'Shark Week' $300K Theft | Swamp Rescue | Man Kills Brother: 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.

4 Arrested In Counterfeit Check-Cashing Ring: Manatee County Sheriff

Four women were arrested and charged for their roles in a counterfeit check-cashing ring, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

As No. 1 Spring Break Destination, FL Braces For Influx Of Visitors

The Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, family-friendly attractions and cruise ports make Florida a prime choice for spring breaking, AAA says.

FL Domestic Violence Bill Could Save Lives, Joe Petito: Report

After Gabby Petito was killed by her fiancee, her father told media a new FL bill allowing lethality assessments could have saved her life.

Death Threat, White Powder Sent To Donald Trump Jr.’s FL Home

"If this happened to a prominent Democrat it wouldn’t be tolerated," Donald Trump Jr. said after white powder was sent to his South FL home.

Plane Received 3 Warnings Before Crashing On I-75 In FL: NTSB

A plane that made an emergency landing on I-75 in Naples received 3 engine warnings before crashing, NTSB said. Both pilots were killed.

Missing Autistic Girl Rescued From Swampy Wooded Area In Tampa: Watch

A 5-year-old autistic girl was rescued from a wooded area with wetlands Monday afternoon, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Macy’s, With 41 FL Stores, To Close 150 Nationwide Over 3 Years

News of store closings came after Macy's posted a fourth-quarter loss amid declining sales. It's not clear which FL stores are affected.

Angry Man Threw Hot Coffee At Dunkin’ Employee: New Port Richey Police

Investigators are looking for a man who angrily threw a cup of hot coffee at a Dunkin employee Sunday morning, New Port Richey police said.

First Whole Foods In Bradenton Planned: Reports

The planned Whole Foods Market grocery store in Bradenton will be the third in the area of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

FL Measles Outbreak Spreads To Polk County

After a measles outbreak at a Broward County elementary school, an adult in Polk County has been infected with the virus, reports said.

Walt Disney World Ticket Prices To Rise In 2025: Reports

Walt Disney World Resort ticketing for 2025 became available Tuesday, and customers may be surprised to see an increase in ticket prices.

Endangered FL Sawfish With Missing Appendage Dies, $20K Reward Offered

A sawfish's rostrum, the saw-like cartilage, was removed shortly before it was found dead oceanside in Key West. A $20,000 reward is posted.

Water Restrictions Extended In Tampa Bay Area: SWFL Water District

The 1-day-per-week watering restrictions have been extended in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties: SWFL Water Management District.

Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Sued By Pasco Model Over Broken Leg: Reports

The social media influencer from Pasco Co. says Tyreek Hill charged at her after she knocked him backwards and embarrassed him, reports say.

Missing Paddleboarder’s Body Found In Dunedin Waters: Pinellas Sheriff

A missing paddleboarder’s body was found Sunday in the intracoastal waterway just north of the Dunedin Marina, the Pinellas sheriff said.

Will Smith, 'Bad Boys' Star, Films In Miami And Fort Lauderdale

"D---, I LOVE this city! Bad Boys 4 is coming fast y’all," longtime actor Will Smith said in an Instagram post.

$1M-Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold At FL 7-Eleven

With no big winner in the last drawing, Friday evening’s Mega Millions jackpot has jumped to $607 million.

Gator Chases Golf Cart In South FL, Lunges At Driver: Reports

An angry gator was recently caught on video chasing after a golf cart in South Florida and lunging at the driver, reports said.

'Shark Week' Featured Researcher Stole $300K: Bradenton Police

A Georgia biology professor featured on National Geographic's “Shark Week” stole more than $300K from a nonprofit, Bradenton police said.

Man Charged In Brother’s Death After Running Him Over: St. Pete Police

A man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his brother, who he intentionally ran over, St. Pete police said.

Sergeant Sought Sex From Teen Inmate: Pinellas County Sheriff

A female sergeant at a juvenile detention center had a relationship with a 16-year-old male inmate, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.