Florida's Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From a Westchase crime spree to free admission at national parks, check out the stories Florida Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of April 17

New Body Armor Hits St. Pete Streets

Thanks in part to a donation from slain police Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz's widow, cops in St. Petersburg now have a new defensive tool to use in the war on crime. The agency rolled out its new custom body armor on April 18. Lorraine Yaslowitz-Marino donated 40 sets of the "stronger-but-lighter plates to the department’s SWAT team," the police department reported.

Westchase Crime Spree: Can You ID The Suspects?

As Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies investigate an auto burglary and theft spree that occurred April 17 in Westchase, they're turning to residents for help identifying the juvenile males believed to be responsible. According to the agency, as many as five boys drove into the community in the early morning hours of April 17 and proceeded to break into vehicles. The individuals are also accused of stealing two cars.

Free Admission at National Parks Next Weekend

America's national parks unlock the gates next weekend with free admission to some of the country's most unique natural treasures. This family-friendly freebie is in honor of National Park Week. Billed as America's largest celebration of national heritage, the entire family can enjoy any national park free of charge on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23.

University Mall Dillard’s Getting New Digs

Folks who love taking advantage of the discounts at the Dillar'’s Clearance Center at University Mall will soon find the store in brand new digs. RD Management has announced that Dillard's is taking up residence in the mall's former Macy's location. The new Dillard's location is expected to open to shoppers on or around May 1, according to RD management officials. As for the location Dillard's is moving out of, RD Management officials say it shouldn't remain vacant long.

129 Tampa Bay Area Runners Finish Boston Marathon

As thousands of runners from across the country and globe converged on Massachusetts on April 17 for the 2017 Boston Marathon, more than 100 Tampa Bay-area athletes counted themselves among the participants. Although none of Tampa Bay's runners were at the head of the pack, many did well in their divisions; for example, St. Petersburg's Albert Wieringa, 70, was first in his division with an official finish time of 3:29:38.

Photo credit: St. Petersburg Police Department