Pet Therapist Visit, Elephant Sanctuary, Coffee Shop: Nearby News

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

• Clearwater Offering Grants To Improve Downtown Businesses
• Pinellas County Consolidates COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing Sites
• Pasco Sheriff, Schools Revise Student Information Sharing Policy

Retired Circus Elephants Get First Taste Of Freedom In Florida

Two weeks after the first 12 Asian elephants retired from the former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus had arrived at an expansive refuge for rare species in northeastern Florida, karma has turned things around for these majestic beings.

Cryptocurrency Task Force Created In Miami-Dade County

A task force of cryptocurrency and finance industry experts will explore the feasibility of allowing Miami-Dade County to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment for county taxes, fees and services.

Police Body-Worn Camera Program Rolls Out Ahead Of Schedule

After years in the works, the Sarasota Police Department started rolling out its new body-worn camera program last month and should be completed by the end of June, which is ahead of schedule

Therapy Dogs Visit Staff, Patients At Blake Medical Center

Frontline health care workers and patients at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton enjoyed a visit from some special guests Tuesday morning: three Southeastern Guide Dog ambassadors offering them some a pet therapy break.

The Chelsea St. Pete’s British-Flavored Coffee Shop Is Open

The Chelsea St. Pete officially opened its coffee and tea shop doors to the community May 1. The shop has an Old English tea vibe with its London books, art and decor. Owner Teresa Chalkley, a Florida native, wanted to tie her love of The Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan with her husband's native England and Chelsea, London, together with the creation of her coffee shop.

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Also Worth a Look Today

• Tampa Bay Children Can Receive Free Swim Lessons At YMCA
• SoFresh To Host Grand Opening Of New Carrollwood Location
• Tanker Truck, Car Collide On I-275 North, No Major Injuries: FHP
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program Opens Wednesday
• Pfizer Vaccine Clinic For Ages 16 And Older Scheduled Saturday
• St. Mark's Episcopal Church Thrift Store To Open Friday
• Swimming Open At Lithia Springs Conservation Park
• 1 Man Exposes Genitals to Officer, Other Suspect Offers Sex: Cops
• 1 Killed In 2-Car Crash On 49th Street: Police

Across America

• Atlanta Police Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Is Reinstated
• Trump Still Banned From Facebook — For Now
• Mikayla Miller Advocates Want Independent Inquiry In Teen's Death
• Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things To Know Before America Celebrates
• Some Tick Bites Are Deadly: Illinois Agency Offers Safety Tips