Gasparilla Weekend, Monster Python, Deputy Arrested

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

Red Tide Remains A Concern In Tampa Bay Waters

Tampa Bay area residents hoping to hit the beach this weekend may want to check local water conditions before diving in. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Karenia brevis bloom that has been hanging around offshore of Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties is still in the picture. Karenia brevis is the organism responsible for creating red tide.

How Heavily Armed Is Florida?

Florida has more than 1.4 million concealed weapons license holders, but it doesn’t come close to leading the nation in the number of guns per capita. As it turns out, the Sunshine State is ranked No. 30 in an analysis conducted by CBS News with data from the ATF’s National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as well as 2013 Census data.

Deputy Charged With Attempted Manslaughter

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of one of its own. Deputy Timothy Virden was arrested Friday on one count of attempted manslaughter, the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media. The charge stems from a Dec. 30 incident in Madeira Beach during which Virden shot Dylan Tompkins-Holmes of Gulfport.

Get The Lowdown On Gasparilla Traffic

Tampa Bay area motorists hoping to take part in the weekend’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebrations will need to know what roads are clear and which ones to avoid. To help out, the Florida Department of Transportation reminds that it offers several ways for motorists to get real-time information about local traffic.

Monster Python Bagged In Florida

As hunters converge on South Florida to help rid the state of invasive Burmese pythons that have taken up residence in its wetlands, one of the biggest catches so far doesn’t count toward the $5,000 grand prize.

Weekend Weather: What To Expect

Tampa Bay area residents ready to dry out and get out over the weekend are in luck. The National Weather Service is forecasting a bright, sunny weekend with mild temperatures.

Falling Snake At Disney Prompts Lawsuit Threat

A family’s October 2014 trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom turned out to be anything but magical, an Orlando attorney alleges. The boy was allegedly injured during his visit when a snake fell out of a tree at the Walt Disney World theme park and bit him.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission