‘Super Slide’ Returns, Job Growth, Eaglet Thrives: Good News

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the good news stories that have had people talking over the past few weeks:

Florida, Utah Tie For 1st In Private-Sector Job Growth

Florida and Utah lead the nation for the pace at which private-sector jobs are being added to the economy. That's according to data released by Gov. Rick Scott’s office Tuesday.

Gold Cup Soccer Action Returns To Tampa Next Year

Soccer’s governing body in North and Central America and the Caribbean on Monday announced the 14 stadiums that will play host to 2017 Gold Cup championship games. Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is one of the venues.

Eaglet Update: E9 Getting Bigger Every Day

E9, the eaglet who hatched into the world bright and early New Year's Eve morning, continues to thrive under the watchful eyes of its parents, Fort Myers' famous bald eagles Harriet and M15. Just 11 days old, the critter has stolen the show provided by the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation.

Busch Gardens Free Preschool Pass Returns For 2017

Tampa Bay area residents who want to save on entry to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and Sea World might want to act fast. The theme park has announced the return of its free preschool pass while offering a BOGO deal meant to save older visitors money, as well.

Help Name Orlando Magic’s Lakeland D-League Team

The Orlando Magic is hoping its fans have the ability to pull off a little wizardry of their own. The NBA franchise has kicked off an official contest that calls on basketball lovers to help name is D-League affiliate that’s set to start playing in Lakeland during the 2017-18 season.

Tampa, Sarasota Named ‘Hot’ Real Estate Markets For 2017

House hunters in the West Central Florida area will find several of the region's real estate markets are considered ripe for major growth in the coming year. That’s according to the real estate website Trulia, which just released its top 10 list of “hot” real estate markets across the country.

Baseball Forever Campaign Is ‘Awesome, Baby:’ Dick Vitale

While Dick Vitale may be best known for basketball, he’s been a Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder since Day One. The most famous Rays fan doesn’t sit secluded in a luxury suite away from prying eyes. He can be seen at the game (and many times on television) in his seat along the third-base line in Tropicana Field.

New ‘Super Slide’ Set To Debut At 2017 Florida State Fair

Thrill seekers who have been missing the Florida State Fair’s iconic slide are in for a treat this February. A new, improved Super Slide is set to make its debut when the annual event opens Feb. 9.

Photo courtesy of the Florida State Fair