Mourning Dave McKay, Pinky’s Death, Mob Bust

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

Ford’s Recall for Potentially Deadly Doors Impacts Florida

Tampa Bay area residents who drive Ford vehicles will want to make certain their models aren’t included in a massive recall announced Thursday. Ford Motor Co. has issued a regionally based recall of about 830,000 Ford and Lincolns to fix a faulty side-door latch that causes doors to pop open while vehicles are in motion.

Tampa Bay Mourns Radio Host Dave McKay’s Death

Tampa Bay area residents may not be familiar with Steve Ehmke, but many have followed his alter ego, Dave McKay, for years. The popular QYK radio personality and co-host of the “Dave and Veronica Show” was found dead in his St. Petersburg home Thursday morning.

Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2016: What You Need to Know

Tampa Bay area parents eager to get their back-to-school shopping out of the way without having to pay sales taxes on top of sticker prices don’t have much longer to wait. The annual reprieve from taxes begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

Clinton, Trump: Not All Florida Voters Have Heard of Them

While Suffolk University’s latest poll of likely Florida voters gives Democrat Hillary Clinton a 6-point lead over Republican Donald Trump, neither candidate’s name-brand recognition seems to be universal in the Sunshine State. Several participants in the Boston university’s poll said they’d never heard of either candidate before.

Pinky the Flamingo’s Death: SeaWorld Pushing for ‘Zero-Tolerance’

The death of Busch Gardens’ Pinky the flamingo has resulted in a swift response from the theme park’s owners. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is urging “authorities to pursue the case with vigor.”

Tampa Bay Ferry Project Gets Hillsborough Green Light

A ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg cleared its first major hurdle Wednesday when Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously to back the project.

Mob Bust Nets 46 Arrests, Including Acting Boss and Active 'Knee-Busters'

More than 40 mobsters from four crime families have been arrested in a wide-ranging mafia bust, according to a federal grand jury indictment released Thursday. The mobsters were members of the Genovese, Gambino, Luchese and Bonanno families.

DUI Wolfpack Set for Manatee, Sarasota Counties

Motorists who travel through Manatee and Sarasota counties will want to think twice about turning the key after having too much to drink. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced plans to conduct a DUI Wolfpack this weekend.

Photo courtesy of 99.5 QKY