Tuna Recall, Travel To Cuba, Go Greek For Free

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

Tuna Recall Includes Florida

A nationwide tuna recall for potential "life-threatening" contamination includes the popular Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea brands, the FDA reported Thursday.

Tampa Votes To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession

The Tampa City Council has given a green light to a measure that would allow police officers to issue fines to those caught with small amounts of marijuana instead of hauling them off to jail.

E-Cigarettes Are Poisoning Pets, Vets Say

National Poison Prevention Week is generally geared toward safeguarding humans, but veterinarians say pets are also at risk. That’s why pet healthcare professionals are working to raise awareness about an emerging danger posed by e-cigarettes.

Law Protects Florida Pastors Who Say No To Gay Marriages

Clergy members who refuse to perform wedding ceremonies because of “sincerely held religious beliefs” will soon have backing from the state of Florida.

Eat For Free At Little Greek

Tampa Bay area residents are invited to go Greek next week for free, but there’s a catch. Anyone who wants to cash in on Little Greek Fresh Grill’s free mini-Greek salad offer needs to wear a toga to one of the chain’s 16 Tampa Bay area locations.

SeaWorld Ends Orca Breeding, Effective Immediately

SeaWorld has announced an immediate end to its orca breeding program and plans to gradually phase out the creatures’ use in theatrical shows. The announcement came early Thursday morning, amid mounting pressure from animal rights organizations.

Cuba Travel Restrictions Eased By Obama Administration

Tampa Bay area residents with their hearts set on Cuban travel will be able to do so with a little more ease thanks to a Tuesday announcement from the Obama administration.

Hillsborough Honors Fallen Deputy

As members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said goodbye to one of their own Friday, law enforcement agencies from all over the country turned out to pay their respects to a deputy who is believed to have sacrificed his life to save another.

Police Shield Takes Bullet, Shooter Subsequently Killed

A 45-minute standoff between Tampa Police and a man involved in a domestic disturbance Thursday morning ended in a fatal shooting.

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