FLORIDA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Florida. Here’s a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Authorities this week located the driver of a truck emblazoned with the words “Booty Patrol” after they reportedly impersonated law enforcement officers in several Florida counties. The driver had equipped the white Chevy Silverado with red and blue lights in addition to green decals.
FL Man Made Threatening Call To World Jewish Congress
A man was arrested after making a threatening phone call to the World Jewish Congress in New York City, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Deep Alpesh Kumar Patel, 21, left a voicemail in which he screamed, “If I had a chance, I would kill every single one of you Israelis. Cause mass genocide of every single Israeli.”
Uber Driver Sexually Assaulted Passenger: Police
An Uber driver was arrested after sexually assaulting a woman he had picked up for a ride, according to police. He got into the backseat and began undressing her against her will.
Human Trafficking Sting Yields 6 New Arrests
An undercover human trafficking sting led to the arrests of six men trying to meet minors for sex, according to authorities. The men were arrested in simultaneous undercover operations focused on combating human trafficking and targeted people responding to online advertisements for sex with minors.
Ron DeSantis’ Height-Boosting Boots: Truth Or A Tall Tale?
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ choice of footwear is back in the news again, and offering other Republican presidential candidates a chance to get a jab in at the Florida governor’s expense. This time, the internet posed a new, not-so-pressing question: Are you as tall as you say you are, Gov. DeSantis? Or is it those high-heeled boots?
Shutting Down Ybor Businesses Early Not A Solution To Shootings, Say Owners
Ybor City business owners say a feud between groups of young people that culminated in a mass shooting that killed two people and wounded 16 others in Ybor City Sunday morning has nothing to do with the way they operate their businesses and shouldn’t result in the businesses being penalized.