Florida's Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From Publix's tie for best grocery store to arson blamed in 320 of Florida's wildfires, check out the stories Florida Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of May 8.

Arson Blamed In 320 Of Florida’s Wildfires

As more than 125 wildfires burned across Florida on Tuesday, state officials were working to raise awareness about arson. Since the year began, arson has been blamed in an estimated 320 of the blazes that have helped make 2017 one of the worst wildfire seasons in years. Putnam’s office, which oversees the Florida Forest Service, reports that the estimated 320 wildfires traced to arson have burned more than 20,000 acres since 2017 began.

Publix Ties For ‘America’s Favorite’ Grocery Store Honors

After stalling in second place for four years running, Lakeland-based Publix has been named “America’s favorite” grocery store in an annual survey conducted by Market Force. The popular chain, however, shares the title with Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans. This year’s Market Force survey was conducted online in March 2017. A total of 12,774 consumers were included in the survey.

Gatorland Tip Saved Girl, 10, During Alligator Attack

A 10-year-old girl attacked by an alligator in Lake Mary Jane in the Orlando area Saturday is on the mend thanks to a tip she learned at a theme park. The girl poked the gator’s nostril after it chomped down and then pried her leg free. The child, who hasn’t been identified, was sitting in about 2 feet of water at the lake in Orange County’s Moss Park around 2:32 p.m.

Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission