Jameis Winston Fumbles, Publix Scores, $1 Million Win

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

Intelligent Life On Newly Found Planets Not Likely: Expert

The discovery of seven earth-like planets orbiting a single star has ignited excitement in the scientific community. With three of those planets considered in the “habitable zone,” the possibilities are dizzying, experts say.

3 Tampa Bay Area Beaches Named Top In U.S.

Tampa Bay area residents don’t have to leave their own backyards to soak up the sun at some of the country’s best beaches. The region is home to three of America’s finest and one of the world’s top five beaches, according to TripAdvisor.

Bill Aims To Curb Traffic-Blocking Protests

The days of protesters blocking traffic along Florida’s busy roads and interstates may soon come to a screeching halt. At least, that will be the case if one Sunshine State lawmaker has his way. Sen. George Gainer, a Panama City Republican, filed a bill earlier this week that would make it illegal for protesters or demonstrators to impede the flow of traffic.

Watch: Bucs’ Jameis Winston Advises Silence For Ladies

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is scrambling to recover from a fumble that has more than a few people crying foul.

Publix Scores Big With Consumers

When it comes to companies with stellar reputations with consumers, only two in the country outshine Lakeland-based Publix. That’s according to the latest Harris Poll Reputation Quotient Ratings report.

$1 Million Lottery Prize Claimed By Brandon Woman

A 65-year-old Brandon woman is $745,000 richer after playing one of the Florida Lottery’s scratch-off games.

2 Popular Beaches Get Bad Bacterial Reports

Folks with plans to soak up some sun at Picnic Island or Cypress Point Beach might want to think twice before getting into the water. The Hillsborough County Health Department has issued an advisory for both beaches following routine water quality testing.

Photo of Siesta Beach courtesy of TripAdvisor