Flu Deaths, 100 Best Jobs, U2 Coming To Tampa

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

America's ‘Wet Foot, Dry Foot’ Policy Ends For Cubans

President Barack Obama, in one of his last moves before leaving office, has put an end to a longstanding immigration policy that allowed some Cubans to stay in the United States without visas.

Florida Newborn Kidnapped 18 Years Ago Found Alive, Well

The 18-year search for Jacksonville’s Kamiyah Mobley has come to an end. Stolen from her mother only hours after her birth by a woman posing as a health care worker, Kamiyah has been found alive and well, living in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Budget Travel: St. Pete, Clearwater Top List For Canadians

As Canadians endure their standard frigid wintertime temperatures, it’s probably not surprising that more than a few residents from the Great White North have southward travel on their minds. For those preparing to venture across the border on a budget, one major Canadian daily newspaper is suggesting the St Petersburg/Clearwater area as top choice.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 2017 Musical Acts Announced

Tampa Bay area residents and visitors who love food, wine and music might want to put Busch Gardens on their radar this spring. The theme park has announced the dates and some of the musical acts for its upcoming third annual Food & Wine Festival.

Facebook Death Threats Against Pasco Deputies Answered With Warrant Sweep

A Facebook post threatening death to Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and his deputies sparked a Wednesday warrant sweep in the Holiday area that resulted in the arrest of four people. One of those arrested is the 15-year-old boy accused of making the threats.

14 Dogs Rescued From Meat Farm Bound For Tampa (Video)

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will soon have 14 new globetrotting dogs up for adoption. The anticipated arrivals are part of a 200-dog rescue conducted by Humane Society International to save dogs intended for slaughter at a South Korean dog meat farm in Wonju.

100 Best Jobs 2017: Find Them Across The Tampa Region

In the hunt for a new opportunity or gainful employment, it's best to start at the top. Wednesday morning, U.S. News released its 2017 list of the 1o0 best jobs, as well as top jobs across 15 categories, including the best-paying jobs and the top positions for specific fields and interests.

2 Flu-Related Child Deaths Confirmed: Florida Officials Stress Need For Vaccinations

The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the first two pediatric deaths associated with the 2016-17 flu season. The children, a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old, both died from influenza-associated complications, the agency said.

Florida Deadliest State For Pedestrians: Report

Florida is the country’s most dangerous state for people who choose to soak up the sun by traveling on foot. That’s according to a report released by Smart Growth America on Tuesday.

U2 Ready To Rock Raymond James Stadium

Tampa Bay area U2 fans will get the opportunity to see the Irish rock legends live later this year. The band has announced a stop at Raymond James Stadium on its upcoming “U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017.”

Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States