Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Young Girl Found in Storm Drain Passes Away | Animal Abuse by Groomer: Florida News

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.

2 Church Leaders, 1 With Tampa Ties, Charged In Forced Labor Scheme

Prosecutors said the pair of church leaders used millions in donations to buy luxury homes, cars and sporting equipment.

Murder-Suicide Under Investigation In Pinellas County: Sheriff

A man shot and killed his girlfriend in Dunedin before turning the gun on himself, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Watch Firefighter Remove Python From Home: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

A firefighter removed a snake from a Miami-Dade County home.

Dog Groomer Pleads Guilty To 5 Animal Abuse Charges: Sarasota Police

The owner of a dog grooming business in Sarasota was accused of beating and tossing dogs while grooming them, police said.

Man Dies After Being Hit, Knocked Off I-75 Into River: FL Highway Patrol

The driver in a single-car crash was hit by an SUV heading south on I-75 and thrown into the Alafia River, FL Highway Patrol said.

$5K Reward Offered In Case Of Missing Woman: Bradenton Police

A $5,000 reward has been issued in the case of a missing woman in Bradenton, police said.

New COVID-19 Vaccine Restrictions: What It Means For FL Residents

Stringent restrictions limit who can get the vaccine in Florida.

32 Arrested In Massive FL Crackdown On Drugs

A murder suspect, a kingpin who authorities say controlled a Polk County town, and 30 others are arrested in an alleged drug ring.

Teen Brought A Gun To Pasco County School, Authorities Say

The school was briefly placed on lockdown during the incident, authorities said.

Missing FL Kids Found Safe At GA Hotel; Mom Arrested

GA authorities say they have located two children missing from Florida, and their mother was arrested in connection with their kidnapping.

Missing NC Teen Possibly In Pinellas County With People She Met On Dating App

A missing 17-year-old NC girl was last seen earlier this month leaving work at a grocery store, police said. She could be in St. Petersburg.

15-Year-Old Fatally Shot In Bradenton: Police

Detectives are investigating an overnight fatal shooting that left a 15-year-old dead in Bradenton, police said.

2 Dead, Including 1 In FL, From Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Eating Contaminated Oysters: Reports

Two deaths have been reported after oysters contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria were served at LA and FL restaurants.

Here Are The Best Colleges In Florida, According To Niche

A number of Florida colleges and universities are among the best in the U.S. on the latest list from Niche.

Woman Standing Near Broken-Down Car On I-75 Hit, Killed By SUV: FL Highway Patrol

A Riverview woman was hit and killed by an SUV while standing near her broken-down car on Interstate 75, FL Highway Patrol said.

Fugitive Wanted In MI Homicide Arrested In FL: Hillsborough Sheriff

After his lost wallet was turned in to police, deputies arrested a fugitive in a 2023 Michigan homicide case, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

Hurricanes Likely To Ramp Up After Labor Day: What FL Should Know

The hurricane season is likely to ramp up in a few weeks, and Florida will get soaked this Labor Day weekend, weather forecasters said.

Girl Dies Days After Being Swept Down Storm Drain: Family

A girl playing in her Sarasota neighborhood was swept down a storm drain during a water main break has died days later, her family said.

1 Killed In Mobile Home Fire: Hillsborough Fire Rescue

One person was killed in a mobile home fire, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said.

Man Dies After Being Thrown From Boat By Bay Pines Bridge: Pinellas Sheriff

The victim was thrown from a boat he was testing out near Bay Pines Bridge in St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.