Naked Man Chokes Child | Red Tide | Explosive Washed Ashore: 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.

'Everyone Was Caught Off Guard': FL Woman Organizes Boat Rescues

Jenn Greacen of Seminole created the Facebook group, “Need Rescue Pinellas - Helene,” to help organize those who could rescue residents.

Girl, 13, Brought Taser To Tampa-Area School: Sheriff

A 13-year-old girl at Beth Shields Middle School was arrested for bringing a Taser to campus, the sheriff said

Elderly Couple Rescued From Siesta Key Home During Helene: Police

Watch Sarasota police rescue an elderly couple running out of oxygen from their Siesta Key home during Hurricane Helene.

Man Crossing Street Dies After Being Hit By Van: FL Highway Patrol

A man who didn’t obey a pedestrian walk signal was hit and killed by a van Friday morning, FL Highway Patrol said.

Pinellas Deputy Hurt In Pasco Crash With Tanker Truck: FL Troopers

An on-duty Pinellas County deputy was seriously injured in a crash with a tanker truck in Pasco County, FL Highway Patrol said.

School Bus Driver Ran Through Red Light, Hit Car: FL Highway Patrol

A Hillsborough County Schools bus driver hit a car after driving through a red light in the Tampa area, FL Highway Patrol said.

Pinellas Hurricane Death Toll Increases To 12, Victims' Names Released

The Pinellas County death toll in Hurricane Helene has increased to 12. Most victims appeared to have drowned in their homes, PCSO said.

Man Who Applied To HCSO Had Relationship With 14-Year-Old: FL Sheriff

A 19-year-old who applied to work for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old, HCSO said.

Red Tide Found In Pinellas County Waters: County Officials

Pinellas County officials are monitoring concentrations of red tide from St. Pete Beach to Dunedin.

Driver Shot At Car On I-4: Florida Highway Patrol

A Lakeland man said another driver fired a shot at his car Monday morning on Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County, FL Highway Patrol said.

Explosive Device Washed Up In Hurricane Helene Storm Surge: FL Sheriff

An explosive used in commercial blasting was washed up in front of a Sarasota County home by Hurricane Helene storm surge, SCSO said.

100 People Rescued From Hotel In Manatee County: Watch

About 100 people were rescued from a Ramada Inn in Sarasota Thursday night as Hurricane Helene moved toward Florida, Manatee sheriff said.

54 Billionaires From FL Among Richest Americans: New Forbes List

Some of the wealthiest people in Florida work in various industries such as food distribution, frozen foods and chewing gum.

How To Help Tampa Area Residents Affected By Hurricane Helene

Also, see a county-by-county guide of where to find assistance if you were a resident affected by Hurricane Helene.

Naked FL Man Put Child In Chokehold, Stabbed 81-Year-Old: Sheriff

A naked man put a 7-year-old girl in a chokehold in Tampa before stabbing an 81-year-old man at a nearby home, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

Man Killed While Changing Tire On Interstate 75: FL Highway Patrol

A North Port man was hit and killed by a car while changing a tire on the side of Interstate 75 Monday morning, FL Highway Patrol said.

FL Republican Candidate Threatened To Kill Opponent: Prosecutor

William Braddock, a former FL House of Representatives GOP candidate, is accused of threatening to kill an opponent in 2021, officials said.

2 Teens Threatened Tampa School, Teacher: Hillsborough County Sheriff

Two teenage boys made threats against King High School and a teacher there, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Animals Relocated During Hurricane Recovery

2 manatees and sea turtles in rehabilitation were temporarily relocated while the Clearwater Marine Aquarium recovers from Hurricane Helene.