Rick Scott on 2nd Amendment, Fatal Nightclub Shooting, Dancing Cops

Patch operates 23 daily news sites. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

Together Fort Myers Fund Opens to Benefit Shooting Victims

As details related to a fatal mass shooting in Fort Myers were still unfolding, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation announced the opening of the Together Fort Myers fund. Money donated to the fund will directly benefit the victims and families of those involved in Monday morning’s Club Blu shooting.

‘Second Amendment Has Never Shot Anybody,’ Gov. Rick Scott Says After Fort Myers Rampage

As the investigation into a deadly Monday morning shooting in Fort Myers continued, Florida Gov. Rick Scott refused to speak about gun control issues in the Sunshine State.

Deputy Doubles As Firefighter, Saves Home

A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy recently took his oath to protect and serve to a whole new level by doubling as a firefighter of sorts. His quick action is credited for containing damage from a recent blaze to a home’s kitchen area.

Tesla Driver Killed in Florida Autopilot Crash Was Speeding, Feds Say

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued some preliminary findings related to the first fatal crash involving a motorist driving a Tesla Model S using the autopilot feature. While the agency stopped short of saying what likely caused the crash, it did note the vehicle was speeding at the time of impact.

Restaurant Inspections: Rodents, Roaches, Holes in Wall

Several Tampa Bay area restaurants were shut down temporarily last week after state inspectors deemed conditions inside didn’t quite live up to standards.

Federal Lawmakers Question Florida’s New Water Toxins Rule

A controversial plan to change the amount of toxic substances allowed in state waters received a green light from the Environmental Regulation Commission Tuesday. Some federal lawmakers, however, are hoping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will closely scrutinize the move before it is put into action.

Publix Heiress Donates $800K to Anti-Medical Marijuana Group

The Drug Free Florida Committee is on a mission to get voters to say no to Amendment 2 in November. That mission just got an $800,000 shot in the arm courtesy of the daughter of Publix’s founder George Jenkins.

New Fears For Pregnant Women As U.S. Mosquitoes Transmit Zika Virus For First Time

Mosquitoes in the United States have been found for the first time to have transmitted the Zika virus, bringing a fresh round of fears for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and a new level of challenge for health workers trying to protect against babies born with severe birth defects.

Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department