Red Tide Off Coast + School Threat + Online Romance Scam: 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.

Death Investigation Underway After 2 Shootings: Bradenton Police

A 43-year-old woman returning home from the grocery store was killed in one of a pair of shootings in Bradenton Tuesday night, police said.

Fatal Shooting Arrest Made, 1 Suspect Still Sought

One arrest was made in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old, while detectives are searching for a second suspect, St. Pete police said.

13-Year-Old Threatened Other Students: Sheriff

The teen, who is on out-of-school suspension, made social media threats against other students, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office said.

FL Book Bans Leads U.S. For Second Year In A Row: PEN America

There were more than 4,500 book bans in Florida during the 2023-24 school year, more than any other state, a new PEN America report shows.

Man Shot To Death Outside FL Community Center: Hillsborough Sheriff

A man was found fatally shot outside a Hillsborough County community center Sunday night, the sheriff’s office said.

President-Elect Trump Chooses FL Officials For Administration

• Trump Taps FL Republicans Rubio, Waltz For Key Foreign Policy Roles
• Trump Picks FL's Matt Gaetz As Attorney General

Manatee County’s Oldest Home Has $2.15M Asking Price: Realtor

The Bartholomew Fogarty House, built by one of Bradenton’s founders from reclaimed ship parts, is for sale for $2.15M, the realtor said.

$50K In Silver Coins, Bars Stolen In Burglary: Sheriff

A 10-time convicted felon was arrested for stealing more than $50K in silver coins and bars, and guns from 2 Hillsborough County homes.

Red Tide Detected In West Coast FL Waters After Hurricanes

• Red Tide Reported In Manatee County Waters: FL Dept. Of Health
• Red Tide Reported At Sarasota County Beaches: FL Dept. Of Health

‘Stolen? It’s A Rental Bro’: FL Man Driving Stolen Rental Car Arrested

A man who failed to return his friend’s rental car was arrested in Tampa and charged with grand theft, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

Teen Motorcyclist Killed In University Park Crash: FL Highway Patrol

An 18-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a truck at the intersection of University Parkway and N. Cattlemen Road, FHP said.

Armed Burglar Fatally Shot Breaking Into FL Home: Sheriff

An armed burglary suspect was shot and killed after breaking into a Ruskin home early Sunday morning, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

FEMA Employee Told Relief Workers To Avoid Pro-Trump Homes In FL

After Hurricane Milton, a FEMA supervisor told relief workers in a FL community to avoid homes with pro-Trump yard signs, officials said.

Armed Man Critically Injured In Deputy-Involved Shooting In FL: Police

Three deputies shot a St. Petersburg man who threatened his domestic partner and her two teenage children with a gun Friday, police said.

Planned Street Takeovers Broken Up In Tampa: FL Highway Patrol

4 drivers and 6 passengers were arrested when several planned street takeovers were broken up in the Tampa area overnight Friday, FHP said.

Tampa Bay Rays To Play 2025 Season At Yankees Spring Training Facility

After Hurricane Milton destroyed Tropicana Field's roof, the Rays will play the 2025 season at the NY Yankees 11K-seat training site.

Boy, 9, On Bike Killed In St. Pete SUV Crash: Reports

A 9-year-old boy riding his bicycle was hit and killed by an SUV in St. Petersburg’s Meadowlawn neighborhood Sunday evening, reports said.

FL Widower Lost $100K In Internet Romance Scam: Bradenton Police

A MN man was charged with grand theft after targeting a Bradenton widower in an internet romance scam and stealing $100K, police said.