Publix Shopper Dies | 2 Kids Run Down | Tim Hortons Expands: FL News

FLORIDA — 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.

Man Who Shot, Killed Girlfriend’s Mother Convicted: FL Officials

A man who shot and killed his girlfriend’s mother in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison without parole, the state attorney’s office said.

Woman Shot On I-275 After Medical Emergency, Crash: FL Highway Patrol

A driver who hit another SUV on I-275 after a medical emergency was shot by an unknown assailant following the crash, troopers said.

Elderly Woman Suspected In Hit-And-Run That Killed 2 Kids: Police

An elderly woman is suspected in a hit-and-run crash that left 2 young children dead and critically injured a woman, Sarasota police said.

Man Dragged Dog Behind Truck For 1 Mile: Tampa Police

A man dragged a dog behind his truck for 1 mile before abandoning the injured animal in a bank parking lot, Tampa police said.

Man, 10-Year-Old Nephew Shot; 1 Arrested: St. Pete Police

An 18-year-old was arrested for shooting a man and his nephew, who were playing basketball when the suspect opened fire on a nearby group.

St. Pete Man Guilty Of Car Title Fraud Gets Prison Time: U.S. DOJ

A St. Pete man is heading to federal prison for stripping bank liens from more than 100 vehicles, taking ownership of them, U.S. DOJ said.

1,300 Child Porn Photos, Videos Found On St. Pete Man’s Phone: Police

A St. Petersburg man was charged with 11 counts of possession of child pornography, police said.

Kids' Author Tackles Banned Books In Latest Project

Works by Rob Sanders, a former Hillsborough County educator and children’s book author, have been targeted by book bans in FL and beyond.

Publix Shopper Dies Days After Being Run Over In Parking Lot: Sheriff

A driver backed into an 83-year-old woman pushing a cart through the parking lot at a Dunedin Publix grocery store Sunday, PCSO said.

Lost Hiker Rescued At Little Manatee State Park: Watch

A lost hiker was rescued from Little Manatee State Park on Sunday with help from the Aviation Section, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

Man Exposed Himself At Tampa-Area Park: Hillsborough County Sheriff

A man was arrested for exposing himself at a Town ‘N’ Country public park on Tuesday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Rehabbed Lost Sea Turtle, Buckley, Returned To Gulf: FL Aquarium

Buckley, an endangered green sea turtle found far from the ocean, was released to the Gulf after months of rehabilitation, FL Aquarium said.

Biologists Tag 166-Pound FL Panther, Largest Ever Recorded: FWC

The largest FL panther ever recorded, an adult male weighing 166 pounds, was captured and tagged by biologists, FWC said.

Murder Charge Filed In Fentanyl Overdose Death: Manatee Sheriff

A drug dealer was charged with murder after selling fentanyl to a woman and leaving her to die at a Wawa, the Manatee County sheriff said.

Man Fatally Shot While Driving Away From Fight At Club: Police

A man died after being shot while driving away from a St. Petersburg club when a fight broke out early Sunday morning, police said.

Man Sleeping In Front Of Gas Pump Bit K-9 Deputy’s Ear: Polk Sheriff

When two men were found sleeping in front of a gas pump at a Polk County gas station, one bit a K-9 deputy’s ear, the sheriff’s office said.

Medicaid Cuts, Billionaire Tax Breaks: FL Reaction To House Budget

FL Democrats are calling out items cut in the proposed House Republican budget, while GOP leaders support curbing federal spending.

Tim Hortons Eyeing 2 Bradenton-Area Locations In FL Expansion: Reports

Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is eyeing a return to FL with two new locations in Manatee County, reports said.

Speeding Driver Dies in Fruitville Road Crash: Sarasota Police

A driver speeding along Fruitville Road early Saturday died after hitting a power pole and retention wall, Sarasota police said.

Clearwater Man Owes $810K In Taxes Pleads Guilty To Charges: U.S. DOJ

A Clearwater man avoided paying $810K in back taxes to the IRS and spent money on boats, jewelry and a home, the U.S. DOJ said.

3 Arrested For Illegal Gambling Ring At Tampa Club: Police

An undercover investigation into an illegal sports betting ring at the All Stars Tampa Domino Club led to three arrests, police said.

Beer Truck Overturns Near I-75 Rest Stop: FL Highway Patrol

A truck overturned on the shoulder of I-75 near a rest stop and spilled the beer it was hauling onto the shoulder, FL Highway Patrol said.