Sarasota, FL|News|
Gopher Tortoise Fatally Shot In Venice; Wildlife Officials Search For Shooter
A gopher tortoise was found with fatal gunshot wounds on Manasota Beach Road in Venice. Wildlife officials are asking for help.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
- Tampa, FL
I am a veteran journalist living in Tampa, Florida. I have worked at several newspapers in various editing roles, including The Tampa Tribune, the Fresno Bee and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I am a native Arkansan and have been known to support the Arkansas Razorbacks even in losing years. I joined Patch.com on Sept. 6, 2017, as Hurricane Irma had Florida in its possible path.
Posting Activity
Lakeland, FL|News|
Legoland Florida Resort Donates 20,000 Tickets To Kids Affected By Hurricane Irma
The donation to two charities represents the largest ticket giveaway in the resort’s nearly 6-year history.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
Zaxby’s To Open First Restaurant In Manatee County During Fall
The new Zaxby’s will be located at 6591 E. State Road 70 in Bradenton.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Lakeland, FL|News|
3rd Hurricane Irma Victim Reported In Polk County
The New Port Richey man had been evacuated to Lakeland to escape the storm.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Sarasota, FL|News|
Cuban Competitor Reported Missing At World Rowing Championships In Sarasota
Sarasota County sheriff's detectives don't suspect foul play, but the athlete has officially been reported missing.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Tampa|News|
National Coffee Day 2017: Where To Find Freebies, Deals In Florida
7-Eleven, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme and more have freebies and deals for National Coffee Day 2017 on Friday.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Tampa|News|
Burn NFL Jersey, Get Free Footlong Hot Dog: Florida Restaurant Owner Says
The owner of the Coney Island Drive Inn at Brooksville is upset by NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Tampa|News|
Tampa Electric Expanding Use Of Solar Power In Florida
Utility will have highest percentage of solar generation in Florida with 6 million panels
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Tampa|News|
Young Chimpanzee Keeva Found Dead At Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Zoo officials said Keeva was attacked by a member or members of her troop.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
Manatee County Corrections Deputy Dies In Palmetto Crash
The sheriff's office corrections deputy was a 4-year veteran of the department.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
5-year-old Bradenton Boy Seriously Injured In Pedestrian Accident
The boy was playing with friends when he crossed the street and into the path of the car.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Lakeland, FL|News|
Polk County Combats Rise Of Mosquito Population With Aerial Spraying
The state is spraying areas in Polk County to reduce the threat of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
Irma Aftermath: Bradenton Students Will Get Shorter Thanksgiving Break For Make-up Days
Bradenton students will attend classes on Nov. 20-21 as part of changes to school calendar.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Sarasota, FL|News|
Sarasota Woman Charged With Series of Burglaries On Siesta Key: Sheriff
A 20-year-old woman was charged with six counts of burglary by Sarasota sheriff's detectives.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
Hurricane Irma Damages Nation's Largest Gumbo Limbo Tree At De Soto National Memorial
A champion gumbo limbo tree at the national park in Bradenton suffered cracks to its trunk; A second tree to be removed.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Sarasota, FL|News|
Sarasota Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Horse Wins National Award
Valor, a 14-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, received the 2017 Thoroughbred of the Year honor
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
After Irma: 16 State Parks Remain Closed Across Florida
Most of the closed state parks due to Irma are in Monroe County; Hillsborough River State Park also remains closed.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
After Irma: Anna Maria City Pier Will Close For 12 Months To Repair Damage
Engineers say the pier is not safe because of extensive damage from Hurricane Irma
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Nashville, TN|News|
Violent Crime In Tennessee Rose In 2016 Compared To Previous Year: FBI
Violent crime increased nationwide while property crime decreased in 2016, FBI crime statistics show.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
Birmingham, AL|News|
Violent Crime In Alabama Rose In 2016 Compared To Previous Year: FBI
Violent crime increased nationwide while property crime decreased in 2016, FBI crime statistics show.
Don Johnson, Patch Staff
