Intelligent Life, Pro-Trump Rally, Mandatory Recess

Patch operates 24 daily news sites in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties. The following are some of the top stories from the past week or so:

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist Files For Divorce

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and his wife, Carole, are going their separate ways. Crist’s Washington, D.C., office on Friday confirmed the couple's decision to call it quits after nine years of marriage.

Pro-Trump Rally Planned In Sarasota

People opposed to President Donald Trump and his policies have not been shy about taking to the streets and organizing protests to show their displeasure. Now, those who stand behind the new administration are planning their own demonstrations. Spirit of America Rallies are set to take place across the country over the next two weekends, including one in Sarasota.

JCPenney Closing 130-140 Stores, 2 Distribution Centers

JCPenney is the latest retailer to announce closings at its brick-and-mortar locations. The company on Friday revealed plans to shutter up to 140 of its stores nationwide over the next few months and its distribution centers in Lakeland, Florida, and Buena Park, California.

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.

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.

Mandatory School Recess Gains Ground In Florida Senate

A bill that would make it mandatory for elementary schools in the Sunshine State to provide 20 minutes of recess daily is making its way through the Florida Senate. Members of the Senate’s education committee voted 7-0 on Tuesday to move the bill forward. It is now in the hands of the appropriations subcommittee for education.

Florida Manatee Count Tops 6,600

For the third year in a row, Florida’s annual count of its manatee population topped 6,000. Those responsible for the 2017 count, in fact, found 6,620 sea cows living in waters throughout the Sunshine State.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission