Missing USF Doctoral Students | Wildfires Burn Across State | Mothballs Scattered Along Beach: 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.

Can 500,000 ‘Bootleg’ T-Shirts Reopen Haslam’s? One St. Pete Artist Is Trying

A St. Petersburg artist hopes to sell 500,000 “bootleg” Haslam’s T-shirts to raise money to buy the bookstore — which isn’t for sale.

Bradenton Cop Charged With Felony Child Abuse

The man was arrested following an investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, authorities said.

School Board Member’s FL Nonprofit Focuses On Education Policies, Funding

A Pinellas County School Board member has launched a new FL nonprofit with a focus on education policy, advocacy and funding.

St. Pete Man Accused Of Attacking Two Women With Butter Knife

The 18-year-old was charged with attempted murder following the attack, police said.

FL Distillery Owner Dies Days After Explosion

The owner of Storm Distillery in FL died days after he was severely injured in an explosion at the facility.

St. Pete’s Multiverseland Experience Invites Guests To Explore Their Own Reality

St. Petersburg's Multiverseland, located in a North Kenwood backyard, offers visitors an artistic, immersive and self-reflective experience.

Tampa Gets Ready For BTS Concerts With Traffic Advisories, K-Pop Fan Events

The BTS merch tent will shut down an entire Tampa city block for a week while the K-pop band is in town for three shows.

Homeowner Fatally Shot Intruder In Historic Kenwood: St. Pete Police

A man was fatally shot after trying to enter a home on 2nd Avenue North in the Historic Kenwood neighborhood, St. Pete police said.

Semi-Truck Driver Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash On I-75: FL Troopers

Investigators are looking for the driver of a Ford Mustang in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash on I-75, FL troopers said.

4 New Offerings Added To Publix Deli Menus

Florida-based Publix has expanded its popular "Pub Sub" offerings with three new Texas-inspired subs, as well as a new sandwich.

Anderson Cooper, Justin Trudeau Among Ringling College's 2027 Town Hall Speakers

Ringling College's Town Hall series includes journalist Anderson Cooper, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and swimmer Katie Ledecky.

$25M Scratch-Off Prize Claimed By FL Man: Lottery Officials

A Florida man won $25 million playing the “$25,000,000 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIER” scratch-off game, state lottery officials said.

2 Missing USF Doctoral Students Considered Endangered, Sheriff Says

The 2 missing USF doctoral students, last seen April 16, are considered endangered, as detectives follow leads in Hillsborough, Pinellas.

Tampa Elementary School Teacher Charged With DUI: Hillsborough Sheriff

A Tampa elementary school teacher was arrested for DUI after showing signs of impairment and refusing a breath sample, HCSO said.

61 FL Counties Named Drought Disaster Areas As Wildfires Grow

Agricultural producers in most FL counties are eligible for emergency lines of credit as the drought continues, USDA said.

• Also Read: 134 Wildfires Burning Across FL As Drought Continues

Meet The Developers Behind Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment Proposals

St. Petersburg residents can meet the developers behind the four shortlisted proposals for redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.

1 Dead After Small Plane Crashed Into Pasco County Backyard: Reports

The pilot was killed and a home was damaged by fire after a plane crashed into a Wesley Chapel backyard, reports said.

Mothballs Likely Scattered Along FL Beach To Deter Protected Birds, FWC Says

FWC officers believe someone scattered toxic mothballs along a stretch of St. Pete Beach to deter protected black skimmers, reports said.