Laundrie Settlement | Best FL Beaches | ‘Explosive’ Hurricane Season | Loaded Gun At School | Girl Dies In Sand Collapse | Measles Outbreak
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FLORIDA — 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.
Student Brought Loaded Gun To High School: Police
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A student caught with a loaded pistol at Palmetto High School said he had it to defend himself on the walk to, from school, police said.
Best FL Beaches Dominate List Of 2024’s Top 25 In The U.S.: Ranking
One Florida beach even cracked the top 25 list for the best beaches in the world, according to new TripAdvisor rankings.
$300K NFT Scheme Leads To Fraud Charge Against FL Man
Two men — one from Florida and the other from Alaska — face charges related to a non-fungible token (NFT) scheme, the U.S. DOJ said.
Parents Of Petito, Laundrie Reach Secret Lawsuit Settlement
The families of Gabby Petito, Brian Laundrie reached a confidential settlement in a civil lawsuit filed in Sarasota County, they said.
New Murder Charge Filed In Jan. 26 FL Road-Rage Shooting: Sheriff
A man was arrested in Brevard County and charged with murder for a Jan. 26 road-rage shooting in Riverview, the Hillsborough Sheriff said.
Ripley’s Fights FL Book Bans With Book Giveaways For Residents
After three of its titles were challenged in Escambia County, Ripley’s will give its annual book to FL residents for free through May 15.
SUV Drives Into Beef ‘O’ Brady’s In Wesley Chapel: FL Highway Patrol
A driver lost control of her SUV in a Wesley Chapel parking lot, drove through a Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Wednesday morning, FL Highway Patrol said.
Auto Thief’s Friend Dies Week After Crash: St. Petersburg Police
A Jeep’s thief now faces a vehicular homicide charge following the death of his friend about a week after a St. Pete crash, police said.
Zero Murders, Drop In Violent Crimes Reported In 2023: Sarasota Police
Overall, violent crimes in Sarasota dropped by more than 16 percent in 2023 compared to the prior year, police said.
‘Explosive’ 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted: Forecasters
La Niña, historically warm waters could cause “explosive tropical development” in the Atlantic, more direct hits to Gulf Coast: FL forecast.
Infant Rescued After Body Lands On Her During Crash: FL Sheriff
An infant is recovering at a St. Pete hospital after a motorcycle struck an SUV Feb. 8 in Charlotte County. The body landed on the girl.
Texts Show FL’s Gaetz Asked Woman On Trip Who Was Paid For Sex: Report
Rep. Matt Gaetz reportedly asked the woman to attend a trip to the Keys though his office says he did not know his friend paid her for sex.
5th Measles Case Reported At FL Elementary School: Health Officials
FL health officials are investigating measles cases reported at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Broward County, reports said.
Missing FL Woman In Spain Taken Against Her Will, Friend Says: Reports
Authorities are searching for the Fort Lauderdale woman, who has been missing since Feb. 2 in Spain.
7-Year-Old Killed In Sand Collapse At FL Beach Identified: Reports
Experts said the 7-year-old girl’s death may have been prevented with lifeguards, while another outlet said sand collapse deaths are common.
FL ‘America’s Most Wanted’ Suspect’s Daughters Turn Him In: Report
“Of all the places he could’ve gone, Lakeland was the wrong one,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
FL Man Arrested For Election Fraud In Kansas: Attorney General Kobach
A Dade City man forged signatures on petitions to make No Labels an official political party in Kansas, attorney general’s office said.
Publix Recalls 4 Types Of Meat Due To Listeria Risk In FL
Four ready-to-eat meat products from Miami-based Don Novo & Son delivered to FL stores are recalled because of listeria risk, Publix said.
100 Child Porn Possession Charges Filed Against FL Man: Sheriff
A Lutz man was arrested and charged with more than 100 counts of child porn possession, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.
Off-Duty Orlando Officer Charged With DUI: Pinellas County Sheriff
An off-duty Orlando police officer was charged with driving under the influence early Sunday morning in Seminole, the Pinellas sheriff said.
Search For Missing Boaters Suspended By US Coast Guard: Venice Police
Authorities searched more than 4,600 miles in the Gulf of Mexico for four SWFL men who left for a boating trip Saturday, police said.
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