Teen Arrested In Double Murder | HIV+ Pastor Had Sex With Boy, 14 | Gun Fired On Bus: 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.

Missing 5-Year-Old Tampa Boy Found Dead In Nearby Pond: Hillsborough Sheriff

A missing 5-year-old autistic boy who left his Tampa home alone was found dead hours later in a nearby pond, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

FL Man Who Fatally Shot Neighbor He Mistook For Bear Given $200K Bond

A Southwest FL man was arrested months after fatally shooting his neighbor, who he mistook for a bear in the middle of the night.

New Developments In Cyclospora, Salmonella Outbreaks: What To Know In FL

Nearly 100 new cyclospora cases have been reported in FL in a week, according to the state health department.

Son Charged With Mother's Murder After U.S. 27 Crashes: Polk County Sheriff

A 21-year-old man was charged with his mother's murder and leaving the scene of a crash, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Driver Convicted In Road-Rage Shooting That Wounded Pregnant Passenger In Manatee: State Attorney

A driver faces up to 101 years behind bars after being convicted in a 2024 road-rage shooting that injured a pregnant woman in Manatee.

HIV+ FL Pastor Arrested In Child Sex Abuse Investigation: Sheriff

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said a Winter Haven pastor faces charges involving a 14-year-old boy and HIV disclosure allegations.

These Are The Best Hospitals In FL, U.S. News Says In New Ranking

FL's top hospital also made the U.S. News 2026-27 Best Hospitals Honor Roll, a list of 20 hospitals nationwide.

Gun Fired During Fight On PSTA Bus Along U.S. 19: Reports

A man was arrested after firing a gun, and another man was injured during a fight on a PSTA bus along U.S. 19, reports said.

Teen Wanted For Central FL Double Murders Arrested In Manatee: U.S. Marshals

A 17-year-old wanted for the murders of two childhood friends in DeLand was arrested at an Ellenton motel, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

USPS Worker Stole Winning Lottery Ticket From Mail, Cashed It In: FL Officials

A U.S. Postal Service worker was accused of stealing a winning lottery ticket mailed from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale and cashing it in.

Tampa Hotel Robbery Leads To 3 Arrests In Pinellas County, Sheriff Says

Detectives said the 3 suspects robbed a man at gunpoint outside a Tampa hotel after meeting him earlier at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

Sarasota Man Sentenced For Witness Tampering In Domestic Violence Case: State Attorney

A Sarasota County man was convicted of witness tampering and 13 counts of violating pretrial release in a domestic violence case.

Yorkie Recovering After Gator Attack In Englewood

A 9-pound Yorkie named Zoey is recovering after being mauled by a gator in Englewood.

Polk K-9 Critically Wounded, Suspect Dead After Deputy-Involved Shooting

K-9 Ace was critically wounded by a suspect he was tracking, who was shot and killed by Polk County deputies. The dog's leg was amputated.

2 Cases Of Mosquito-Borne Dengue Confirmed In Hillsborough: Health Officials

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed a second case of mosquito-borne dengue fever in Hillsborough County.

CLEAR Biometric Screening Lanes Coming To Tampa International Airport

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a contract to bring CLEAR+ and eGates to Tampa International Airport this fall.

Firefighter Hospitalized After Medical Emergency While Fighting Sarasota-Area Fire: Officials

A Sarasota County firefighter was hospitalized after a medical emergency while responding to a house fire now under state investigation.

• Also Read: Firefighter Released From Sarasota Hospital After Medical Issue During Fire