Best Hospitals, Tourists Needed, Intoxicated Driver: Nearby News

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

• Palm Harbors Residents Protest Development Of Natural Habitat
• Fish Cake Restaurant Opens In Sarasota’s Southside Village
• These 13 FL Hospitals Are Among The Best In U.S.: Newsweek

Wrong-Way Driver Accused In Cop Death Was Drunk, Speeding: Chief

The accused wrong-way driver who police say caused a crash that killed a Tampa police officer was driving at speeds of more than 100 mph while intoxicated, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said Thursday.

Tarpon Springs Businesses Plead For Return Of Tourism Events

With more people getting the coronavirus vaccine and a decreasing number of people testing positive for the virus, it's time for Tarpon Springs to get back to normal. That's what former city commissioner and Sponge Docks business owner Rea Sieber told Tarpon Springs city commissioners.

First LGBTQ Youth Market Presented By Metro

The first ever LGBTQ Youth Market presented by Metro Inclusive Health is an opportunity for the community to support emerging LGBTQ youth and young adult artists in St. Petersburg.

DeSantis Cancels All COVID-19 Fines Issued By Local Governments

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order canceling all fines related to violations of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions put in place by local governments. There's some uncertainty about how this order will affect municipalities that have been fining businesses and individuals for violating local pandemic ordinances.

• Vaccine Event For Polk County School Staff: Age 50 And Older
• Metro Inclusive Health Offers COVID-19 Vaccines In St. Pete
• ‘Once In 100 Years’: Manatee Leaders Reflect On COVID-19 Pandemic
• County To Expand Vaccine Registration To Those 60 And Older
• Community Health Centers Offer Walk-Up Vaccinations Friday
• Pasco County's Coronavirus Positivity Rate Down To 5 Percent

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Also Worth a Look Today

• Tarpon Springs Police Chief Retires; New Chief Sworn In
• Valrico Community Steps Up To Help Plant City Children In Need
• Man Killed In Stabbing, Teen Charged With Murder: Sheriff
• Wildlife Portrait Exhibit At James Museum Promotes Conservation
• 14-Year-Old Missing In Sarasota Since Saturday: Police
• North Greenwood Rec Center To Receive Mural Courtesy Of Valspar
• 15-Year-Old Girl Missing In Bradenton: Police
• Playing Videos Games Encouraged At This Florida University

Across America

• Coronavirus Pandemic, 1 Year Later: 9 Things We Hope Will Prevail
• Video: 9-Year-Old Has The Best Reaction To Going Back To School
• 125 School Employees Out Sick After Getting 2nd Vaccine: Report
• Sex Survey Not Approved By Elmbrook School Board Or District