Offshore Drilling, Cold Front Could Bring Rain, Country Estate

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:

2 Cold Fronts May Bring Change In Tampa Bay’s Weather

Tampa Bay area residents eagerly awaiting the return of rain may not have much longer to wait. According to the National Weather Service, two cold fronts set to converge on the region may offer some relief from dry conditions while cooling things down just a bit, as well.

Gandy Boulevard Detours Announced

Motorists who use Gandy Boulevard in their commutes will want to prepare for a few detours over the next few days. The Florida Department of Transportation announced on Monday the contractor responsible for the Gandy Boulevard Project has work planned that will demand some rerouting of traffic.

Florida On Fire: Blaze Locations, Burn Ban Counties

While strong chances for rain return to the Tampa Bay area’s forecast as the workweek continues, wildfires remain a problem across the region and the state. As of Monday, the Florida Forest Service reported 100 active wildfires burning on lands under its jurisdiction. That tally didn’t include two fires burning on 118,114 acres of federal land within the Sunshine State.

Extension For Florida's Offshore Drilling Ban Sought By Lawmakers

Oil companies seeking new offshore reserves will have to look in places other than Florida if U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Debbie Wasserman Schultz get their way. The lawmakers teamed up Monday to introduce the Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act, which, if approved, would ban oil drilling off of much of Florida’s Gulf coast until 2027.

Tow 2 Go Revs Up For Cinco De Mayo 2017

Tampa Bay area residents with big party plans over the upcoming Cinco de Mayo weekend will find that AAA tow truck drivers are revving up to help keep local roads safe. Since the celebration takes place on a Friday this year, the auto club has announced its Tow 2 Go program will be up and running throughout the weekend to help those too impaired to drive make it home safely.

‘Handyman‘ Scammed Elderly Victims: Deputies

A 19-year-old “handyman” from Clearwater is in hot water after Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say he took money from three elderly residents to perform work around their homes, but never followed through on the jobs. Justin Kyle Crist was charged in three separate cases, but the sheriff's office says it is possible there are more victims.

Country Estate Sits On 8 Manicured Acres

Tampa Bay area house hunters with a passion for the country may find this Lakeland home hard to pass by. Situated on eight manicured acres, the home spans more than 5,000 square feet. Complete with its own “romantic sitting area” around a fireplace, gourmet kitchen and extra-large master suite, upgrades are found throughout the home's interior. The property also boasts its own stocked fishing pond, over-sized pool area and multiple garages.

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