Teacher Sex Charges | Decapitated Dog | Pride Mural Defaced: FL 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.

Woman With Gun Made Threat At Twistee Treat: Sheriff

Investigators are looking for a woman who pulled a gun on and threatened someone at the St. Petersburg Twistee Treat at 4310 66th Street N. on Wednesday afternoon, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post.

Recently Repainted LGBTQ Pride Street Mural Defaced By Tire Marks

A vibrant Grand Central District street mural painted in rainbow colors to represent the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag was recently defaced by tire marks. The mural was recently repainted by volunteers on May 6 just ahead of LGBTQ+ Pride month in June.

Fatal Hit-And-Run Suspect Sought In Sarasota County: FL Highway Patrol

A bicyclist was killed in an early Friday morning hit-and-run crash in Sarasota County, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Woman Gave Hug To Resident After Breaking Into FL Home: Police

A woman faces charges after breaking into a Naples home Wednesday and giving the resident an unwanted hug, police said.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge Won’t Light Up For Pride Month: Report

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge won't light up in colors recognizing Pride month, Juneteenth and other awareness days, reports said.

Body Of Missing Tampa Mother Possibly Found In Ravine: Report

A nonprofit said group members may have found Sylvia Pagan's body in Wimauma, a little more than an hour from Tampa.

Women’s Pro Soccer Team Hosts Open Tryouts In Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay Sun FC, a new women’s professional soccer team, will host its only open tryout in Auburndale.

Road-Rage Incident Leads To Attempted Murder Arrest: St. Pete Police

A man stabbed another driver during a road-rage incident Monday in St. Petersburg, police said.

Retired NFL Player Gets Heart Transplant At Tampa General Hospital

Mike Sellers, retired NFL fullback, has gone home after four months at Tampa General Hospital, where he received a heart transplant.

8 Manslaughter Charges Filed In FL Bus Crash: 8 Dead, 45 Workers Hurt

A bus carrying 53 farm workers and a pickup truck collided north of Orlando, killing eight people. The truck driver has been arrested.

Art Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Tampa Student: Sheriff

An art teacher at a Tampa high school is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

FL Hit-And-Run Suspect Knew He Hit ‘Something,' Was Late For Work: CPD

A man in a mobility scooter is in critical condition after being hit by a pick-up truck in a hit-and-run Monday in Clearwater, police said.

Decapitated Rescue Dog Found In Plastic Bag At FL Beach: Sheriff

A man faces charges in the death of a recently adopted dog whose decapitated body was found in a plastic bag at Fort Desoto Park, PCSO said.

IRS Owes 53K FL Residents Millions In Tax Refunds: Here's How To Claim

Some 53,000 Florida residents are owed more than $58 million in unclaimed tax refunds from 2020, per the IRS.

Record-Breaking Tourism Numbers Reported In Pinellas County

Pinellas County broke tourism records in March, collecting more than $14.6 million in bed tax, data from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater shows.

Decomposed Body Found In Miguel Bay: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

The body was found in Miguel Key on the shore of Rattlesnake Key Sunday morning, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.

$4.25M Jackpot-Winning FL Lotto Ticket Sold At Publix

Though unclaimed so far, the $4.25M jackpot-winning ticket in Saturday’s FL Lotto drawing was bought at a Bradenton Publix, officials said.

FL Girl Denied Entry To Prom For Wearing Suit: Reports

A teenage girl in Naples was denied entry to her high school prom for wearing a suit, which violated the school’s dress code, reports said.

FL Man Displayed Jan. 6 Weapon In Shadow Box: U.S. Dept. Of Justice

A Port Charlotte man was convicted by the U.S. Dept. of Justice after being part of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.