Pro-Gun Mom, Bear Cub's Recovery, Hero Dog: May's Top Stories

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories that had people talking in May:

Tampa Tribune Sold To Tampa Bay Times

After much speculation in recent weeks, the Tampa Bay Times has announced its purchase of The Tampa Tribune. The deal was announced Tuesday afternoon in a media release issued by the Tampa Bay Times and confirmed in a tweet by TBO.com, the Tribune's online partner.

Baby Bear Rescued From Wildfire Thriving In Tampa

The tiny bear cub rescued from a Lake County wildfire in April is thriving in his recovery at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Pro-Gun Mom Shot By Son Must Take Gun Safety Class

The pro-gun Florida mom who was accidentally shot in the back by her 4-year-old son in March will not face criminal charges in the case, but she has been ordered to take a gun safety class as part of a deferred prosecution agreement struck earlier this week.

Watch: Disney’s Snow White Steals Autistic Boy’s Heart

A mom visiting Disney World with her 2-year-old son recently found out for herself just why the attraction is affectionately dubbed the “Magic Kingdom.” It seems 2-year-old Jack was wholly unimpressed by the experience at first.

Gator Bites Off Arm Of Man Hiding From Cops

A 21-year-old man trying to avoid Lakeland Police Wednesday night lost part of his left arm in an alligator attack.

Teens Killed In Pond ‘Kids Not Criminals’: Protesters

Protesters took to the streets Thursday in hopes of changing the narrative surrounding the three St. Petersburg teenagers who died in a pond in March. Chanting, “I believe that we will win,” and “We have nothing to lose but our chains,” the group blocked traffic for a few minutes along Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard before they were moved onto the sidewalk by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies.

Hero Dog Who Saved Girl From Rattlesnake Goes Home

Haus, the 2-year-old German shepherd who stole hearts across the globe after he saved a 7-year-old girl from a rattlesnake earlier this month, has officially been released from the hospital.

World’s Oldest Manatee Turning 68, Cards Welcome

Manatee County’s famed Snooty turns 68 this year, and that’s a huge reason to celebrate, according to the folks at the South Florida Museum.

‘Man-Eating’ Crocodiles May Be Florida’s Newest Residents

Three African crocodiles, of a species known to eat zebras, hippos and even humans have been hanging out in the Everglades, a sign that the crocs may have taken up permanent residence in South Florida, researchers said.

Sex, Lies, Cover Up In Casey Anthony Case: PI Alleges

The private investigator hired in July 2008 to help the Baez Law Firm work on Casey Anthony’s defense in the 2008 murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, has dropped a bombshell in court documents.

Photo courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo