Community Corner
Scuba Swindler Swims Away | Roller Coaster Death | Charlie Kirk Statue: FL News
2 Dogs Die In Woman's Care | School Shooting Threat | Hurricane Likely To Form | School Worker Hit Autistic Student | Wrong-Way DUI Driver
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 Died Riding FL Coaster Was 'One Of A Kind,' Loved Ones Say
The man who died while riding the Stardust Racers on Wednesday at Universal Orlando was "truly one of a kind," according to organizers of a GoFundMe. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died from blunt impact injuries.
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FL Restaurant Robbed By Man In Scuba Gear Who Swam Away: Reports
The suspect, dressed in scuba gear, swam away after robbing a Disney Springs restaurant of more than $10,000, reports said.
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Motorcyclist Killed, Passenger Injured In Crash At U.S. 19 Intersection: FL Highway Patrol
A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger seriously injured at a U.S. 19 intersection in Pasco County, FL Highway Patrol said.
9th-Grader Threatened Mass School Shooting: Manatee County Sheriff
A 14-year-old student threatened a mass shooting at a Bradenton high school, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
Hurricane Likely To Form By Weekend: See Latest Forecast
Tropical Storm Gabrielle is expected to strengthen into a hurricane soon as it moves west across the Atlantic, forecasters said.
Arrest Made In Fatal Shooting Of Driver With 1-Year-Old In Car: St. Pete Police
A 20-year-old was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a man driving with a 1-year-old girl in his car, St. Petersburg police said.
Man Woke Up In Passenger Seat Of Truck In Water: Bradenton Police
A man walked into a gas station claiming to have woken up in the passenger seat of a truck in water by a boat ramp, Bradenton police said.
Motorcyclist Killed In 3-Vehicle Crash On U.S. 301: FL Highway Patrol
A motorcyclist died after being hit by two vehicles in a crash on U.S. 301, FL Highway Patrol said.
10th-Grader Brought Knife To High School: Hillsborough County Sheriff
A knife was found in the backpack of a 16-year-old boy at a Hillsborough County high school, the sheriff's office said.
FL Woman Fights Gator With Bare Hands To Save Puppy: Reports
A Tampa Bay-area woman was bitten while saving her 4-month-old puppy from the jaws of a 5-foot-long gator lurking in a creek near her home.
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Arrested On I-4, Blew Twice The Legal Limit: Tampa Police
A wrong-way driver on Interstate 4 was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, other offenses, Tampa police said.
Parents Arrested For Medical Neglect, Abuse Of 5-Year-Old Girl: Sarasota Police
The parents of a 5-year-old girl were charged with child neglect and accused of medical neglect and abuse, Sarasota police said.
Driver Tried To Run Down Deputies: Hillsborough County Sheriff
A driver faces multiple charges after he tried to run down deputies in Hillsborough County, the sheriff’s office said.
Mothers Turn In Sons Who Caused $50K In Damages At FL School Library: Watch
Two mothers identified and turned in their sons, who confessed to vandalizing a FL school’s media center, the Volusia County sheriff said.
FL College To Commission Charlie Kirk Statue For Campus After Assassination
A FL liberal arts honors college will commission a statue of assassinated conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, to display on campus.
Drunk Driver Did Burnout At Intersection ‘To Impress Girls’: Police
A driver did a burnout at a downtown Bradenton intersection "to impress girls" after nearly running over officers, pedestrians, police said.
Classroom Assistant Hit Autistic Student In Face With Lunchbox: Pinellas County Sheriff
A Pinellas County substitute classroom assistant hit a 6-year-old autistic student in the face with a lunchbox, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies Shoot Armed Man During Domestic Disturbance In Parrish: Manatee Sheriff
An armed man was shot by deputies responding to a domestic disturbance call in Parrish, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
2 Men Die After Argument Escalates Into Shootout: Sheriff
Two men died after opening fire on each other during an argument in Wimauma, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty Months After 2 Dead Dogs Found In Yard
A woman was charged with animal cruelty after her deployed brother's two dogs died in her care in Polk County, the sheriff's office said.
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