Python In Pants, Bear Cub Recovering, $415M Powerball Jackpot

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

Baby Python Rescued From Man’s Pants, Cops Say

A 27-year-old Holiday man stands accused of trying to smuggle a baby python out of a St. Petersburg pet store on Monday. His attempts were thwarted by the shop’s owner, police said.

Gulf Red Snapper Season Starts This Weekend

Tampa Bay area fishing enthusiasts may want to get their tackle ready. The 2016 recreational red snapper season in the Gulf opens Saturday.

2016 Tampa Theatre Summer Classics: Lineup

Summer’s not quite here, but that doesn’t mean classic movie lovers can’t start planning out their weekends. The Tampa Theatre has announced its lineup for the hot months again.

Baby Bear Rescued From Wildfire Thriving In Tampa

The tiny bear cub rescued from a Lake County wildfire in April is thriving in his recovery at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $415 Million

One lucky person in the west Miami area is $1 million richer thanks to Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, but with no jackpot numbers selected the pot has climbed to a meaty $415 million for Saturday. The $1 million Florida ticket was sold at the 1330 Southwest 57th Ave. Mobil station, according to lottery officials.

Donald Trump, Rick Scott Ticket Not Happening

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has no intention of giving up his position as the Sunshine State’s top politician in favor of running as vice president on Donald Trump’s ticket.

24 Apartments Damaged In Carrollwood Fire

Two dozen apartments were damaged in a Thursday morning fire that broke out at Palencia Place apartments, but no people were injured, county officials say.

Home Invasion Suspect Fatally Shot

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a home invasion robbery that turned deadly Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo