Manatee Deaths, Weather Warnings, Ex-Teacher Arrested

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:

Manatee Death Stats Make Status Change Folly: Officials

While some are lauding Thursday’s official removal of manatees from the federal endangered species list, others say recent mortality numbers don’t support the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s decision to reclassify the creatures as threatened.

License-Free Fishing Weekend Arrives In Florida

Floridians who want to spend the upcoming weekend relaxing on freshwater, casting a line, can do so without a license. The state is playing host to its semi-annual Freshwater License-Free Fishing Days on Saturday and Sunday.

Stranded Boaters Saved By Deputies, Cops

When mechanical issues left a boat and its three passengers stranded in waters about two miles west of the Anclote power plant Thursday night, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and New Port Richey Police Department swung into action.

Former Teacher, 68, Charged In Child Sex Case

A 68-year-old former teacher faces a number of criminal charges after Largo Police say he tried to meet up with a 14-year-old boy on Friday to "engage in sexual activity."

Prognosis ‘Good’ For Boy, 4, Shot In Stomach

As 4-year-old Brody Pawlus recovers from a gunshot wound to his abdomen, Pasco County Sheriff’s officials are determining what, if any, charges will be filed in the case.

Boy, 14, Injured In Jet Ski Crash

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Thursday afternoon collision involving two jet skis that resulted in a 14-year-old boy being airlifted to a local hospital.

Weather Warnings Go Up As Cold Fronts Near Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents may want to batten down the hatches to prepare for a string of cold fronts expected to move into the region. The National Weather Service anticipates the weekend will kick off on a soggy note with storms in the cards. While a brief return to sunny weather is expected Saturday and Sunday, another front is anticipated to move in and then stall over Florida early next week.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission