Boy Fires AK-47 At Florida Cops In Standoff | Patch PM

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

Florida Judge Rejects 'Stand Your Ground' Defense In Iguana Death

No, killing an iguana isn't protected under the state's "stand your ground" law that allows deadly force if a person feels it's necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, a judge in Florida has ruled.

U Of Miami, Florida Aquarium Brains Behind Coral Rescue Operation

The historic spawning of grooved brain corals raises hopes for saving Florida coral reefs. The Tampa-based Florida Aquarium and the University of Miami are leading the way.

Message In A Bottle Turns Up In Florida; All Isn't As It Seems

Who wouldn't be intrigued by this story: It seemed a guy by the name of Zack Williams sealed a message in a bottle in 1987 and threw it into the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The bottle was found Monday in a canal in Marathon, Florida, some 800 miles south of Myrtle Beach.

Boy Fired AK-47 At Florida Cops, Teen Firing Gun Is Shot: Sheriff

Two runaway kids, ages 12 and 14, shot at police with guns that included an AK-47 at a home they've been accused of breaking into Tuesday night before police fired back and critically wounded the 14-year-old girl, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

68 Florida Districts To Give Teachers $40,000 Starting Salary

Teachers, school principals and superintendents are hailing the state's $101.5 billion budget, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday, as a big win for public schools, noting that it includes $765 million in funding to support Florida's teachers. Over the past year, minimum pay for Florida's teachers increased by an average of $6,000 from $40,000 to $46,000.

Contribute your own content to Patch by signing up for an account and clicking the "Post on Patch" button at the top right of the site.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Panhandler Shoots Woman Who Refuses To Give Spare Change: Sheriff
• 67-Year-Old Woman Charged With 2nd-Degree Murder With Firearm
• South FL Ventilator Thief Arrested In Texas: DOJ
• Intruder Shot, Killed By Sarasota Homeowner Tuesday: Sheriff
• Public's Opinion Sought On New Florida Academic Standards
• DeSantis Signs $101.5 Billion Budget, Vetoes $1.5 Billion
• Ford’s Garage Grand Opening Scheduled Monday In Sarasota
• 104 Felony Charges Filed In Identity Theft Scheme: Sheriff
• 70-Year-Old Man Dies In Madeira Beach Apartment Fire

Across America

• Trump Organization Puts DC Hotel Lease On The Market: Report
• Got Bed Bugs? Orkin Ranks 2021's Top Cities For Bed Bugs
• Midsize, College Towns Atop New List Of 'Hottest' Rental Markets