Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch's Top 11 Stories of 2011

Here are the 11 most-read stories on Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch in 2011:

1. , Sept. 30: When Army 1st Lt. Ivan Lechowich, 27, died in an explosion, the local community showed an outpouring of support, sharing their condolences on Patch and at a public funeral procession.

2. , Aug. 21: The 2011 hurricane season may have (thankfully) fizzled out for the Tampa Bay area, but when a storm threatens, local residents know it's wise to pay attention.

3. , Sept. 6: Darien Reese Engelberger lost her life to a deadly virus, but the community didn't forget her or her family, coming together for a fundraiser to help her family pay its medical expenses.

4. , Aug. 2: We'll reiterate: When a storm comes near us, our readers take notice.

5. , Sept. 26: Newsome High English teacher Patricia Rene Thompson was charged with drug possession, DUI and fleeing deputies, a week after fellow Newsome teacher David Daigle was charged with aggravated stalking.

6. , March 8: Enrollment opened last spring for the area's newest charter school, located behind the Winthrop Town Centre on Providence Road.

7. , Dec. 13: John and Melissa Wilson and their two young children may have lost their FishHawk Ranch home to a freak fire, but they gained many new friends from the community who came together to help them.

8. , Dec. 23: Patch presented a list of local small businesses and their holiday hours for all the procrastinators out there. Apparently, there were lots.

9. , Oct. 9: Holly Franklin and her fiance, Nick Girard, brought a taste of home cooking and country favorites to their new restaurant in Plaza Bella. Have you tried it yet?

10. , Nov. 16: A 74-year-old Valrico man died in a stunning accident at the entrance of Lithia Crossing Mall.

11. , Oct. 3: A Silver Alert had been issued for Patsy Smith, who was later found at a local hospital and reunited with her family.