Remembering Jose Fernandez, Commute Times Across Region, Car Crashes Into Home

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Jose Fernandez Remembered As ‘Special’ Ballplayer By High School Coach

Alonso High School baseball coach Landy Faedo remembered the first time he saw Jose Fernandez, a young man full of energy whose passion and love was playing baseball. “When I first met him the first day of trials, he was very focused, very determined and he worked hard,” Faedo said.

An All-Star pitcher for the Florida Marlins, Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boating crash off Miami Beach on Sunday, Sept. 25. >>> Read more.

How Does Tampa Area Commute Compare to Rest of Florida?

Commuters in the Tampa region are seeking trips to work on par with the state average, according to new data released in a U.S. Census survey. Sarasota and Bradenton commuters are doing a little better than others in Florida, but they have seen a sharp spike over recent years. >>> Read more.

Car Crashes Into House, Injuring Elderly Woman

Pinellas Park police are investigating what caused a woman to drive her car into the front of a home on Monday. An elderly woman was sitting in the home on the other side of the wall. She was transported to the hospital with a serious leg injury. >>> Read more.

Man Charged After Crashing His Jeep Into the Bay, Leaving the Car Underwater

A 21-year-old St. Petersburg man is facing multiple charges after he left his Jeep Liberty at the bottom of the South Pasadena marina, after crashing into the water while texting.

How Florida Ranks Nationwide Among 'Best States For Teachers'

WalletHub measured all 50 states and D.C. against 16 criteria including job competition, salary, school safety, work environment and more.

Tampa Bay Workweek Weather: Hot to Start with a Chance for Hail

The Tampa Bay area is in for another few days of summerlike conditions with highs near 90 and afternoon thunderstorms likely. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected to come into the picture as the week progresses.

$150K Marijuana Operation Found in Garage, Guest Room: Hillsborough Deputies

A man is facing marijuana trafficking and other charges after a large grow operation was found in his garage and guest bedroom, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Investigators reportedly found the rooms "had been converted for the sole purpose of cultivating marijuana," according to the HCSO.

Sarasota Man Arrested For Child Abuse After 3-Year-Old Brought Into ER

A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after he brought a 3-year-old girl into the emergency room with severe injuries.

Photo by Pinellas Park Police Department