Gator Takes A Dip, Psychic Arrested, Slow Getaway

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the more unusual, wacky, wonderful or just plain weird stories that have had people talking over the past few weeks:

Graduates’ Stolen Cash Found During Crash Investigation

An 18-year-old Land O’ Lakes man faces multiple criminal charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say a hit-and-run crash investigation led to discovery of stolen cash meant for two recent graduates.

Trauma Therapist Terrorized 2 Kids, Mom: Deputies

A 42-year-old Mulberry woman faces criminal charges after Polk County deputies say a therapy session she conducted at a Frostproof family's home took several bizarre turns in April. Those turns ultimately led to the a mother barricading herself and her two children behind a locked door while she called 911 for help. Jessica Lazzara’s arrest was announced by the agency on Tuesday, May 30.

Gator Takes Memorial Day Dip In Backyard Pool

Humans weren’t the only ones seeking an escape from the heat in the Tampa Bay area over the Memorial Day weekend. A family in Sarasota County found that out the hard way when they went outside Monday morning to find a reptilian invader in their backyard pool.

Watch: Thief Makes Riding Lawn Mower Getaway

Clearwater Police officers are no strangers to fielding grand theft auto calls. It’s not every day, however, they find themselves hot on the trail of a suspect in a grand theft riding lawn mower case. That is especially so when the suspect is accused of using the mower to make a brazen, broad daylight escape.

Psychic Bilked Veteran, Widow Out Of $155K: Deputies

A lengthy investigation into a Tarpon Springs psychic’s alleged criminal activities ended with the 31-year-old woman’s arrest. Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say Gina Wilson bilked the two victims who have been identified so far out of a combined $155,353.

Craigslist Trap Snares Accused Thieves

Two South Florida men face grand theft charges after Sarasota County deputies say a victim laid a trap on Craigslist to catch them red handed with the stolen goods. The items in question belong to Apex Tree and Landscape in Sarasota and happen to have a value of about $53,000, authorities said.