Top Stories: Gator Attack; Guido The Pug Found; Teen Driver Crash

Here are five of this week's top headlines on Tampa Bay Patches:

GATOR ATTACK: While it may have been a gator that savagely attacked his champion race horse, as far as Mike Santo is concerned, the cause of the gator's aggression lies with man, not beast. The New Port Richey rancher believes the rising frequency of gator attacks in Florida is due to people feeding the reptiles, causing them to lose their natural fear. Gators Attack Pasco Horse, Kill Venice Dogs, Injure FishHawk Lab

RESCUE JOB: It's their job and they do it well, as demonstrated in a recent series of life-saving rescues off Florida's Gulf Coast. But, frankly, members of the U.S. Coast Guard would prefer it if they didn't have to rescue boaters from vessels that aren't equipped with proper safety gear or don't meet the standards to operate. Coast Guard Prefers Not To Come To Your Rescue

GOOD GRADES: The Hillsborough County School District's strategy to lift up its low-performing schools appears to have paid off, according to Superintendent Jeff Eakins. After setting an all-time graduation rate record, the school district learned this week that schools with previously performance problems are back on track. Hillsborough School Grades Show New Strategy Paying Off

PUG FOUND: Guido the pug was reunited with his best friend and owner Donald Murray on Wednesday, July 4. After being featured in news reports and social media, someone called in an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip which led to the once-separated pair finding each other again. Since Murray's car was stolen on May 29 with Guido in it, he has been desperately trying to find his friend. He feared the worst. Video: Guido The Pug Reunited With Grieving Owner

TEEN DRIVER: A Port Richey teen is facing charges of reckless driving after taking his mother's Ford Explorer without permission and crashing it into a home on Candlewick Lane at Bimini Drive. Teen Crashes Into Port Richey Home

Image via FHP

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