Investigators are looking into the death of 52 year old Wendy Norman, whose body was found near railroad tracks at Maine Avenue and Dawn Heights Drive today. She was reported missing yesterday.
A second body is found in the Gulf of Mexico as the search continues for a saiboat with a family of four aboard between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Also found, a sailboat mast. There is still hope the other two are alive after a possible flare was seen overnight. Found this morning, more debris from the wrecked sailboat including birth certificates, wallets, and a cell phone. Ace Kimberly and his three teenage children were last heard from Sunday when they reported storms and high seas.
Investigators are looking into the cause of this morning’s fire that destroyed a Woodlawn Terrace house in Clearwater. The house was vacant but being renovated.
No black bear hunt in Florida this year. Fish and wildlife will take this year to study the bear population instead. Last year’s week-long bear hunt ended after two days when hunters got the quota. Supporters say hunts make bear attacks on humans less likely. Opponents say trash can locks will get bears to look elsewhere for food.
Disney World beaches are back open now that trappers say they got the alligator that dragged a Nebraska toddler into a lagoon there. The boy died of drowning and traumatic injuries.
St. Pete Pride is underway, with Mayor Rick Kriseman hoisting the rainbow flag over city hall. The four day event features a parade and block party on Saturday and a festival on Sunday. 250 thousand are expected. Security will be tight in the wake of the Orlando gay nightclub massacre. And the St. Petersburg police chief is asking revelers to leave their guns at home.
Another setback for hundreds of Tampa residents who fear losing their homes. Hillsborough planners have voted to keep a controversial plan to add toll lanes along Interstates 275, 75, and 4 and widen roads off those highways. The Tampa Bay Express project would mean demolition of low income and minority neighborhoods in the area.