‘Killing Spree’ Threat, Florida Wildfires, Rattlesnake Scare

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 day:

Man’s Online Romance With Teen Ends In Arrest: Sheriff

A 37-year-old Lake Worth man faces criminal charges after Sarasota County deputies say he struck up a relationship with a 16-year-old girl from North Carolina over the internet. The man is also accused of tracking the girl’s movements electronically while she was vacationing in Venice and making an attempt to meet her in person.

Florida On Fire: More Counties Issue Burn Bans

Nearly 29,500 acres of land across the Sunshine State were burning due to active wildfires on Monday morning, according to the Florida Forest Service. With 31 of those fires spanning more than 100 acres each, Florida remained under a declared state of emergency.

Man In Medical Distress Rescued From Sailboat

A 33-year-old Clearwater man was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and Levy County emergency crews after he went into medical distress while onboard a sailboat near Yankeetown, officials say. The man and his friend are being lauded for filing a float plan before their Saturday departure from Clearwater Harbor Marina.

Rattlesnake Checks Out Polk County Firefighters In Action (Video)

Polk County firefighters aren’t rattlesnake whisperers, but it seems the reptiles in the area don’t know that. For the second time in recent weeks, one of the critters slithered up to watch crews in action. Firefighters managed to capture some video of their scaly groupie before it moved along.

Advisories Go Up For Tampa Bay Area Waters

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors are being warned to exercise caution on local waters as a cold front moves through the region. While the front is expected to bring temperatures down a bit from recent days, its effects aren’t expected to stick around for long.

Baby Left In 123-Degree Car Seat As Mom Paid Fine: Cops

An off-duty Plant City Police officer is getting the credit for saving a baby girl from a sweltering hot car on Friday. The baby was allegedly left in the vehicle parked outside the Twiggs Street Hillsborough County Courthouse so her mother could run inside to pay a fine.

Stolen Wi-Fi Used To Threaten 'Killing Spree,' Sheriff Says

When New Port Richey residents called the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday about a “man down” on Loy Street, chances are they didn’t know they’d put deputies hot on the trail of a person wanted into connection with a string of online threats levied against the agency and its law enforcement officers.

Golf Course Home Serves As Private Retreat

Tampa Bay area house hunters who don’t mind a bit of a commute may find this home in Dade City’s Lake Jovita worth the scenic drive through gently rolling hills. The Arthur Rutenberg home was built with sophisticated style in mind, featuring Corinthian columns and an arched entry. Spanning more than 3,400 square feet, the home boasts an antique bone gourmet kitchen, open floor plan and a breakfast nook that overlooks one of the resort community’s two championship golf courses.

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