Bear Break-In, $53M Drug Sting, Organ Donors Sought: Nearby News

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

• Desoto Square Mall Closing Permanently Friday: Report
• Hillsborough Sheriff Launches New Program To Find Missing Kids
• O, Miami Poetry Month Celebration Ends With Magazine Release

Black Bear Goes For A Swim In Pool After Break-In

A Naples homeowner got the surprise of a lifetime when she found an uninvited guest in her screen room Sunday: a large black bear broke in to take a dip in her pool.

English Man’s Replica Sarasota Police Car Turns Heads In Scotland

The second Caleb Keogh found a 2008 Chevrolet Impala 9C1 being auctioned on eBay in the United Kingdom, he knew immediately that he needed to own it. Once in his possession, he restored the car's police features and transformed the vehicle into a replica of a Sarasota Police Department car.

$53M Record Seizure Of Meth, Plus Guns, Six Charged: Sheriff

A record 1,500 pounds of crystalized and liquid methamphetamine worth an estimated $53 million was recently seized in a raid, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Thursday.

Tampa To Literally Shine Light On Desperate Need For Organ Donors

At sundown on Friday, the city of Tampa will illuminate Old City Hall, Curtis Hixon Park and all the downtown bridges with blue and green lights. The gesture is a tribute to the more than 5,000 Floridians awaiting a lifesaving transplant and a reminder of how easy it is to become a transplant donor.

St. Petersburg Officer Arrested, Terminated After Fraud Attempt

A St. Petersburg Police Department probationary officer was arrested and terminated from his job Wednesday after authorities said he attempted to use a woman's personal information to make online purchases, the St. Petersburg Police announced Thursday.

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Also Worth a Look Today

• Pfizer Vaccine Clinic Planned For Those 16 And Older Saturday
• 13-Year-Old Boy Missing From Family Resources In Bradenton
• 68-Year-Old Man Missing In Sarasota: Police
• Detectives Seek Known Gang Member In Connection With Shooting
• Rowdies Make Season Debut Saturday At Al Lang Stadium
• Wow House: Lakeland Home Is A Spectacular Southern Masterpiece

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