Zika Virus, Florida State Fair, Presidential Preference Primary

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top headlines from the past day:

Man Found With Pipe Bombs Was Militia Member, Authorities Say

A Tampa man arrested Monday on federal weapons charges was a member of a St. Petersburg militia group and expressed dissatisfaction with the government, according to a federal criminal complaint.

6 More Zika Cases Reported In Florida

Six more cases of the mosquito-borne disease Zika have been positively identified in Florida. The state’s Department of Health announced Tuesday afternoon that it has reported the six new travel-related cases to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week. All of the cases are believed to have been contracted outside of the United States. The six new cases bring the total number of travel-related cases in Florida up to nine.

Restaurant Inspections: Roach On Ceiling, Bad Handwashing

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at six Tampa Bay area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet guidelines for health and safety. Roach activity, dirty conditions and unsafe food temperatures were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings.

Manatees Poised To Make Super Bowl 50 Picks

Football fans who want to know the outcome of this Sunday’s Super Bowl 50 before the game even begins don’t need a crystal ball. They can just wait to find out what Mote Aquarium manatees Hugh and Buffett have to say Thursday.

Florida State Fair 2016: What To Know Before You Go

Tampa Bay area residents who love live music, midway rides and food – lots of food – may want to put the Florida State Fair on their must-do list this month. The doors open on the 2016 fair this Thursday, Feb. 4, with the fun set to continue through Feb. 15.

Presidential Preference Primary 2016: Deadline Approaching

Tampa Bay area residents who want to have a say on who will earn their parties’ nominations for president in 2016 only have a few weeks left to register to vote or change their party affiliations. The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation in Florida is set for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Photo of Mote Aquarium’s super football fan Buffett courtesy of the aquarium and Rich Howard