Sportscaster's Comments Under Fire, Zika Virus, Cobra’s Curse

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

Wrong-Way Driver Found Hiding In Ditch, Troopers Say

A St. Petersburg man’s attempt to evade law enforcement after he allegedly drove the wrong way on Interstate 75, causing a crash with a tractor trailer, didn’t end as he planned, troopers say.

Weekend Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms Likely

Tampa Bay area residents hoping for sunshine and blue skies this weekend might get their wish granted. But, forecasters say they may also have to endure some scattered thunderstorms along the way.

Rays Sideline Reporter Canned For Racially Charged Comments

A 35-minute interview with Barstool Sports has reportedly ended Emily Austen’s association with Fox Sports Sun. The Tampa Bay Rays’ sideline reporter is accused of dropping a number of racially charged comments during the interview that appeared on Facebook.

Gawker Media Files Bankruptcy After $140M Hulk Hogan Verdict

Gawker Media has filed for bankruptcy less than three months after a Pinellas County jury awarded Hulk Hogan $140.1 million in damages related to a sex tape released by the online publication. The petition was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern Division of New York Friday. 

Clouded Leopard Cubs Are ‘Ambassadors-In-Training,’ Zoo Says

Tampa Bay area residents wondering just what happened to Lowry Park Zoo’s twin clouded leopard cubs born about three months ago are in for a treat. Aiya and Shigu are officially “ambassadors-in-training,” the zoo announced Friday.

Man Who Threatened ‘Shoot Out’ With Deputies Captured

The manhunt that led to the closing of State Road 52 for several hours Thursday night has ended with the arrest of the suspect in the case. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office announced just before 11:30 a.m. Friday that Brandon Goggins was officially in custody. He was captured in a swamp area near State Road 52 Friday morning, the agency said.

Busch Gardens Cobra’s Curse Opening Date Set

Tampa Bay area thrill ride lovers don’t have to wait much longer to brave Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest rollercoaster. The theme park has announced Cobra’s Curse will open before June comes to a close.

Florida Zika Virus Cases Climb To 175

The number of confirmed Zika virus cases in the state of Florida rose to 175 Friday with three new patients announced. One of the cases involves a Pasco County resident. The other two new instances originated in Miami-Dade County.

Man Used Snapchat To Solicit Teen For Sex, Cops Say

A lengthy investigation by the Bradenton Police Department into the online activities of a Palmetto man resulted in a Friday arrest on a number of criminal charges. According to Bradenton Police, Phillip Michael Dorics, 29, used Snapchat and other social media applications in an attempt to solicit a child he believed to be 14 to engage in sexual activity. 

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay