Community Corner

Top FL News: Disney Vs. DeSantis, Impaled Gator, Cannabis Wedding Food

Top FL news includes Disney vs. DeSantis, cannabis wedding food, gator stuck under car, Dollar General manager is fired over a viral video.

The Florida Legislature this week revoked Disney World's special district status, which gave the Magic Kingdom the right to self-govern. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on Friday.
The Florida Legislature this week revoked Disney World's special district status, which gave the Magic Kingdom the right to self-govern. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on Friday. (Courtesy of Disney World)

FLORIDA — Top news stories this week in Florida included the GOP-majority legislature stripping Disney's special tax district status in what critics see as retaliation for the company's opposition to the parental notification law dubbed "Don't Say Gay"; a South Florida man is accused of spraying law enforcement officers with chemical irritant during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach; a driver unknowingly hit a gator that then become stuck under the vehicle; and several stores are limiting how much baby formula customers can buy.

Plus, a Sarasota man is about to make his third trip to Ukraine to drive refugees to Poland; a Tampa manager at Dollar General was fired over her TikTok video criticizing working condition; wedding guests got high when, unknown to them, they were served cannabis-laced foods; a "Coexist" flag was deemed political and ordered from a classroom; and more in our roundup of top news stories from Florida's Patch sites this week.

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Here are some of this week's top news headlines:

Dollar General Manager In Tampa Fired After Viral TikTok Videos

A top-performing Dollar General manager in Tampa said she recently lost her job after exposing the challenging work conditions she and many colleagues have to deal with daily.

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Man Sprayed Officers With Chemicals During U.S. Capitol Breach: DOJ

A South Florida man faces multiple charges after being accused of spraying law enforcement officers with chemical irritant during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Eliminating Disney Special District

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Friday that now starts the process of wiping out Disney's 55-year-old government structure, the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The measure comes after Disney strongly criticized Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law.

Tourist Hits Gator, Drives Miles With It Attached To SUV: Report

A driver ran over a gator in Collier County and continued driving, not even realizing that he hit the reptile, or that it was impaled and stuck under the vehicle.

Ukraine War Refugees To Reach Safety With Help From Sarasota Man

Andrew Roman of Sarasota, whose family is from Ukraine, knew he needed to assist the war-torn country in some way. He's returning to Ukraine May 4 for a third time to continue driving refugees to safety. He's also launched a nonprofit, Ukrainian Peace, with his mother.

Caterer, Bride Laced Wedding Food With Marijuana: Deputies

Some guests who attended a recent Florida wedding said they became"stoned" and "high" after eating dinner at the reception. Now a Florida bride and caterer have been arrested, accused of serving a cannabis-laced meal to about 50 guests without their knowledge.

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