Pelican Saved, Tampa Bay Scores: Good News

There’s enough bad news in the world today to go around and then some. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the more positive, uplifting stories from Patch’s 24 sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. Here are just a few of the good news stories that have had people talking over the past few weeks:

Lakeland Fire Dog Earns FEMA Credentials

Lakeland Fire Rescue officially has a new four-legged member on its Urban Search and Rescue Team. Phinnegan has joined fellow canine partner Cabela in earning coveted certification from FEMA.

3 Tampa Bay Eateries Up For National Awards

One Tampa restaurateur and two chefs from the region have made the cut as semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation’s 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Described by many as the “Oscars” for the restaurants, the annual awards program singles out movers and shakers in the industry from across the country.

Entangled Pelican Saved By Quick-Acting Troopers

A little pelican who found itself in big trouble on Friday is on the road to recovery thanks to some quick-thinking members of the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Dinosaurs Return To Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is preparing for an invasion of sorts with the impending opening of “Dinos Alive! An Interactive Jurassic Adventure” later this month. The nod to the past – the very distant past – is set to open Feb. 25.

Publix: Free Deli Slices Still On The Menu

Floridians who find shopping at Publix is a pleasure partially due to the free samples offered can breathe a sigh of relief. The Lakeland-based grocery chain has not stopped offering free treats from its delis, but it has mixed things up a bit.

Rescued Loggerhead Back In The Water

There’s a new loggerhead sea turtle swimming in waters off Lido Beach courtesy of the folks at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. After spending nearly 100 days at the organization’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, Sea Salt was returned to the wild late last week.

Tampa Bay Scores In Best Places To Live Rankings: U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report is telling folks across the country something many residents in the Tampa Bay area know: it’s a great place to live. Three cities in the region, in fact, were called out as being among the Top 100 best places to live in the country.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory