Hit-And-Run Zebra, World Record, Scam Alert

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:

Water Leak Scam Has Sheriff Urging Caution

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be very wary of people who may knock on their doors professing to be with the “water department.”

Escaped Zebra Causes Crash, Takes Off (Video)

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Friday afternoon crash that sent a 21-year-old Riverview man to the hospital with minor injuries. The creature that caused the fender bender isn’t likely to face charges though. After all, it’s hard to get a zebra to pay a fine even in a hit-and-run.

Deputy ‘Squashed’ Evidence In Attempted Murder Case, Sheriff Says

A 23-year-old Sarasota County deputy already facing criminal charges for allegedly helping another deputy cover up evidence in an attempted murder has been arrested again. This time, the sheriff’s office charged Carson Lee Plank with tampering with physical evidence.

Search For Pasco Woman Continues 19 Years Later

Diane Augat left her Cobblestone Drive home in Hudson on April 10, 1998. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

MOSI Aims To Break Cardboard Sculpture World Record

The folks at MOSI have set their sights on completing an out-of-this world project this summer, but they need help to get the effort off the ground. The mission to construct the biggest cardboard sculpture ever created will cost an estimated $10,000 to pull off, which is why the Tampa science museum has also kicked off a crowdfunding drive to raise the necessary cash.

Woman Found Boyfriend Dead On St. Pete Porch: Cops

As St. Petersburg Police work to unravel details in the death of a 31-year-old man whose body was found Thursday evening, detectives have released some information in the case.

Florida’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Named

Five high school students from across the state of Florida were among the 161 named U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education on Friday. The group of honorees includes students from every state in the country, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Most Drunk Drivers Think They’re OK Behind The Wheel: Survey

With Cinco de Mayo falling on a Friday this year, the revelry is likely to continue through the weekend. That’s why law enforcement agencies are teaming up for DUI Wolf Pack operations and AAA Auto Club South has announced its Tow 2 Go program will run through the weekend.

2 Injured When Tree Falls On Grandmother’s Car

A grandmother and her grandson were hospitalized Friday morning after a tree fell on the car they were riding in.

Photo courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department