Sports Authority Closing, Sesame Street Parade, Severe Storms

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

All Sports Authority Tampa Bay Stores May Close

Tampa Bay area residents who shop at Sports Authority stores throughout the region may soon need to find a new retailer for their gear. The Sports Authority has reportedly ended its plan to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, meaning its assets will be sold off to cover an estimated $1.1 billion in debt.

30 Handguns, Sniper Rifle Taken By Armed Burglars

The Pasco County Sheriff’s office is investigating an armed business burglary that resulted in three people swiping a large stockpile of weapons.

Tampa Bay Workweek Forecast: Severe Storms Possible

Tampa Bay area residents will want to keep an eye on the weather as the workweek continues. A strong cold front is expected to move into the region mid-week, bringing with it the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. Cooler temperatures are also in the cards, which may be a relief for some.

Sesame Street Characters On Parade At Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay area parents with little Sesame Street fans on their hands might want to put a stop at Busch Gardens on their agendas this month. The theme park has announced three upcoming special events featuring Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and other favorites from the popular children’s show.

Spat Between Florida, California Governors Continues

As Florida Gov. Rick Scott's mission to entice California businesses to pull up stakes and move to the Sunshine State continues, Gov. Jerry Brown isn’t letting recent slams go unanswered.

Oxford Exchange Named Among America’s Best Places For Brunch

Tampa Bay area residents looking for a place to enjoy Mother’s Day brunch might want to consider a Kennedy Boulevard favorite. The Oxford Exchange was recently named to OpenTable's Top 100 list of Best Brunch Restaurants in America for 2016.

Pasco Schools Looking For Topnotch Teachers

Job seekers looking for teaching positions in the Tampa Bay area may want to attend one of two upcoming fairs scheduled by Pasco County Schools. The district has announced plans to stage the fairs to hire “the best teachers available” for open slots at six “high-needs schools.”

Kiddie Porn Charges For Children’s Place Employee

A 24-year-old Pinellas Park man faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography after sheriff’s deputies say they uncovered the evidence on his computer.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens