Olympic Flag Bearer, COVID-19, Sharks Avoid Red Tide: Nearby News

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Miami Native Carries U.S. Flag During Olympics Opening: Report

A Cuban American Miami native, Eddy Alvarez, was one of two flag bearers for Team USA during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Summer Olympics Thursday. The baseball player — and former Olympic speed skater — was joined by U.S. women's basketball point guard Sue Bird in the honor of carrying the American flag during the ceremony to kick off the global athletic competition.

Ben & Jerry's Proposes Clearwater Shop As DeSantis Rebukes Stance

Just days after announcing plans to open a shop in Clearwater, national purveyor of all-natural gourmet ice cream, Ben & Jerry's, is in the hot seat with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over its stance on Palestine. On Thursday, DeSantis called on the State Board of Administration to place Ben & Jerry's on its list of companies boycotting Israel that will no longer receive any financial benefits from the state.

Sharks Move Into Longboat Key Canals To Avoid Red Tide: Report

To get away from red tide, which continues to affect Sarasota and Manatee counties, sharks that normally live in Sarasota Bay are moving into the canals of Longboat Key. After residents reached out to Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, researchers found hundreds of sharks swimming in the canals, the Observer reported.

Attorney General Tests Positive As FL Coronavirus Rates Surge

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Wednesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19 following a trip she made to the southern border of Texas with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Moody, a native of Hillsborough County, said in a tweet Wednesday that she had received the vaccine prior to contracting the virus.

Eisenhower 5th-Grade Teacher Named Florida's Teacher Of The Year

The teacher who encourages her students to find joy in every situation was rewarded with the joyful news Thursday night that she is 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year. During a gala in Orlando, Sarah Ann Painter was chosen for the honor from among five finalists and named the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.

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