Drowning Deaths, Zimmerman's Gun, Gator Attack

A Lakeland man lost a portion of his arm during a Wednesday night alligator attack. Photo of a different alligator courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation Commission.

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Eastern Conference Final Schedule Released By NHL

Hockey fans hoping for a repeat Eastern Conference Championship title for the Tampa Bay Lightning have a few dates to jot down. The NHL released the schedule for the finals on Thursday.

Gator Bites Off Arm Of Man Hiding From Cops

A 21-year-old man trying to avoid Lakeland Police Wednesday night lost part of his left arm in an alligator attack.

2 Pasco Moms Charged In Drowning Deaths

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of two mothers on charges related to separate drownings last month. Both cases involved 2-year-old boys who died after leaving their homes unattended. The mothers, the sheriff's office says, face child neglect charges.

South Tampa Jogger Attacked

As Tampa Police Officers continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with a Tuesday attack on a female jogger near Burns Park, the agency is warning others to be cautious.

Gun Used In Trayvon Martin Shooting Pulled From Auction

The former Florida neighborhood watch captain who shot and killed an unarmed teenager in 2012 was looking to cash in on the weapon used that fateful night. His plans, however, may have been dashed.

Listeria Warning: Frozen Meat, Chicken With Vegetables Recalled

The Listeria recall has expanded to 47 million pounds of meat and poultry products with vegetables sold in Florida and across the nation.

Sheriff: Dunedin Officials Didn’t Violate Sunshine Law

The investigation into alleged illegal actions by two Dunedin city officials has ended with no charges filed in the case.

MOSI Set To Host 2016 Hurricane Expo

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is right around the corner, and the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Museum of Science and Industry want to make sure Tampa Bay is ready.