Commute Times, Black Lives Matter, Sewage Woes

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

Pitcher Jose Fernandez’s High School Jersey Back Where it Belongs

Coach Landy Faedo’s plea for the safe return of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez’s Alonso High School baseball jersey didn’t fall on deaf ears. Hillsborough County Public Schools reported early Friday morning that Fernandez’s Ravens jersey was back at Alonso where it belongs.

St. Petersburg Facing Sewage-Related Lawsuit

The City of St. Petersburg’s sewage woes may soon get worse. Several environmental groups have announced their intention to sue under the federal Clean Water Act. The 60-day notice of intent comes on the heels of the city releasing about 150 million gallons of sewage into Tampa Bay following Hurricane Hermine’s pass through the area.

Confederate Flag Prompts Black Lives Matter Protest at Manatee High

Teens at Manatee High School showed their disapproval of a fellow student’s decision to bring a Confederate flag on campus Wednesday by staging a peaceful protest before classes Thursday.

Busch Gardens Welcomes Bouncing Baby Gorilla

Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may notice a new face in the park’s Myombe Reserve Habitat. Baby western lowland gorilla Oliver officially joined the family on Aug. 18.

Tampa Ranks Among Best Places for Coffee Lovers: Study

From steaming cups of café con leche served up in Ybor City to cappuccinos available at neighborhood coffee shops that dot the region, Tampa is a great place to be if you’re a coffee lover.

Sprouts Farmers Market Stakes Out 1st Florida Location: Report

Tampa Bay area shoppers may soon have a new place to turn for organic produce and related groceries. Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market has announced expansion plans for 2017 that include the chain’s first Florida location.

Polluters Now Have 24 Hours to Tell Public: Gov. Rick Scott

Waiting any longer than 24 hours to notify the public about pollution events, such as Pinellas County’s Hurricane Hermine-prompted sewage spill into Tampa Bay, is too long. That’s according to Gov. Rick Scott, who issued an emergency rule Monday that demands notification within 24 hours “by all responsible parties following a pollution incident.”

How Does Tampa Area Commute Compare to Rest of Florida?

Commuters in the Tampa region are seeking trips to work on par with the state average, according to new data released in a U.S. Census survey. Sarasota and Bradenton commuters are doing a little better than others in Florida, but they have seen a sharp spike over recent years.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Schools