Site last updated: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Unwanted pool visitor

An animal control officer catches an 11-foot-long alligator from the pool of a Sarasota, Fla., residence Friday. The occurrence was not unique. Two other alligators were removed from front yards in Titusville and Tampa.
Large alligator takes a dip in backyard pool in Florida

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — An 11-foot-long alligator was found taking a dip in a backyard swimming pool in Florida.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office posted images of the floating gator on Twitter late Friday.

Video posted by the sheriff’s office shows the large reptile paddling in the water before a trapper pulled it onto the lawn.

It wasn’t the only alligator roaming where it didn’t belong.

According to an WFTV-TV report, a 7-foot gator was removed Saturday from a front yard in Titusville. Neighbor Dennis Sweeney said he thought the animal was a large palm frond until he got close to it.

WFTS-TV reports that a Tampa family was awakened early Friday by a 7-foot gator prowling in their front yard. Homeowner Jason Rogers said he initially thought the noise came from a burglar attempting to break in.

More in National News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS