Candidate Charged With Domestic Battery | Child Found Dead In Car | Water Restrictions Extended: FL News

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.

Driver Tried To Pull Over Undercover Deputy On U.S. 301, Hillsborough Sheriff Says

A driver used red and blue lights while following an undercover vehicle on U.S. 301, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

2 FL Inmates Charged For Alleged Detention Center Escape Plan: Sheriff

Investigators said two FL inmates damaged a cell, gathered tools and allegedly planned an escape with outside help.

Rainbow River Snorkeler Hospitalized In Alligator Attack: FL Sheriff

A 19-year-old snorkeler was hospitalized after being bitten by an alligator in the Rainbow River, a report said.

2 Armed Teens Arrested, Guns Recovered After Brandon Mall Disturbance: Sheriff

Two teens were arrested after a disturbance at Brandon Mall, where deputies recovered a handgun and a rifle, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

11 FL Universities Among The Best Worldwide, US News Says

In a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report, 11 FL universities were named among the Best Global Universities.

Manatee Courier Scam Probe Finds 40-Plus FL Victims, Leads to Arrests

Detectives said the Manatee County case tied multiple suspects to an elder fraud network with losses topping $3.5 million.

Repeated Streetlight Wire Thefts Darken Roads, Drive Up Repair Costs In Sarasota County

Sarasota County officials say repeated wire thefts have darkened stretches of road and raised safety concerns for drivers.

Man Who Saw ‘The Anti-Christ’ Tried To Steal Medical Helicopter After I-75 Crash: Reports

A man who claimed to see the “anti-Christ” was arrested for trying to steal a medical helicopter after an I-75 crash, reports said.

Watering Restrictions Extended As Water Shortage Across Tampa Bay Continues

SWFWMD extended watering restrictions across Tampa Bay and Central FL as the water shortage continues.

Child Found Dead In Car Parked At Riverview Home: Hillsborough Sheriff

Hillsborough County deputies responded to a Riverview home after reports of an unresponsive 3-year-old child inside a parked car.

Manatee Candidate To Stay In Race Despite Domestic Battery Charge

A Manatee County Commission candidate said he'll stay in the race despite a recent domestic battery arrest.

Burn Ban Back In Effect In Manatee County Due To Dry Conditions

With ongoing dry conditions and an elevated wildfire risk, a burn ban has been put back in effect in Manatee County.

Crossword-Themed St. Pete Gala To Benefit Aphasia Nonprofit

The upcoming Word Play gala at USF St. Petersburg will raise money, awareness for Voices of Hope for Aphasia programs across Tampa Bay.

5 FL Cities Among Top 20 In U.S. For Dolphin Sightings, Study Finds

A FL beach town ranked first on the Gulf Coast and sixth nationally for dolphin sightings, a new study found.

Tampa Police Charge NFL Player In Robbery, Kidnapping Case

Tampa police linked an NFL player to a February case in which three victims were beaten, robbed and held at an apartment against their will.

Driver Killed In Head-On Crash: St. Pete Police

The driver of a pick-up truck died after crossing into oncoming traffic and hitting a van, St. Petersburg police said.

Tampa Police Seek Suspect In Fatal Shooting Near Main Street

A 29-year-old man died after he was shot as a crowd gathered near Main Street, Tampa police said.

Deputies Arrest 12-Year-Old For Overnight Car Burglaries In New Port Richey

The 12-year-old suspect stole a handgun and other items in a series of overnight car burglaries in New Port Richey, the Pasco sheriff said.

FL Attorney Announces Winning Name In Contest for New Third Political Party

Attorney John Morgan said the new political party's naming contest drew more than 35,000 submissions from across the U.S.

17-Year-Old Charged In Dating Violence Case, Hillsborough Sheriff Says

Hillsborough County deputies said a 17-year-old held a victim against her will in Brandon, assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm.

Miami Man Pulled Over While Driving Mercedes Connected To South FL Burglaries: Sarasota Police

Sarasota police said a real-time alert helped officers stop a man driving a Mercedes-Benz tied to Brevard County burglaries.