FL Afghanistan Vets Share Horror Stories, Healing | Patch PM

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

$1 Million Florida Lottery Winner From Riverview

A 36-year-old Riverview woman won $1 million from the 200 x The Cash Scratch-Off game Monday, the Florida Lottery said.

Veterans Share Afghan War Experiences In Safe Space At USF

Tears, anger and sadness poured from a group of students who are U.S. military veterans at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg as they shared what they saw and experienced while serving in Afghanistan. "If a civilian thinks they can relate to what we've experienced because they've watched action movies and the news, then they're not living in reality, because they don't understand what the reality is for the Afghans," a retired Army sergeant said.

FL Looks Into Sarasota, Hillsborough School Mask Policies: Report

Even though a judge sided with a group of parents who sued Gov. Ron DeSantis over his executive order banning mask mandates in Florida schools, the state's school mask fight is far from over. The Florida Department of Education is targeting school districts that instituted mask mandates without parent opt-outs by withholding school board member salaries.

Polk County Husband And Wife Die From COVID-19: Report

A Polk County teacher lost her life to COVID-19 earlier this month, and her husband died of the virus six days later, WFLA reported. Norma Reyes was named the "School-Related State Employee of the Year" in 2012.

Manatee County Teacher Dies Of COVID-19: Report

A 58-year-old Bayshore High School teacher died from COVID-19. Larry Conlon, who was unvaccinated, met his new students Aug. 10, the first day of the 2021-22 school year, but was out sick on quarantine starting the next day. He never returned to school, reports said.

• Nearly 60 SCSO Employees Out With COVID-19: Sheriff
• Funeral Planned For Deputy Who Died From COVID-19: Sheriff

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Also Worth a Look Today

• 4 Florida Disney Stores Closing In Next 2 Weeks
• Arizona Woman Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver While Walking On 56th
• St. Petersburg Man Killed While Walking On U.S. 19 In Hudson
• First Sarasota Arts Live Event Set At St. Armands Circle
• Clearwater High Football Field Named For Longtime Teacher, Coach
• Man Impersonated Police Officer During Traffic Stop: Sheriff
• Tampa Man Dies In Fiery Crash After Car Breaks Down On U.S. 301

Across America

• DeSantis To Appeal School Mask Ruling In Bid To Reinstate Ban
• PA To Issue School Mask Mandate Today: Sources
• Patriots Cut Cam Newton In NFL Shocker: Reports
• CA Wildfires Latest: Red Flag Conditions And 15 Major Fires
• 'A Delta Surge': Kemp Deploys More National Guard To GA Hospitals

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