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.
13 First Responders Exposed To Narcotics During Largo Welfare Check: Reports
Five first responders were hospitalized after being exposed to an unknown narcotic during a welfare check at a Largo apartment, police said.
Former Tampa High School Teacher Arrested In Student Sex Case: Police
A former Tampa high school teacher was arrested for unlawful sexual activity with a 17-year-old student, police said.
USF Football Alum Runs Daily To Raise Awareness Of Father's Kidney Transplant Need
A USF football alum just marked his 50th daily 1-mile run as he raises awareness of his father's need for a kidney transplant.
St. Pete Ghost Hunters To Investigate Downtown Hotel Haunting
Spirits of St. Petersburg will investigate one of downtown's historic hotels for the National Day of Ghost Hunting.
Watering Restrictions Extended Into 2027 Across Tampa Bay, West FL
SWFWMD has extended watering restrictions across Tampa Bay and West FL again, as the water shortage continues throughout the region.
Comedian Carrot Top Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations In FL, Court Records Show
Comedian Carrot Top, hospitalized in Las Vegas for a suicide attempt, is accused of sexual misconduct in FL lawsuit, court records show.
FL Attorney General Calls For Firing Of Pine View Teacher Over Student Bullying Claims
A Sarasota County teacher is accused by FL Attorney General Uthmeier of politically bullying an eighth-grader, labeling him a "misogynist."
7 Injured After Breeze Bus Crashes Into State College Of Florida Sign: Sheriff
A Sarasota County Breeze bus crashed into the State College of Florida's monument sign at the Venice campus, the sheriff's office said.
Two Men Killed in Bradenton Shooting, Police Say
A double homicide is under investigation in Bradenton after two men were found fatally shot near the end of a dead-end street, police said.
Man, 19, Arrested In Stabbing That Seriously Injured Victim In Sarasota: Sheriff
A 19-year-old was charged with attempted murder and held on an ICE detainer after stabbing a man in Sarasota, deputies said.
Man Drowns Off Anna Maria Island, Manatee County Sheriff Says
A man drowned after a wave pulled him underwater while swimming off Anna Maria Island, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
FL's 1st Dengue Fever Death Confirmed By Health Officials
The FL Department of Health confirmed the first dengue fever death this year. It's the first dengue death in Tampa Bay in nearly a century.
Fishing Charter Found U.S. Military Drone In FL Waters
A fishing charter in the Panhandle found a lost U.S. military drone floating in FL waters.
St. Pete Mayor's Former Treasurer Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud: U.S. DOJ
The former treasurer of a political committee for Mayor Ken Welch pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1 M from clients, the U.S. DOJ said.
Sarasota Memorial Buys 120 Acres For Manatee County Expansion
As Sarasota Memorial plans its expansion into Manatee, the health care system's board approved the purchase of 120 acres on State Road 64.
Teen Arrested After Deputies Pursue Stolen Vehicle In Pinellas: Watch
Deputies pursued a stolen vehicle in Pinellas County, driven by a 16-year-old suspect, and arrested him on charges of grand theft and more.
Woman Found Dead Along Tampa Road: Hillsborough Sheriff
A woman was found dead on the side of a Tampa road, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
These Are The Top FL Colleges In 2027 U.S. News Rankings
Multiple FL colleges and universities were ranked among the best in the nation, according to new lists from U.S. News & World Report.
11-Time Convicted Felon Fled Traffic Stop, Crashed Into Bus In Tampa, HCSO Says
A suspected pipe bomb was found in the vehicle of a woman who fled a traffic stop and crashed into a school bus in Tampa, HCSO said.
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