Fake Cash, Killer Crocs, George Zimmerman's Gun: Weird Florida

• Image: Nile Crocodile in Ethiopia, via Tim Muttoo, Flickr, used under Creative Commons

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the more unusual, wacky, wonderful or just plain stories from the past few weeks:

‘Man-Eating’ Crocodiles May Be Florida’s Newest Residents

Three African crocodiles, of a species known to eat zebras, hippos and even humans have been hanging out in the Everglades, a sign that the crocs may have taken up permanent residence in South Florida, researchers said.

Fake $100 Bills Circulating In Sarasota

Folks who live in or pass through the Sarasota area might want to take a closer look at their cash. If $100 bills are in their wallets, there’s a chance the currency just might be fake.

Gator Knocks, Homeowner Refused To Answer

A beefy alligator out on the prowl a few nights ago gave a Parrish homeowner quite a start. It seems the creature wandered right up to the front door and proceeded to knock with its tail.

$138K Bid On Gun Used To Shoot Trayvon Martin

George Zimmerman may be about $140,000 richer following the close of an online auction staged to sell the 9mm gun he fired at an unarmed teenager back in 2012.

Gator Busted Chomping On Stolen Watermelon

Alligators are known to nosh on fish, snakes, small mammals and the occasional human, but that doesn’t mean they can’t develop a taste for the sweeter things in life.

Nurse Shark Bit Woman, Wouldn’t Let Go

Nurse sharks may not be known for ferocity, but a little 2-footer found off the coast of Boca Raton Sunday demonstrated the species can most certainly be tenacious.

Florida Woman Gets Stuck In Banyan Tree

Police officers and firefighters are quite accustomed to helping people get out of tight jams. After all, it’s their duty to “protect and serve.”

Bearded Man Sought In $1K Gillette Razor Heist

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is looking for some assistance to identify a suspect deputies say managed to help himself to $974 worth of razors on Monday.