'Kids Not Criminals,' Snooty's Birthday, Hero Dog Goes Home

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

Teens Killed In Pond ‘Kids Not Criminals’: Protesters

Protesters took to the streets Thursday in hopes of changing the narrative surrounding the three St. Petersburg teenagers who died in a pond in March. Chanting, “I believe that we will win,” and “We have nothing to lose but our chains,” the group blocked traffic for a few minutes along Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard before they were moved onto the sidewalk by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies.

Hero Dog Who Saved Girl From Rattlesnake Goes Home

Haus, the 2-year-old German shepherd who stole hearts across the globe after he saved a 7-year-old girl from a rattlesnake earlier this month, has officially been released from the hospital.

Sarasota Boy Makes Sweet ‘Survival Kits’ For Cops

A 7-year-old Sarasota boy came up with a sweet way to honor local law enforcement officers during National Police Week. Rather than simply say "thank you," Levi Lowry made “Survival Kits” for officers on the Sarasota force.

World’s Oldest Manatee Turning 68, Cards Welcome

Manatee County’s famed Snooty turns 68 this year, and that’s a huge reason to celebrate, according to the folks at the South Florida Museum.

Teen Is Florida’s New ‘Catfish Master’

A 13-year-old from Alabama is officially a record-breaking fisherman, according to Florida officials. It seems Charles Patchen dropped a line into the Chattahoochee River on May 15 and pulled out a 63.8-pound flathead catfish around 2:30 p.m.

Man Accused Of Beating Grandmother Arrested

A 54-year-old man accused of beating his 93-year-old grandmother and stealing her car has been brought into custody.

Electrician Attacked Woman In Her Home: Deputies

A 50-year-old Ruskin man faces a number of criminal charges after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies say he attacked a woman in her Riverview home Wednesday afternoon.

2016 Tampa Bay Music Reading Workshops Set

Many people associate the “off season” with athletic teams. But the various community bands around the Tampa Bay area also have an off season during the summer. And just like with their athletic counterparts, musicians also have to stay in shape (or get back in shape) when it comes to their off season.

Photo of Snooty courtesy of the South Florida Museum