Snapchat Backfire, Kitten Thrown From Car, Sinkhole

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

Kitten Thrown From Car Recovering At SPCA Suncoast

A plucky 3-week-old kitten brought to the SPCA Suncoast's shelter in New Port Richey Tuesday is tugging at heartstrings while raising awareness about cruelty to animals.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Giveaway No Joke

The folks at Clearwater Marine Aquarium are gearing up to create a ruckus on the beach, a Rufus Ruckus that is. During an April 1 promotion, the CMA team plans “pop-up visits” to different locations on Clearwater Beach with the aquarium's flighty mascot in tow.

Armed Teens’ Snapchat Video Backfired, Deputies Say

Bringing a handgun, magazine and bullets to school is never a wise decision. Posing with said contraband items and posting a video to Snapchat isn't either.

Tarpon Springs Sinkhole Evacuations May Last A Few Days

As a possible sinkhole in Tarpon Springs is assessed and repaired, the city and Pinellas County Emergency Management are working to help residents secure temporary housing while evacuation orders stand.

Manatee Appreciation Day 2016: 5 Facts

While some might argue Floridians appreciate manatees every day of the year, March 30 is a special day set aside for the gentle giants. With Manatee Appreciation Day’s March 30th arrival, we thought it would be fun to share a few facts about these creatures that call the Sunshine State home.

Beverage Castle Sold More Than Drinks, Deputies Say

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says employees at Tampa’s Beverage Castle were selling more than drinks to customers who passed through. A two-month investigation into alleged criminal activities at the 4206 Orient Road business netted three arrests and a stockpile of synthetic marijuana, also known as spice, an email from the agency said.

Tampa Man Who Bit Off Fingerprints To Avoid Arrest Sentenced

The Tampa man who bit off his fingerprints in February to escape arrest in Ohio pleaded guilty to charges of escape, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business and resisting arrest on Tuesday. An Ohio judge sentenced him to serve 18 months there before he'll face extradition to Florida, several media outlets have reported.

Photo courtesy of the SPCA Suncoast