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.
St. Pete City Council Candidates Weigh In On Historic Gas Plant District Proposals
Patch asked St. Pete City Council and mayoral candidates to share their favorite Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment proposals.
‘Looksmaxxing’ TikTok Influencer Faces Child Porn Charges: Sarasota Deputies
The ex-girlfriend of an 18-year-old Sarasota “looksmaxxing” TikTok influencer found child porn images on his phone, reports said.
Breeze To Launch 2 New Tampa Flights To Tropical Destinations
The new routes from Breeze give Tampa International Airport two more nonstop flights to tropical destinations.
2 Young Manatees Transferred To Bishop Museum In Bradenton
Visitors can see manatees Sorbet and Juneau as they adjust to secondary rehabilitation care at The Bishop Museum in Bradenton.
St. Pete Man Left Fatal Seffner Crash Site In An Uber With 8-Year-Old Son: FL Troopers
A month later, a St. Pete man was arrested for leaving the scene after a three-vehicle crash that killed a Seffner teen, FL troopers said.
160-Piece Banksy Exhibit Heading To Tampa This Summer
Tickets to see the world’s largest collection of privately owned Banksy artwork at Tampa’s Straz Center go on sale to the public soon.
13-Year-Old Husky Found In FL Reunites With Owner In TX After 12 Years
A microchip helped Hernando County Animal Services trace 13-year-old Sierra to her owner, Bryce, in TX, who hadn’t seen her in 12 years.
FL’s ‘Scarface’ Mansion, Former Nixon Retreat On The Market For $237M
A FL mansion that was featured in the movie “Scarface” as the home of drug lord Frank Lopez is on the market for $237M.
81 FL Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Grades In New Hospital Safety Ranking
A new hospital safety report from The Leapfrog Group shows that 81 Florida hospitals earned an "A" rating.
Lightning May Have Caused USF St. Pete Fire, School Officials Say
The Marine Science Laboratory at USF’s St. Pete campus is likely “a total loss” after a fire tore through the building, officials said.
FL Man Bitten By 8-Foot Gator While Trying To Save His Dog
A FL man was bitten by a gator while trying to retrieve his dog from the water’s edge, reports said.
Reward Rises To $19,500 In Search For Fatal Shooting Suspect: Manatee Sheriff
The reward money offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in a fatal Bradenton shooting has increased to $19,500.
$10M Jackpot-Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In FL
There were two big winners in Powerball’s $20 million jackpot drawing on Saturday. One of the winning tickets was sold in FL.
Lightning Captain Took Leave From The Team To Focus On Mental Health
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman said he stepped away from the team in March to focus on his mental health.
Trial In 2025 Fatal Clearwater Ferry Crash Pushed Back
The trial of former Jannus owner Jeffrey Knight, facing multiple felony charges for the 2025 fatal Clearwater ferry crash, was rescheduled.
Dog Dies After Cruelty Case; More Charges Possible For Tampa Woman: Sheriff
HCSO said the dog died after emergency treatment in an animal cruelty case. Detectives are working with prosecutors on charges.
Bradenton Police Fire Officer After Domestic Violence Arrest: Officials
A Bradenton patrol officer was fired after her arrest on domestic battery and burglary charges, police said.
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