On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Riverview Student Arrested After Bomb Threat Call To High School, Sheriff Says
Detectives traced the phone call to a Spoto High senior's family phone after deputies searched the campus and found no explosives, HCSO said.
AL Teen's Dream Of Becoming A Mermaid Came True At Weeki Wachee
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida helped a 16-year-old AL girl fulfill her dream of becoming a mermaid with a visit to Weeki Wachee.
Sarasota Cop Fired, Arrested For Misuse Of Flock Databases: Police
A police officer was fired and arrested over alleged misuse of law enforcement databases, the Sarasota Police Department said.
Massive Pasco Apartment Fire Leaves Building 'A Total Loss,' Displaces 200
About 200 residents were displaced after a massive three-alarm fire tore through a Pasco County apartment complex, fire officials said.
15-Year-Old Boy Stabbed in Bradenton, Suspect Sought: Manatee Sheriff
The suspect who stabbed a 15-year-old boy multiple times at a Bradenton home remains at large, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
Palm Beach County Clerk Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges: FL Attorney General
Palm Beach County's Clerk of Court, who is seeking reelection, was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, the FL attorney general said.
First PSTA Ferry Arrives in Pinellas as Tampa Bay Service Moves Closer to Launch
The first of two vessels offering a cross-bay ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa has arrived in Pinellas County, PSTA said.
Mother Arrested After 11-Year-Old Crashes Car At Gas Station, Hillsborough Sheriff Says
A Riverview mother without a license was arrested for allowing her 11-year-old child to drive their vehicle to a gas station, HCSO said.
Live Korean War-Era Hand Grenade Brought To FL Police Station
A live hand grenade was brought to a FL police station by a person who found it while helping a family member clean out their belongings.
Sarasota Military Academy's 5-Acre Downtown Campus For Sale
The Sarasota Military Academy's nearly 5-acre downtown campus, with a $31M market value, is on the market for redevelopment opportunities.
FL Reports 3rd 'Flesh-Eating Bacteria' Death This Year: Health Records
A third person has died from the rare so-called "flesh-eating bacteria," Vibrio vulnificus, in FL this year, health records show.
These Are The Best Public High Schools In FL For 2026-27: U.S. News
FL's No. 1 public high school also ranked No. 13 nationally, according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best High Schools list.
Child, 10, Hospitalized After Suspected Fentanyl Overdose At FL Hotel: Sheriff
A 10-year-old was hospitalized after a suspected fentanyl overdose in a FL hotel room and two people were arrested, officials said.
Dengue Cases On The Rise In FL: Health Officials
23 locally acquired dengue cases have been reported in FL in recent weeks, health records show. Hillsborough County has seen the most cases.
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