School Staff Face Sex Charges | Gator Visits Ice Cream Shop | 100 MPH Crash: 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.

Substitute Teacher Showed Sexual Content To Students: Sheriff

A substitute teacher was arrested after showing sexual content on her phone to two students, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

School Bus Driver Charged With 20 Counts Of Child Porn Possession

A Pinellas County Schools' bus driver was arrested and charged with 20 counts of child porn possession, the sheriff's office said.

Gator Surprises Worker At Downtown Ice Cream Shop

A 4-foot-long gator, likely from a nearby lake, surprised an employee at a downtown New Port Richey ice cream shop, the owner said.

3 Injured After Car Speeding At 100MPH Crashes On I-75: FL Highway Patrol

Three people were seriously injured when a car lost control while speeding at 100 mph on Interstate 75, the FL Highway Patrol said.

Man Gets 8 Life Sentences For Rape, Kidnapping Charges

A man found guilty of raping and kidnapping two Sarasota women in one night was sentenced to 8 consecutive life sentences, officials said.

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Deputies Searching For Boater Missing In Pasco County: Sheriff

A missing boater was last seen separated from his vessel about 40 miles off shore of the Holiday area, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office said.

299 Grams Of Cocaine Seized In Undercover Drug Operation In Sarasota, Bradenton: Sheriff

One person was arrested and charged with drug trafficking in a joint undercover operation in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Forecasters Eyeing Activity In The Atlantic, Tropical Depression Possible

Forecasters are eying four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin as Gulf waters hit 90 degrees in some areas, AccuWeather said.

Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Shooting: Tampa Police

A man was charged with murder after an argument escalated to a fatal shooting in Tampa earlier this month, police said.

FL Allows Black Bear Hunting For First Time In 10 Years

See where you are allowed to hunt black bears in Florida for the first time in 10 years, and how to apply for a permit.

3 Arrested In Shooting Of FSU Linebacker

Authorities say three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Florida State University football player Ethan Pritchard.

Man Hit, Killed While Crossing Road In Pasco County: FL Highway Patrol

A Pasco County man was hit by an SUV while crossing a road and later died from his injuries, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

First FL Sales Tax Holiday On Guns, Ammunition Under Way

For the first time, Florida is offering a sales tax holiday on guns and ammunition, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Truck Overturns, Catches Fire In I-275 Crash: FL Highway Patrol

A truck lost control and overturned on I-275 in Pinellas County, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Artists, Activists Respond To Removal Of Street Murals By FDOT Crews

LGBTQ+ rainbow and Black History Matters murals were removed by FL Dept. of Transportation crews, drawing the ire of activists and artists.

Driver Shot, Killed With Toddler In Car: St. Pete Police

A driver who was shot and killed in St. Pete had an 18-month-old girl in his car at the time of the shooting, police said.

Man Charged With Murder After Argument Leads To Fatal Stabbing

A man was charged with murder for fatally stabbing another man during an argument, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Armed Burglary Suspect Arrested In NY After Months On The Run

A Sarasota-area fugitive wanted on armed robbery charges was arrested in upstate NY after seven months on the run, sheriff's office said.

Sarasota Church To Paint Rainbow Crosswalk On Campus

An LGBTQ-inclusive evangelical church in Sarasota is seeking volunteers to paint a rainbow crosswalk at its campus after Sunday services.

Deputy Fatally Shot Armed Suspect During Standoff

An armed suspect was shot and killed by deputies during a three-hour standoff in Bradenton, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

17-Year-Old Killed, 5 Others Injured In Tampa Shooting: Police

A 17-year-old boy was killed in an overnight shooting in Tampa that left five others injured, police said.