Toddler Run Over | FL Soldier Death | On-Duty Cop's DUI: 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.

100+ Bunnies Rescued From Hoarder Up For Adoption In FL

More than 100 rabbits rescued from a “heartbreaking” hoarding incident in Bradenton are now available for adoption, Manatee County said.

Security In Place For Firestone Grand Prix: Police

Between 100,000 to 150,000 IndyCar fans will visit downtown this weekend for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the city said.

2 Guilty Of Embezzling $835K From Higher Education Institution: US DOJ

Two Tampa residents are guilty of embezzling more than $835K from a higher education institution by stealing student refunds, the US DOJ said.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier From FL Dies At U.S. Embassy In Israel: DOD

A U.S. Army Reserve soldier from Tampa helping with security at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem died Monday, the Dept. of Defense said.

10-Foot Great White Shark Tracked Near Tampa Bay Area: OCEARCH

Rose, a 600-pound juvenile great white shark, was tracked to the Gulf of Mexico not far from the greater Tampa Bay area, OCEARCH data shows.

Man Shot At Students Near FL High School: Sheriff

A man faces multiple charges after shooting at students near a Riverview high school after a fight broke out, Hillsborough sheriff said.

Rehabilitated Baby Bobcat Released Back Into The Wild: FL Sheriff

An endangered baby bobcat rescued earlier this year was released back into its natural habitat Tuesday, Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Canadian Teen Swimmer’s Body Found In Gulf: Sheriff

A 17-year-old boy visiting Florida from Quebec went missing in the Gulf of Mexico while doing drills with his swim team, Pinellas sheriff said.

Bomb Threat Evacuates FL Turnpike Service Plaza: FL Highway Patrol

Jewish students on a bus at a FL Turnpike service plaza received a text message bomb threat Friday afternoon, state troopers said.

FL Teen Dies After Boat Crashes Into Dock: Reports

A 15-year-old boy was killed and his friend injured when they were thrown from a boat that crashed into a St. Pete dock, reports said.

10 Years Later, Missing Dog Found In Tampa Reunited With Owner

After going missing 10 years ago, a 14-year-old cockapoo found in Tampa was reunited with her owners in South Florida, Humane Society said.

Man Filmed Girl In Library Bathroom: FL Sheriff

The suspect, a Lutz man, was also recently charged with 100 counts of child porn possession, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

DUI Driver Hits 140MPH While Fleeing Troopers: FL Highway Patrol

A driver suspected of DUI on I-275 hit speeds of 140 mph as he led FL troopers on a chase from Tampa into St. Pete, FHP said.

1.2M Gallons Of Sewage Spilled Into Manatee River: FDEP Notice

A blockage at the Bradenton Water Reclamation Facility caused 1.2M gallons of wastewater to spill into the Manatee River, the city said.

Christian Ziegler Won’t Face Any Charges In GOP Sex Scandal: State

State Attorney Ed Brodsky has decided not to charge former FL GOP chair Christian Ziegler with video voyeurism.

Missing Children Taken By Parents During DCF Visit Found: Police

3 siblings taken by their parents during a child welfare meeting at the Dept. of Children and Families were found safe, Largo police said.

2-Year-Old Dies After Being Run Over In Driveway: FL Highway Patrol

A 2-year-old boy died after being run over twice in the driveway of a Lakewood Ranch home Wednesday morning, FL Highway Patrol said.

University Of FL Fires All Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Staff: Memo

“DEI is toxic,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, who praised the University of FL's elimination of all DEI positions to comply with a new state law.

DUI Charge For On-Duty FL Cop Who Crashed Into Police Vehicle: MDPD

An on-duty police officer crashed his county SUV into an occupied parked police vehicle and drew his gun, Miami-Dade police said.

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