Unemployment Down, Goody Goody Opens, Monsignor Higgins

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top stories from the past week:

Dave McKay Way: Pinellas Park to Rename Street

A segment of Pinellas Park’s 81st Avenue North will soon have a new name. The city council recently voted unanimously to rename a stretch of the road Dave McKay Way.

‘Hands Off’ Sea Turtle Hatchlings, Wildlife Officers Warn

As sea turtle hatchlings begin to emerge from their nests to make their way out to the ocean, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning beachgoers to adopt a “hands off” policy.

Pulse Shooting Survivors Won’t Face Hospital Bills

As survivors of June’s Pulse nightclub shooting continue to recover, they’ve received a bit of good news. The two hospitals responsible for treating the 53 victims wounded in the attack have said they won’t be sending bills in the mail.

Fatal Disney Gator Attack: Final Report Released

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Monday released its final report on a fatal alligator attack that occurred on the grounds of the Walt Disney Resort earlier this summer. According to the state, Lane Graves, 2, died from trauma to his head and drowning.

Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins Dead at 87

Members of Tampa’s St. Lawrence Catholic Parish are mourning the loss of their longtime leader Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins. The 87-year-old passed away Wednesday morning at his parish rectory home.

Baby Hyena Joins Busch Gardens’ Clan

Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may notice a new celebrity on display in the Edge of Africa habitat. Mandazi, a 20-week-old male hyena, has officially joined the park’s clan.

Tampa Area Unemployment Down, Jobs Up, State Says

Tampa Bay area residents looking for work may find opportunities in the region more plentiful. According to Gov. Rick Scott’s office, the Tampa area has added 39,800 new private-sector jobs over the year in July.

Goody Goody Opens Its Doors

The wait is over. Goody Goody officially opened its doors in Hyde Park Village early Tuesday morning to a crowd of eager diners, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department