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Officer Stalks Girlfriend | $32M Cocaine Bust | Tasing Death: FL News
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills | School Bomb Threats | Tornado Hits | Emergency Landing | New Jan. 6 Riot Arrests | Buffalo Bills Fan Killed: FL Top News

FLORIDA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Tornado Damages Apartment Building's Roof Near Downtown: NWS
An EF-0 tornado briefly touched down Tuesday afternoon near downtown St. Petersburg, the National Weather Service said.
In-Custody Tasing Death Investigated By FL Officials: Police
Community leaders and family members demand answers about the in-custody tasing death of a 36-year-old man in Palmetto.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hit-And-Run Crash Injures FL Police Officer: Watch
A driver was arrested and faces charges after hitting a patrol vehicle pulled over for a traffic stop, St. Petersburg police said.
Shaquille O'Neal 1st Player To Have Orlando Jersey Number Retired
"It's finally time to put that number up in the rafters," Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins told Shaquille O'Neal.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
FL Officer Charged With Stalking: Report
A Clearwater police officer was arrested in Pasco County after sending threatening messages to his girlfriend and her family, reports said.
Walt Disney World Offers New FL Resident Tickets For Limited Time
New 2- and 3-Day Disney Thrills Tickets are available only to Florida residents for a limited time starting Thursday and expire March 15.
2,450 Pounds Of Cocaine Worth $32M Seized Near FL: U.S. Coast Guard
More than a ton of cocaine was seized in the Caribbean Sea by U.S. Coast Guard crews and offloaded in Miami, the agency said.
Suspect Who Battered Woman During I-4 Drive To Hard Rock Sought: FHP
Troopers looking for man who battered a woman as they drove on I-4 from Orlando to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, FL Highway Patrol said.
Bomb Threats Made To School Districts Across Florida: Reports
Schools in Hillsborough, Manatee, Lee, Collier, Glade, Pasco, Leon counties are among those in FL to receive bomb threats Wednesday.
FL City A Top U.S. Destination For Travelers In 2024: List
St. Petersburg landed at No. 2 on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations list for 2024.
3 FL Freshwater Springs Among ‘Best Places To Visit’ In World: List
FL's Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs, Ginnie Springs are among the best international destinations to visit this year, a new CNN list says.
Shooting Kills Buffalo Bills Fan At Dolphins Stadium: Report
A GoFundMe established for the Buffalo Bills fan, who was reportedly a Florida resident, has raised at least $100,000.
United Flight Makes Emergency Landing In FL
Tampa International Airport officials said that an open door indicator light came on, causing the emergency landing Wednesday, reports said.
Nearly 20 Anti-LGBTQ Bills Filed By FL Lawmakers: Reports
One pending FL bill forbids mandates that staffers and contractors of certain employers must use their co-workers' requested pronouns.
7 FL Cities Dominate U.S. Growth Index For 2023: List
Based on one-way moves, FL cities once again showed the most growth in 2023, according to a new list from U-Haul. Check out the No. 1 city.
Other top Florida news:
- FL Coffee Shop Burglary Suspect Sought: Police
- Injured Bobcat Found By Patrol Deputy In SWFL: Sheriff's Office
- 'Taking the Capitol': FL Proud Boys Member Sentenced In Jan. 6 Riot
- Child Porn Charges Filed Against FL Corrections Officer: Sheriff
- Injured Pelican Rescued From Tiki Roof Of Venice Restaurant: Officials
- FL College Waivers Offered To Students Fearing Antisemitism: DeSantis
- Moffitt Cancer Center Agrees To Pay $19.5M In Lawsuit: U.S. DOJ
- Driver Injured After Crashing Into FL Waffle House: Reports
- South FL Man Accused Of Stabbing Girlfriend, Injuring Her Son: Report
- Two SWFL Men Charged In Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Breach: U.S. DOJ
- Baby Boy Found Dead In South FL Dumpster: Report
- Mall Shooting Suspect Arrested, Charged With Murder
- FL Rep. Seeks To Lower Age For Buying Guns To 18: Reports
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