Vacationing Teen Missing | New Hurricane Forecasts | Deputy Wrangled Gator By Hand: 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.

Motorcyclist Dies After Crashing Into Truck In Sarasota County: FL Troopers

A Venice motorcyclist trying to drive around traffic died after hitting the back of a truck, Florida Highway Patrol said.

St. Pete Sex Offender Guilty Of Child Exploitation Charges

A registered sex offender in Pinellas County was found guilty of multiple child exploitation-related charges, the U.S. DOJ said.

3rd Girl Dies Days After Youth Camp Sailboat Crash In South FL: Reports

A third girl died days after a crash between a barge and youth camp sailboat in Biscayne Bay that claimed the lives of two children

As Many As 5 Tropical Storms Forecast In August, Update Says

With the potential for tropical development increasing, the rest of August could see three to five named storms forming, forecasters said.

3 Injured In Pasco County Crash Brought To Hospital By Helicopter: Fire Rescue

A serious crash left three people injured and shut down a major road in Pasco County, PCFR said.

Man Stalked Multiple Women, Stood Outside Their Bedrooms: St. Pete Police

A man drove to St. Petersburg from his Manatee County home to stalk women outside their bedroom windows, police said.

Deputy Wrangles Gator From Pool With Bare Hands In North FL: Watch

Bodyworn camera footage shows a deputy using a pool skimmer and his bare hands to pull a gator from a North Florida backyard pool.

Cat Rescued From Hot Car As Heat Index Hits 102 Degrees: Watch

The cat’s owner was arrested on an animal cruelty charge, Clearwater police said.

21 People, Including 6 Children, Sick After Drinking Raw Milk In FL

Raw milk linked to the same Florida farm sickened 21 people, including six children, across the state, the FL Department of Health said.

2 Drivers Going 100 MPH In 55 MPH Zone Arrested For Street Racing In Tampa: Watch

A 19-year-old and a 21-year-old were filming themselves racing on a Tampa-area highway when they were arrested, police said.

Woman Accused Of Homicide, Arson In Sarasota County Camper Trailer Fire: Sheriff

A woman was detained in connection with an early morning camper trailer fire that left a man dead, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said.

‘Extremely Lucky’ Man Hit 389 Jackpots In One Day, Winning $1.8M: Tampa Casino

In “one of the most impressive one-day runs” ever at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, a man hit 389 jackpots in a single day.

Teen Driver Tore License Plate From Car After Fiery I-75 Crash, Hid In Chicken Coop: FL Troopers

A boy was killed in the fiery crash on I-75 and another was seriously injured, FL Highway Patrol said. The teen driver faces felony charge

Russian Man Pleaded Guilty To Submitting Fake FL Voter Registration Forms: U.S. DOJ

A Russian man pleaded guilty to submitting fake FL voter registration forms in an identity fraud scheme, U.S. Department of Justice said.

New COVID Variant With This Distinctive Symptom Driving Up Cases In FL

Data shows that the new COVID-19 variant XFG, or “Stratus,” is driving up cases across the U.S. and in Florida this summer.

Fentanyl-Filled Cigarette Box Thrown From Vehicle During Traffic Stop: Hillsborough Sheriff

Two people were arrested after throwing a fentanyl-filled cigarette box from their vehicle during a traffic stop on I-275, HCSO said.

‘Mom Help’: NC Teen Vacationing In FL Sent Brief Text Before Going Missing

An 18-year-old NC man went missing while visiting FL with family. His phone and backpack were found on the side of the road, reports said.

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