About Patriotism:’ Tony Dungy

When NFL players across the country took a knee – or refused to leave their locker rooms – while the “Star Spangled Banner” played Sunday, two of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ own also expressed their unity for the movement that began last season to protest police brutality. Appearing on NBC's Today Show Monday, former Bucs head coach Tony Dungy supported DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans’ decision to kneel.

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