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Monday, May 21, 2012

Police to 4th Suspect in Soldier's Beating: 'We're Coming For You'

Tampa Police issued the warning for the fourth suspect who was seen on video footage attacking and robbing a U.S. Army soldier earlier this month in South Tampa.

Tampa Police have a message for the fourth suspect still at large in the beating of a MacDill Air Force Base soldier: "We're coming for you." That's what Tampa police Lt. Mary O'Connor told TBO.com on Monday following the latest arrest in the case of the violent attack and robbery of U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Aparicio earlier this month in South Tampa. Jared J. Richardson, 18, of 868 Bayou View Drive in Brandon, was arrested late Sunday night on charges of aggravated battery, robbery and possession of marijuana. According to TBO, officers also seized Richardson's gold 2002 Chevrolet Impala, which they say was used during the beating. Two other 18-year old men — Robinson High School student Geroshe Lewis, of 4712 W. Wallcraft Ave., and Lerome …

Michael Agana's Funeral to Be Held on Tuesday

A visitation will be held tonight for the 19-year-old Plant High School graduate who died after crashing his car into the Hillsborough Bay this month.

A visitation will be held on Monday night, May 21, for Michael Agana, the 19-year-old Plant High School graduate and University of South Florida student who died after crashing his car into the Hillsborough Bay this month, according to ABC Action News. The visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave., the local TV station reports.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Gets an Early Start

Stay with South Tampa-Hyde Park Patch throughout the season for information and updates you need to know about.

The official start of Atlantic Hurricane Season 2012 is almost two weeks away, but that isn’t stopping Mother Nature from flexing her muscles. Tropical Storm Alberto is already churning off the coast of Florida. While that storm isn’t expected to cause South Tampa any trouble, it’s just the first in what forecasters say will be a less active year than last, but busy nonetheless. According to the Huffington Post, the 2012 Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, is anticipated to be an average to below-average year as far as storm activity is concerned. Don’t let the “average” fool you though; Colorado State University is predicting 10 named storms. It anticipates four hurricanes and two major hurricanes. As the 2012 …

What's the Best Beach in the Tampa Bay Area?

From Caladesi Island to Siesta Key, there are plenty of renowned beaches just a day trip away.

With Memorial Day weekend and its rising gas prices on the horizon, we're in luck: There are plenty of celebrated beaches within a one-tank trip of the Tampa Bay area. Which local beach is your favorite? Maybe it's Siesta Key, named best beach in the U.S. in 2011. Farther north, Fort De Soto beach and Caladesi Island took top honors in 2005 and 2008. Or maybe you prefer Anna Maria Island, St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach, which are perennial vacation favorites. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular coastal destinations in the greater Bay area — just follow the links below for directions and information. Cast your vote for your favorite beach in the poll below. Did we miss your favorite? Please let us know in the comments. About …

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Jared Leone

5:15 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

You are so right Cherlene. I think it depends on the day! So many great places to enjoy the surf and sand!   more ›

Update: 3rd Man Charged in Soldier's Beating Caught on Camera

Jared J. Richardson, 18, of Brandon, is the third to be arrested in connection with the violent attack and robbery of U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Aparicio, Tampa Police said.

Update, 3:08 p.m.: Charges have been filed against Jared J. Richardson, 18, of Brandon, in connection with the recent attack on a U.S. Army soldier in South Tampa. Richardson was arrested late Sunday night on charges of aggravated battery, robbery and possession of marijuana. According to TBO.com, officers also seized Richardson's gold 2002 Chevrolet Impala, which they say was used during the beating. Richardson is being held on $15,500 bail, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office records.   Earlier: Detectives have arrested a third suspect in the vicious beating and robbery of a U.S. Army soldier in South Tampa, Tampa Police said Monday morning. The suspect, Jared Richardson, 18, of 868 Bayou View Dr., Brandon, is the third man…

Plant High Football Poised for Run at Fifth State Title

Despite a large graduating class, the Plant Panthers have reloaded and look as promising as ever this spring.

Does Plant High have what it takes to win another state title this year? Sound off in the comments section below. Plant High football coach Robert Weiner will say goodbye this fall to 39 seniors from last year's Class 8A state championship team. For most teams in the county, region, state or country that would spell the end of your program, at least for a few years. Not at Plant. No one reloads like the Plant Panthers. Despite graduating more than three dozen players, including three starting defensive backs, two starting linebackers, their top offensive tackle and both starting wide receivers from last year's team, the Panthers may not even skip a beat from last year. It's difficult to improve on a 14-1 season where you won the state …

Win a $50 Gas Card on Patch

Share how you're saving gas and enter today.

  With gas around $3.50 a gallon, and the long Memorial Day holiday weekend right around the corner, it’s getting tough to fill the tank. Patch feels your pain and we want to help, even if it’s just a little bit. So we’re giving away a $50 gas card in the hopes that we can make life better for one lucky person. Entering this contest is easy. All you have to do is post a comment below this article to tell us about one thing you’re doing differently to save money on gas (or to save on other things so you can afford gas). There’s no need to write a lot. Just a sentence or two will do! We’ll conduct a random drawing from among the comments entered by noon on May 25. * Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia …

Julie Powers

5:56 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

I use a windshield shade which helps to keep my car cool and I use the lowest octane. I also use gas buddy to help find the lowest gas price in the area.   more ›

Legal Corner

The Option Contract: A Primer

Can you contract for the option to contract?

Contest update: Our winner from last week’s question is Jeff C. He has asked us to donate to West Elfers Cemetery Preservation Assoc. Inc. Except for this week, all donations have been mailed.  Check with your charity to make sure they received the donations please.  CONTEST ON/JTS (official rules here).  JT Simons, P.A., is holding a contest for you to figure out the hidden trivia question in this article. If you win, JT Simons, P.A., will donate $25 to charity. In short, figure out the hidden trivia question, send an email with the answer to JT Simons, and make sure your nonprofit is legitimate. Remember, send the answer to jts@simonslawfirm.com, subject line CONTEST ENTRY, and give me as much information as you can about the nonprofit …

Adorable Adoptables

Want to Be Lucky's Charm?

Lucky is a 4-year-old extra-large all black Labrador mix looking for a new home.

He looks like a "scooby" with the given name "Lucky." This 4-year old extra-large all black Labrador mix has one ear up, one down, a curly tail, and an amazing story of survival. Lucky was in the backyard of his Tampa home when a someone allegedly set the house ablaze. Lucky is neutered, housebroken, social, and perfectly healthy (no heartworms or other issues). Take him home fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, and registered for the cost of the county tag (just $20). Please be Lucky's charm. He is animal ID# 1343900. Adopt Tuesday - Sunday at the shelter,  440 N. Falkenburg Rd. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Plant High Going to Nationals, $16,250 Reward Offered, and More on Patch Last Week

Here’s a look back at some of last week's news and features.

1. Plant High School Freshman Girls Win Florida State Championship for Rowing, Team Going to Nationals - Plant High School will participate in the National Scholastic Rowing Association Championship Regatta in New Jersey at the end of May. 2. Davis Islands Restaurant Pink Flamingo Cafe Closes - The breakfast-and-lunch eatery had been open at its 304 E. Davis Blvd. since 2003. 3. Yoga 101: Table, Cow and Cat Postures - Nourish the body and spine with Cat and Cow postures. 4. FCAT Passing Scores Lowered; What's Your Take? - The passing grade for Florida's standardized writing test has been lowered by an emergency rule, keeping the failure rate basically unchanged. 5. When Kids Behave Badly at Restaurants, What Should Happen? - A sign at a …

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