🌱 Cleveland PD Find Body At Euclid Beach Park + Illegal Gun Sales

Hello all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Cleveland Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cooler. High: 43 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Cleveland today:

1. On Saturday, Feb. 18, Cleveland Metroparks Police and firefighters pulled a body from Lake Erie after it was spotted in the water off Euclid Beach Park. The investigation is ongoing and many park-goers are on edge after the discovery. Police have not released the identity or any other information about the victim. (Cleveland 19 News)
2. Gun violence is rising along with illegal gun sales, particularly in Cleveland. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) released a new report that shows a large increase in "straw purchases," which is when people legally buy guns and then sell them to those who are barred from owning them. ATF Director Steve Dettelbach said, "We have significant efforts going on here in Cleveland, significant investigations, and there will be additional efforts because this report tells us it’s a significant problem." (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
3. On Saturday, Feb. 25, author, storyteller, and cultural geographer Carolyn Finney will speak at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Finney will discuss identity, race, environment, and her 2014 book “Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationships of African Americans to the Great Outdoors.” Tickets can be purchased in advance here for $20. There is a limited number of free tickets available to Access-level members and through Museums for All; email education@holdenfg.org to inquire about free tickets. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)

Today in Cleveland:

• BrewDog Beachland BINGO At Beachland Tavern (6:30 PM)
• Make Em Laugh Monday At Cleveland Theater (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Alan G. Pearlman, a Cleveland Heights landlord, was fined $3,000 due to tenants living without central heating in their apartment building for at least a month. One of the tenants said her apartment was currently 46 degrees when testifying on Dec. 5. (Subscription: Cleveland.com)
• Plan a special evening with Orchids Forever at the Cleveland Botanical Garden! Grab a cocktail, beer, or wine from the cafe, and enjoy the exhibit during evening hours only on Saturdays. (Cleveland Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• On the hunt for a new home and want to get a better feel for what's available near you? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Cleveland area, including a large four-bedroom house on Abbey Court for $384,900! (Cleveland Patch)

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Featured events:

• History on Tap | A Celebration of Black Culture (February 23)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.