Credit Card Skimmers, Sick Orca, Spaghetti Warehouse Spared

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

2 Credit Card Skimmers Found On Sarasota Pumps

Motorists who fuel up using credit or debit cards at the pumps are once again being warned to check their receipts. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says two credit card skimmers were found inside gas pumps at a Fruitville Road station on Sunday.

Tilikum, Sea World’s Killer Orca, Gravely Ill

Tilikum, the SeaWorld orca involved in the 2010 death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, is in failing health, park officials announced Tuesday.

Rare Clouded Leopard Cubs Born At Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is celebrating times two thanks to the recent arrival of twin clouded leopard cubs.

Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Poop, Roaches, Ants

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at six area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety. Roach activity, dirty conditions and improper food storage were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings.

Tampa Spaghetti Warehouse Staying Put

Vocal fans of the Spaghetti Warehouse’s Ybor City location are getting the credit for saving the eatery from the chopping block. Thanks to hundreds of emails and an “overwhelming response” the restaurant is staying open.

Rescuers Tried To Save Man Killed In Freak Accident

Two men in Indian Shores wasted no time trying to rescue a man who became trapped under his own car Wednesday afternoon, but their efforts were to no avail.

Great White Shark Expedition Planned Off Florida Coast

Ocearch, the nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to studying all things shark, is planning to hit the open water again next week with researchers from Mote Marine along to lend a hand.

Tampa 6th Best Place To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Survey

Tampa is one of the best places in the country for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, according the website WalletHub. It ranked sixth-place, in fact, coming in behind such communities as Boston, Buffalo and Omaha.

SeaWorld YouTube screenshot