Hero Dog, Tenacious Nurse Shark, Stormy Weather

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

Nurse Shark Bit Woman, Wouldn’t Let Go

Nurse sharks may not be known for ferocity, but a little 2-footer found off the coast of Boca Raton Sunday demonstrated the species can most certainly be tenacious.

Gator Busted Chomping On Stolen Watermelon

Alligators are known to nosh on fish, snakes, small mammals and the occasional human, but that doesn’t mean they can’t develop a taste for the sweeter things in life.

Hero Dog Saved 7-Year-Old From Rattlesnake

The Tampa German shepherd who took three bites from a diamondback rattlesnake to protect his owner’s 7-year-old daughter last week is on the road to recovery, veterinary officials say.

Tampa Bay Red Tide Conditions Improving

Tampa Bay area beachgoers can breathe a little easier. The red tide bloom that has wreaked havoc along portions of the region’s coastline is waning in concentration.

Tampa Bay Workweek Weather: Storms Likely

Tampa Bay area residents may want to keep umbrellas in tow as the workweek progresses. Afternoon thunderstorms are in the cards most days, along with rather steamy temperatures.

Humane Society Property Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is looking for some help catching a hit-and-run driver responsible for crashing into the nonprofit’s fence over the weekend.

Video: Man Attacked In Bathroom Line

The St. Petersburg Police Department is looking for help identifying a man it says punched another in a line outside a restaurant’s restroom earlier this month. The victim suffered a fractured skull.

4 Arrested In Sarasota Prostitution Sting

The Sarasota Police Department arrested four men during an undercover operation staged Thursday to crack down on prostitution in the city. A fifth man, however, fled custody and is now being sought on a number of charges.

Haus is on the mend after being bitten by a rattlesnake three times last week. Photo courtesy of BluePearl Veterinary Partners