Gun Range Shooting Death, Katy Perry, Arson At Mosque

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

Tampa Mosque Arson: Video Released

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Monday released surveillance video shot during an April arson fire at a mosque in the New Tampa area. Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the man in the video to contact them right away.

Katy Perry Announces Tampa Tour Stop

Katy Perry fans who want to hear the singer live will get their chance soon. Perry has announced that her upcoming Witness tour is making a Tampa stop on Dec. 15. Fans who buy tickets will also receive a pre-order of “Witness," the album, which is set to release on June 9.

Rescuers Save Horse Trapped In Mud (Video)

A 25-year-old Plant City horse is back on solid ground thanks to a team that assembled to save her after she managed to get herself trapped in thick mud Monday night.

Florida Fire Dog Advances In National Contest

Clearwater Fire & Rescue’s four-legged arson investigator has a nose for sniffing out trouble. He also seems to have a knack for winning over hearts and votes as evidenced by his recent advance into the American Humane Hero Dog Awards’ semifinal round.

Man, 19, Dead After Shooting Himself At Gun Range: Cops

The Pinellas Park Police Department has announced the death of a 19-year-old man who suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Shoot Straight shooting range on Ulmerton Road Wednesday night.

Man, 83, Joins Newsome High Class Of 2017

Marty Sullivan was young, adventurous and didn’t like school very much. Bound, set and determined to find something – anything – better to do, he and two buddies walked into a Marine recruiter’s office in Boston hoping to join up and see some action in Korea.

Thin Blue Line Act Clears U.S. House

Prosecutors across the country may soon have an easier time seeking the death penalty for convicted cop killers in federal cases. The Thin Blue Line Act, sponsored by Florida’s U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, cleared the House on Thursday by a vote of 271 to 143. The bill must now make it through the Senate before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.

Florida Unemployment Rate Hits Near 10-Year Low

Florida’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent during April 2017, the lowest it’s been in since September 2007. Gov. Rick Scott announced the figures Friday along with the jobs report for the Tampa Bay area.

David Gee, Hillsborough County Sheriff, Announces Retirement

There’s about to be a new sheriff in town. After nearly 13 years in the post, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee’s plans to retire later this year surfaced on Friday.

McDonald’s Hiring 1,000 Workers In Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay area residents in search of part- or full-time employment opportunities may want to check out their local McDonald’s. The fast-food chain has announced the kick off of a statewide hiring spree meant to add 5,000 people to its employee roster over the next month. About 1,000 of those jobs are in the Tampa Bay area, officials say.

Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue