Drive-Thru Wawa | Kitten Rescued | Puppies Find Home: FL Good News

FLORIDA — A stranded scuba diver rescued by off-duty deputies, abandoned puppies find homes, wildlife rescue ravaged by fire plans return, Florida’s first drive-thru Wawa in the works.

See these good news stories and more from this week's Florida Patch sites.

Unmanned Runaway Boat Stopped

Deputies and U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg crews stopped an unmanned runaway boat after its captain fell overboard: Watch

Kitten Rescued

Watch first responders rescue a kitten trapped inside a concrete block at a Manatee County home.

Mating Manatees Are Just Fine

During summer months, manatees mate in herds close to the shore, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

FL Wins ‘Best Looking Cruiser’ Contest

The Florida Highway Patrol won the American Association of State Troopers’ 2023 “Best Looking Cruiser” contest.

Abandoned Puppies Find Homes

Two puppies abandoned in a sealed box outside a Bradenton Walmart in June have found new homes, Manatee County said.

$2M Scratch-Off Prize Claimed

A Miami-Dade County man claimed a $2 million top prize playing the $2,000,000 Bonus Cashword scratch-off game, Florida Lottery said.

Wildlife Rescue Destroyed By Fire Vows Return

Bilmar Beach Resort hosts a fundraiser Thursday for Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, ravaged by a fire that killed about 130 animals.

Stranded Scuba Diver Rescued

Two Marion County Sheriff’s Office lieutenants saved a stranded scuba diver while fishing in the FL Keys on vacation, the agency said.

FL’s First Drive-Thru Wawa Planned

Wawa will open its first drive-thru location in Florida by the end of the year, according to reports.

Watch Rare Encounter With Killer Whales

Boaters in the Florida Straits filmed their recent rare encounter with a pod of orcas and jumped in the water with them: Watch

Rays To Return To Port Charlotte For 2024 Spring Training

After Hurricane Ian damaged the Rays’ spring training home in Port Charlotte, the team split 2023 spring training between St. Pete, Orlando.

‘Wheel of Fortune LIVE!’ To Make Sarasota Stop

The touring show “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” will take the stage in six FL cities in December, including at the Van Wezel in Sarasota.

Del Taco Expands With New ‘Fresh Flex’ Restaurant

The quick-service Mexican chain Del Taco opened its second “Fresh Flex” location with modernized features in Bradenton.

Aldi Opens New Grocery Store

The sixth Aldi grocery store in Manatee County celebrates its grand opening in Parrish on Thursday.