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Fake Missiles Draw Cops | Fatal Fire Ruled Arson | Dog Left In Car: FL News
Hurricane Season Forecast | Top Cop Fired | Homemade Bomb At Base | Rare Pokémon Card Stolen | Paul Rudd Film Needs Extras | Beach Bar Death
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.
North Port Man Convicted In Roommate's Fatal Shooting
Prosecutors said the woman was shot twice in the head while sitting on her bed in their North Port home.
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FL Man Killed At Beach Bar In Bahamas, Cop Charged: Reports
A Florida man was shot to death while in the Bahamas, and a police officer is being charged with murder in connection with his death.
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1 Rescued From Tampa House Fire: Officials
The cause of a Tampa house fire is under investigation, officials said. One person was rescued from the blaze.
2 Tampa Men Stole Rare Pokémon Card: Hillsborough Sheriff
Two Tampa men accused of stealing a rare Pokémon card from a Tampa shop are also accused of a similar theft in St. Pete, deputies said.
FL Driver With Fake Missiles In Truck Bed Prompts Bomb Squad Call
A FL man with fake missiles mounted on the bed of his truck was pulled over after being spotted driving on I-4, troopers said.
Man Killed In Fiery Truck Crash On I-275: FL Troopers
A Largo man died in a single-vehicle I-275 crash after he lost control of his truck, which hit a pole and caught fire, FL troopers said.
Officers recovered a stolen car and arrested the thief in less than an hour, Sarasota police said.
Hillsborough Detention Deputy Cadet Arrested For Domestic Violence: Sheriff
A Hillsborough County detention deputy cadet was arrested for domestic battery in Pasco County, officials said.
Venice Man Faces 42 Child Porn-Related Charges: Sarasota County Sheriff
A Venice man was arrested on 42 child porn-related charges after an online tip was submitted to the Sarasota County sheriff.
New Port Richey Man Who Threatened Federal Officials Sentenced: U.S. DOJ
A 79-year-old New Port Richey man was sentenced to prison for threatening to kill multiple federal officials, the U.S. DOJ said.
Man Pleads Guilty To Setting Van On Fire At Bradenton Motel: U.S. DOJ
A Parrish man pleaded guilty to setting a rental van on fire outside a Bradenton motel, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
FL Deputy Faces Multiple Charges In Domestic Violence Incident: Hillsborough Sheriff
A deputy arrested in St. Pete faces multiple charges, including armed kidnapping and aggravated assault, the Hillsborough sheriff said.
2026 Hurricane Forecast: Up To 4 Major Storms Expected In Atlantic
The 2026 hurricane season could see 11 to 16 named storms, with 2 to 4 predicted to be major hurricanes, AccuWeather said. See FL forecast.
Illegal Narcotics Operation In Tampa Busted By Police, 3 Charged
The arrests came as part of a weeks-long investigation following a tip received by Hillsborough County deputies.
Murder Charge Filed In Overdose Death: Manatee County Sheriff
A local drug dealer is accused of murder, in addition to drug-related charges, in a fatal overdose in Ellenton, Manatee County deputies said
Watch: Grappler Device Stops Street Takeover In Hillsborough County
Deputies stopped a reckless driver during a street takeover using a Grappler device, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
Woman Fatally Shot Near Ybor City Parking Garage: Tampa Police
The fatal shooting of a woman by someone she knew near an Ybor City parking garage is under investigation, Tampa police.
Arson Caused Fatal St. Pete House Fire; 1 Dead, 1 Hospitalized: Officials
Detectives determined that arson is the cause of a fire that killed an 18-year-old and are asking the public for tips, St. Pete police said.
Couple Arrested For Leaving Dog In SUV During Clearwater Concert: Reports
A couple faces animal cruelty charges after leaving their dog in their SUV while they attended a Clearwater concert, reports said.
Extras Sought For Paul Rudd Movie Set In 1980 To Be Filmed In St. Pete
Extras are sought for “The Statement,” Tom McCarthy’s next movie, which will star Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, and be filmed in St. Pete area.
Water Restrictions Tighten Across Central FL As Extreme Drought Continues
New water restrictions from SWFWMD include limiting how much water a restaurant can serve and home lawn watering.
Homemade Bomb Left At MacDill; Brother, Sister Indicted: FBI
While Ann Mary Zheng was taken into custody, her brother, Alen Zheng, who left a homemade IED at MacDill, has fled to China, the FBI said.
FL Dems Flip 2 Seats, Including Mar-A-Lago’s District, In Special Election
In an upset, Democrats flipped two FL legislative seats previously held by Republicans in Tuesday's special elections.
Golfer Tiger Woods Involved In Rollover Crash In Florida: Reports
The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. Friday in Jupiter Island, where the golf legend lives, reports said.
Assistant Tampa Police Chief Fired, Alleges Retaliation: Officials
After 29 years with the Tampa Police Department, Assistant Chief Ruth Cate was fired “for failing to meet expectations," officials said.
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