Rogue Walmart Register, Pastor Arrested, Thin Blue Line

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past day:

Land O’ Lakes Murder Suspect Captured

The search for a man wanted in connection with a Wednesday shooting death in Land O’ Lakes ended early Thursday morning.

Burn Ban Set In Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has joined others across Florida in enacting a ban on outdoor burning as dry conditions continue to spark wildfires across the region and state. The county announced Thursday afternoon its Emergency Policy Group issued an executive order to ban outdoor burning until May 4 at least.

Daycare Owner, 60, Arrested On Molestation Charge

A 60-year-old Bradenton daycare owner is accused of molesting an 8-year-old girl over the course of the last three years. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced Melvin Norris’ arrest Thursday.

Pastor Charged In Sexual Battery

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a pastor at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry on sexual battery charges. The Rev. Walter Chuquimia, 59, is accused of battering a now 17-year-old child on multiple occasions dating back to 2011.

Rogue Walmart Register Spits Out $20s (Video)

A trip to Walmart generally leaves folks just a little lighter in the wallet. That wasn’t the case for a group of people in Winter Haven a few days ago, according to police. Authorities say a self-checkout register went “rogue,” spitting out $20s instead of $5 bills to the tune of more than a $1,000 loss to the store.

Anti-Death Penalty Prosecutor’s Case Doesn’t Add Up: Rick Scott, Pam Bondi

Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala won’t get her first-degree murder cases back if Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi get their way. Scott and Bondi fired back a joint response Wednesday to Ayala’s request that the Florida Supreme Court declare Scott’s executive orders removing those cases from her office unconstitutional.

Thin Blue Line Act Cleared For Full House Vote

Prosecutors wishing to seek the death penalty for convicted cop killers may soon find it easier in federal cases. The Thin Blue Line Act cleared the U.S. House Judiciary Commission Thursday 19-12.

Grocery Store Liquor Aisles Could Be Coming To Florida

Floridians may soon be able to pick up their favorite bottles of whiskey or rum while browsing the aisles at their local grocery stores. A bill that would make it legal for big box stores, grocers and others to sell liquor cleared the House on Wednesday.

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