Best Places To Live, $3.2M Gift, Ukrainian Evacuees: FL Good News

FLORIDA — This week's Florida good news includes a $1 million Powerball winner from Manatee County; billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave $3.2 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County; three residents became millionaires thanks to the Florida Lottery or Powerball; members of Tampa-based Project Dynamo have used their past military experience to evacuate at least 215 people from war-torn Ukraine; and more good news stories from Florida Patches.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

MacKenzie Scott Gives $3.2M to Boys & Girls Clubs Of Manatee

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, a billionaire and the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has gifted $3.2 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

FL Vets Have Evacuated 215 People From War-Torn Ukraine

Members of Tampa-based Project Dynamo, made up of former combat veterans, have left behind family and leadership roles in businesses to spend the past six weeks evacuating Americans from Ukraine as the war with Russia escalates. To date, the volunteers have run gauntlets, dodged Russian troops, and battle zones to drive 215 Americans and other NATO allies to safety in Poland, Romania and Hungary.

Tampa Man Claims $5 Million In Florida Lottery

The Florida Lottery announced Monday that Stevyn Bartlette, 45, of Tampa won $5 million in the Florida Lottery's Gold Rush Limited scratch-off game. He purchased his winning ticket at a Publix store.

• $5M FL Lottery Prize Claimed By Boca Raton Man
• $1M Powerball Prize Claimed By Manatee County Man: FL Lottery

These Are Best Places To Live In Florida: Niche Rankings 2022

Lifestyle website Niche.com has just published its 2022 ratings for Florida municipalities. The top community led the list a year ago, and the top 25 towns and neighborhoods are drawn from the suburbs of Tampa and Orlando.

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Here are a few more stories of note:

• Sarasota Orchestra Will Build New Home On Fruitville Road
• Art News: Ukrainian Refugees, COVID-19 Exhibit, Concert Series
• 2nd County Esports Gaming Room To Open Friday In Progress Village
• Business News: Drive-Thru Cannabis Dispensary, Big Storm Brewing
• Bishop SPCA Property Donated To Manatee County
• $800 Million Budgeted To Raise Florida Teacher's Salaries
• La Segunda Bakery & Café Opens In St. Pete
• Pinellas Unveils Community Signs For Historic Black Community
• Restaurant News: Doggie Ice Cream Truck, Workforce Housing
• St. Pete's Mayor To Co-Host 2022 Academy Award Watch Party
• Owners Of Crafty Brew In Palm Harbor Tempt Customers Stay Awhile
• Who Let The Dog In? Pasco Sheriff, K-9 Dobies Honored By House
• More Colorful Art Coming To Lealman As Part Of Mural Project
• Items Wanted For Pinellas Exhibit Remembering COVID-19 Victims
• Mural At Tampa Hospital A Lasting Legacy Of Valspar Championship
• 6th Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition Hosted By Creative Pinellas
• Jersey Girl Bagels Brings Authentic NJ Experience To Bradenton

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