Seawater Bacteria Deaths, School Grades, Tampa Bay Mourns

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

Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims 4 Lives

The number of people who have died in the state of Florida in 2016 due to the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria was reported at four as of Friday. A total of 13 people statewide have been affected to date by the bacteria that is found in seawater.

Tampa Bay Area School Grades Released

The wait is over for Tampa Bay area educators, parents and students. The Florida Department of Education released its 2016 school grades listings with a number of schools in the region earning high marks and a few failing to meet standards.

Pizza for Police Puts Smiles on Faces

In the wake of what has been described as the worst attack on law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001, the folks at Rizzoli’s Pizza decided to do what they do best: whip up a few pies.

Tampa Bay Area Weekend Weather

Tampa Bay area residents with big weekend plans may run into a thunderstorm or two along the way. Heat, however, is likely to be the biggest concern with forecasters anticipating heat index values to soar into the 100s over the next few days.

Accused Bunny Burner Arrested

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man in connection with the June “intentional burning of a domestic rabbit named Thumper.” In an email to media, deputies said Manasseh Walker, 22, of Englewood was arrested in Punta Gorda Thursday afternoon on animal cruelty charges.

Tampa Bay: 6 Things to Do This Weekend

Tampa Bay area residents looking for things to do around the region will find no shortage of options this weekend.

Dallas Shooting: Tampa Bay Reacts

Five law enforcement officers were shot dead and seven others wounded Thursday night when at least two snipers opened fire during a rally meant to protest the deaths of two black men by police earlier this week. Dallas police had several suspects in custody by Friday morning, following a massive search involving hundreds of officers.

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