1st Black Mayor, Biting Back At Tiger King, Puppy Probe: FL News

FLORIDA — Illegal puppy trafficking has become as big a concern in Florida as drug trafficking as rare breeds sell for thousands of dollars. In the meantime, the Florida GOP is continuing to fight coronavirus vaccine mandates as Florida becomes the 19th state to sue the Biden administration.

Read these stories and more on this week's Florida Patch sites.

• Ken Welch Makes History As City's First Black Mayor
• DeSantis Lawsuit Against Biden Vaccine Mandates Filed Friday
• Sen. Joe Gruters’ Proposed Bill Removes FL Health Department’s Power To Mandate Vaccines
• Dog Trafficking Case Investigated, Puppy Recovered Months After Petland Theft: Sheriff
• Eight Pounds Of Cocaine, Seven Guns, 127 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Drug Bust: Police
• Swoop Launches New Service At St. Pete-Clearwater Int’l Airport
• After Field Trip To ‘Gay Bar,’ School Board Officials, Restaurant Staff Threatened: Report
• Sheriff Investigating Foster Care Agency Eckerd Connects For Abusing, Neglecting Kids
• Carole Baskin Files Restraining Order To Prevent Airing Of 'Tiger King' Season 2
• Discovery Channel Tells Big Cat Advocate's Side Of Story In 'Carole Baskin's Cage Fight'
• North Port Police Chief Defends Brian Laundrie Investigation, Officers: Report
• Sarasota County Sheriff Says Brian Laundrie Likely Took His Own Life: Report
• Attorney Says, FBI Has Info Needed For Investigation Of Brian Laundrie’s Death: Report
• Primary Foster Care Provider Pulls Out Of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco Counties
• Hillsborough County Commissioners At Odds Over Continued COVID-19 Mandates
• Miami Beach Bars, Clubs Could Close Earlier After Voters Support 2 A.M. Booze Ban
• Conservative YouTube Alternative Rumble To Open U.S. Headquarters In Longboat Key
• Miami, Tampa, Orlando Restaurants Can Now Earn Michelin Stars Through Visit FL Partnership