Waterspout, 159 New Laws, Donald Trump Eavesdropping?

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

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.

Frisky Feline Fingered In Shelter Flood

A playful ball of fur with a curiosity streak a mile long is the suspected culprit behind a recent flood at the Florida Humane Society in Pompano Beach.

Zika Virus In Florida: What Pregnant Women Need To Know

On the heels of Florida’s first reported birth of a baby with Zika virus-related microcephaly, the March of Dimes is offering advice to women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming so.

Neglected ‘Cannibal’ Cats Found In North Port Home: Sheriff

A 60-year-old North Port man faces a long list of criminal charges after Sarasota County deputies paid a recent visit to his home.

Waterspout Spotted In Tampa

Just because severe conditions aren’t in the forecast doesn’t mean Tampa Bay area storms can’t kick up a little trouble. Such was the case Thursday afternoon when a waterspout formed in the South Tampa area. The spout was visible from downtown and was also noticed by drivers on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

159 New Florida Laws Start Friday

When Floridians wake up Friday morning there will be 159 new laws in effect across the Sunshine State. July 1 is the effective date for the bulk of legislation signed by Gov. Rick Scott following the regular legislative session, which ended in March.

PSTA Bus Driver Punched By Rider

A 58-year-old PSTA driver had to have stitches under his right eye after telling a rider his expired student identification card didn’t qualify him for a half-priced fare.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/By James Gathany