Mayor Carjacked, $1 Trillion Economy, Orlando Shooting: June’s Top Stories

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following is a look back at some of the stories that had people talking in June:

Gawker Media Files Bankruptcy After $140M Hulk Hogan Verdict

Gawker Media has filed for bankruptcy less than three months after a Pinellas County jury awarded Hulk Hogan $140.1 million in damages related to a sex tape released by the online publication. The petition was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern Division of New York Friday.

Boy’s Body Recovered After Disney Gator Attack

The search for a 2-year-old boy attacked and dragged away by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa ended Wednesday afternoon with a grim discovery.

Orlando Shooting: Timeline, Transcripts Released

Just more than a week after Omar Mateen walked into a crowded Orlando nightclub and opened fire on those gathered, the FBI has shed more light on just what happened during the early morning hours of June 12.

100 Best Places In Florida To Raise A Family

Just in time for Father’s Day, Niche.com took a look at the best places to raise a family in states across the country. According to its rankings for Florida, Tampa Bay’s Hillsborough County offers more than a few possibilities. In fact, Westchase ranks No. 1 on the list overall with FishHawk coming in a close second.

Tampa Police ‘Standoff’ With Black Bear Ends Peacefully

Tampa Police officers found themselves involved in a standoff of sorts Tuesday morning. According to the agency, one of its officers was responding to an unrelated call around 5:30 a.m. when he saw a large animal running by him.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio Will Seek Re-Election

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has thrown his name into the ring for a re-election bid. While Rubio failed in his campaign to win the Republican nomination for president, polls are showing he’ll likely win another Senate term come November.

Mayor Of City Where Trayvon Martin Died Carjacked

The small Florida city cast into the national spotlight following the 2012 shooting death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is once again making headlines. This time, it’s Sanford's own mayor, Jeff Triplett, at the center of the story.

1st Baby With Zika Virus-Related Defect Born In Florida

The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed the state’s first Zika-related case of microcephaly. According to the state agency, the mother of the baby born in Florida with the Zika virus-related defect is a citizen of Haiti. She traveled to Florida to deliver the child.

Florida’s Economy Projected To Hit $1 Trillion

Gov. Rick Scott’s boasts about the health of Florida’s economy are more than just that, according to researchers at the University of Central Florida. The Sunshine State is on pace to see its economy swell to the $1 trillion mark by 2018.

Steven Stamkos Reportedly Staying With Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning fans worried that team captain Steven Stamkos would skate off to a sweeter deal in free agency can breathe a little easier.

Watch: Mom Thwarts Kidnapper At Dollar General

A determined mother and an off-duty deputy are getting the credit for saving a 13-year-old girl from a would-be abductor Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Orlando Facebook page