Woman’s Remains Found | Car Drives Into Bar | Principal’s DUI: 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.

Construction Equipment Driver Falls To Death At Airport

A construction equipment operator died while working on a shuttle renovation project at Tampa International Airport, officials said.

Judge Shuts Down FL's 'Stop WOKE Act' Workplace Provisions

Parts of the "Stop WOKE Act," enacted in July 2022, violates free speech in Florida, a federal judge recently ruled.

Man’s Body Pulled From Manatee River

The man went into the Manatee River Wednesday afternoon, hours before his body was found, Bradenton police said.

Car Drives Into Hotel Tiki Bar, Injures 2

The car’s driver lost control, drove into the tiki bar at a Sarasota hotel and hit 2 people at an outdoor tiki bar, FL Highway Patrol said.

Tampa Fire Destroys First Fresh Kitchen Location

The owners of Fresh Kitchen, a Florida-based healthy food chain, promised to rebuild the South Howard restaurant lost to a fire Monday.

Man Set Fire That Killed 4 People, 3 Dogs: Sheriff

The suspect lived in the Plant City home that he set on fire, killing 4 people and 3 dogs, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

2 Teens Among 3 People Arrested In Shooting: Police

A 14-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder in a shooting that injured another teen, Sarasota police said.

New Rays Stadium Gets Final Approval From Pinellas Commission

Pinellas County will provide about $312.5M in bed tax revenue to the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment in St. Pete, reports said.

Execution Set For Convicted Rapist, Murderer At FL Prison

A 57-year-old Florida man, convicted of sexual battery and murder in Marion County, was reportedly sentenced to death by lethal injection.

3 Arrested, 2 Wanted In Rapper’s Gang-Related Murder

Rapper Julio Foolio was fatally shot outside a Tampa hotel in June as part of an ongoing feud between Jacksonville gangs, police said.

Teen Brother Of Airman Fatally Shot By FL Deputy Killed In Shooting

The slain teen is the brother of slain airman Roger Fortson, who was shot six times by an Okaloosa County deputy, reports say.

Human Remains Found At Home Connected To Missing Woman

After a fire at a home connected to the family of a St. Pete woman missing for two weeks, human remains were found inside, police said.

Principal Faces DUI Charge After Leading Deputies On Chase

The principal of Town and Country Elementary School was charged with a DUI after nearly sideswiping a deputy, Hillsborough sheriff said.

School Staffer Suspended After Trans Daughter Plays On Girls' Team

A school specialist was suspended amid claims she violated a Florida law by letting her trans daughter play on a girls' volleyball team.

Worker Dies After Electrocution At Work Site

A second worker was also electrocuted at the Tampa work site and hospitalized with injuries, reports said.

Sarasota Swimmer Emma Weyant Wins Bronze At Paris Summer Olympics

University of FL swimmer Emma Weyant, who is from Sarasota, won a bronze medal at the Paris Summer Olympics.

Measles Cases On The Rise Across The US: What To Know In Florida

Many Florida parents are scrambling to make sure their children are properly vaccinated before the start of the new school year.

'I'll Kill You Easily,' Man Told Former Employer: U.S. DOJ

The Bradenton man extorted and threatened to kill a former employer and his wife after being fired, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

1 Killed In Fiery DUI Crash In Pasco County

A man was arrested, charged with driving under the influence manslaughter in an early Sunday wrong-way crash, FL Highway Patrol said.

Two Shot At Bradenton Bar: Police

Officers are investigating an early Thursday morning double shooting at a Bradenton bar,, police said.

FL Man Accused Of Lassoing 9-Foot Gator, Tying It To A Rail: Reports

Reports say after the Florida man tied the alligator to a handrail, he notified authorities as a joke. The man was arrested.

14-Year-Old Charged With Murder In Lealman Shooting: Pinellas Sheriff

The teen told detectives that he shot his victim, a 39-year-old woman, at random, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.