Florida’s Richest Resident, Blistering Heat, Hero Dog

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:

Blistering Heat In Tampa Bay’s Weekend Forecast

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with outdoor plans over the weekend may want to brace for steamy conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting a string of days with highs in the low 90s and heat index values at or near 100 degrees. On the upside, sunshine is more or less a part of the weekend forecast with a few thunderstorms thrown in for good measure.

Florida’s Richest Person Worth $13.4 Billion

Hungarian native Thomas Peterffy came to America “penniless” in 1965. Fast-forward to 2017, and the current Palm Beach resident is considered Florida’s wealthiest person with an amassed net worth estimated at $13.4 billion, according to Forbes.

7 Waterfront Homes Under $250,000

Tampa Bay area house hunters in the market for waterfront properties will find they don’t necessarily have to make a seven-figure investment to realize their dreams. The region has lots of waterfront options available for $250,000 or less.

Last Chance To Vote For Local Hero Dog

With time running out for voting in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, Clearwater Fire & Rescue is making a last-minute appeal on behalf of Quincy. The agency's four-legged fire investigator is a semifinalist in the national contest.

Metro Diner Sets Sarasota Opening Date

Hungry folks eager for Sarasota’s new Metro Diner to open don’t have too much longer to wait. A July 5 opening date has been announced for the eatery that bills itself as a place that “brings friends and families together for nostalgic diner favorites.”

Stray Kitten Steals Cops' Hearts

A plucky little kitten found all alone on a Lakeland street corner over the weekend has a new home thanks to her ability to steal hearts. While stealing from police officers generally isn’t advised, the two Lakeland cops who managed to get wrapped around the critter’s tiny paw don’t seem to mind.

Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Police Department