17 Gravesites Vandalized | Man Strangled Puppy | 2 Tornadoes Touched Down: 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.

Developing El Niño Could Reach Historic Strength: What It Means For FL

Here’s what a potentially powerful El Niño weather pattern developing earlier than expected in the Pacific Ocean could mean for FL.

Man Charged In Death Of 6-Year-Old Chihuahua, Rufus: Tampa Police

Hillsborough County Animal Control confirmed the dog's death was caused by blunt force trauma, Tampa police said.

17 Gravesites Vandalized At Historic Black Cemetery: Manatee County Sheriff

Vandals damaged 17 gravesites at a Palmetto cemetery, and spray painted "Trump" and "DeSantis" on several in red, reports said.

4-Year-Old Drowns At Pool Party; Mom Charged In Death: Police

The girl had slipped while swimming and remained at the bottom of the pool for several minutes before she was found, police said.

2 Tornadoes Touched Down In Pasco County Area: National Weather Service

Two tornadoes are confirmed to have touched down in Pasco County when a band of severe thunderstorms moved through the area, NWS said.

22 Arrested After Teen Takeover Disrupts Curtis Hixon Park: Tampa Police

Tampa police said a large group of teens gathered at Curtis Hixon Park on Friday night, leading to fights, disruptions and 22 arrests.

No Signs Of Foul Play In Child's Death Investigation: Sarasota Police

The Medical Examiner's Office is working to determine the cause of death of a child found unresponsive on Dixie Avenue, police said.

1 Dead, Firefighter Injured After Fire At Tampa Storage Facility: Reports

The blaze was first reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. Friday at a storage facility on North 56th Street.

FL Man Strangled Puppy That Had Cocaine-Induced Seizure: Reports

A FL man faces animal cruelty charges for strangling a 5-month-old beagle mix who was exposed to cocaine, reports said.

Rays, Local Officials Reach Tentative Deal For $2.3B Tampa Stadium Plan, Team Says

The Tampa Bay Rays released a Memo of Understanding between the team, Hillsborough County, Tampa officials for a new stadium.

Pasco County Sheriff To Resign, Run For FL Senate Seat

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is stepping down from the role to run for the Florida state senate.

Here’s How FL Reading, Math Scores Compare Nationally

A new interactive map from Stanford University shows how FL’s students are performing in comparison with their peers nationwide.

FL Property Manager To Pay $60K In Navy Sailor Eviction Case: U.S. DOJ

The U.S. Justice Department said a St. Pete rental property manager violated federal servicemember protections in an eviction case.