‘Mac and Cheese Boy,’ Patient Thief, Black Bear ‘Standoff:’ Weird Florida

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the wackier, wonderful or just plain weird stories from the past few weeks:

‘Mac and Cheese Boy’ Arrested in Florida

The University of Connecticut's Mac and Cheese boy has been arrested again. This time, however, the New Yorker was far from home.

Ever Stay At Mar-A-Lago? Donald Trump May Have Been Listening In

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been accused of being a lot of things: racist, uncivil, arrogant, a xenophobe. The latest? An eavesdropper.

Patient Car Thief Waited Hours To Drive Away: Cops

Patience is a virtue even car thieves can appreciate. At least, that seems to have been the case for one accused Tampa car thief recently.

Tampa Police ‘Standoff’ With Black Bear Ends Peacefully

Tampa Police officers found themselves involved in a standoff of sorts Tuesday morning. According to the agency, one of its officers was responding to an unrelated call around 5:30 a.m. when he saw a large animal running by him.

Force Not With Accused Star Wars Lego Thief

Jedi mind tricks didn't seem to work for a 35-year-old man accused of stealing more than $300 worth of Lego Star Wars toys from a Wesley Chapel store last month.

Largo Police Officer A Reptile Whisperer?

Largo Police Officer Christopher Asbury is gaining quite a reputation on the force for his uncanny knack for saving critters of the reptilian kind. The police department first became aware of Asbury’s unusual talents last week when it received a call about a rather large alligator creating a stir on 8th Avenue.

Quick-Change Bank Robber Not So Quick: Cops

A 44-year-old man accused in a failed morning bank robbery struck out a second time while allegedly attempting to disguise his appearance by swiping clothing for a quick change.

Manatee Mating: No Cause For Alarm, Officials Say

Manatees need love, too. That’s the message the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is trying to get out as manatee mating season heats up right along with the state’s outdoor temperatures.

Photo courtesy of the Tampa Police Department Facebook page