Deputies Shot | Gator Breaks Into Pool | Small Child Fatally Shoots Toddler: FL News

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.

Arrest Made In Violent Attack At St. Pete Park: Police

The suspect attacked a man lying on a picnic table bench at a St. Pete park on July 6, police said. The victim remains in critical condition.

9-Foot Gator Broke Into Enclosed Pool At Venice Home

A large 9-foot, 4-inches-long alligator gave a Venice homeowner a scare after breaking into a screened-in pool enclosure to take a swim.

Manatee EMS Deputy Chief Arrested In Child Sex Abuse Case: Sheriff

Manatee County investigators said the arrest followed an FBI tip and a search of the deputy chief's residence.

3 Teens Arrested After Pointing BB Guns At Hillsborough Sheriff's Helicopter

Deputies responding to a prowler call in Lutz arrested three teens who aimed BB guns at a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office helicopter.

2 Deputies Injured, Suspect Killed In Ruskin Shootout: Hillsborough Sheriff

Two Hillsborough County deputies were seriously injured, and the suspect was killed in a shootout in Ruskin, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

Man Fleeing ICE In FL Killed By Semi-Truck: Reports

The death of a Mexican man fleeing immigration agents in FL is the third ICE-related death in one week.

St. Pete Launches 'Yes In God's Backyard' Program To Help Churches Explore Affordable Housing

St. Pete's new "Yes in God's backyard" program helps local houses of worship explore building affordable housing on their land.

Bradenton Police Disperse Riverwalk 'Teen Takeover' Crowd

Bradenton police said 250 to 300 young people gathered along the Riverwalk, and officers shut two areas as the crowd dispersed.

4-Year-Old Fatally Shot GA Toddler At FL Vacation Rental After Finding Unsecured Gun

A 2-year-old GA boy was killed in FL when a 4-year-old relative found an unsecured gun and unintentionally shot him, reports said.

Inventor Of First At-Home Pregnancy Test To Visit Tampa For Play About Her Life

A play about the woman who invented the first at-home pregnancy test will run July 17-26 at Stageworks.

Listeria Outbreak Linked To Tampa Restaurant: FL Department Of Health

Five people fell ill during a listeria outbreak linked to a Tampa restaurant, FL health officials said.

Man Arrested In 2025 Fatal Shooting Outside St. Pete Club, Police Say

The suspect was charged with first-degree murder in a February 2025 shooting outside a St. Pete club, police said.

Stetson University To Redevelop Tampa Law Center Campus

The Tampa Heights project would expand its law school presence and connect downtown Tampa with the Riverwalk, Stetson University said.

Bradenton Police Arrest Brooksville Man In Twin Dolphin Marina Swatting Case

A Brooksville man was charged after a false 988 chat prompted a large response at Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton, police said.

St. Petersburg Police Seek IDs In $96,000 Vandalism At Central Avenue Condo Tower

St. Petersburg police said two men caused $96,000 in damage at a luxury condo tower on Central Avenue on Saturday night.