Lost Emu Goes Home, James Beard Awards, Dolphin Rescue: FL Good News

FLORIDA — A young dolphin that took a wrong turn down a Clearwater canal was saved by a human chain to coax him back to open waters, live performances returned to Venice Theatre ravaged by Hurricane Ian, South Florida chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists, and a new exhibit exploring Black representation opens at Creative Pinellas.

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

New St. Pete Middle School Named: Pinellas County Schools

The Pinellas County School Board approved the name of a new magnet middle school — a partnership with YMCA — being built in St. Petersburg.

14 South FL Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

Restaurants and chefs in the Miami area are well represented among the semifinalists in the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Video: Marine Biologists Form Human Chain To Rescue Wayward Dolphin

Clearwater residents were commended for following guidelines and keeping their distance from the dolphin.

MA Boy Catches 450-Pound Great White Shark Off South Florida Coast

A 12-year-old boy visiting Florida from Massachusetts caught a 450-pound great white shark off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. He and his mother had the fish tagged and released by researchers.

Polk County Public Schools Launch Teacher-Led Tutoring Program

The new partnership with Varsity Tutors provides tutoring as an extension to the classroom curriculum.

Wandering Emu Helped Back Home By Bradenton Officers: Police

While helping the fire department at a shed fire, Bradenton police came across a lost emu and helped the large bird get home.

Benefiting From MLK's Fight For Fair Housing, Families Achieve Dream

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, two families accepted the keys to new homes from Habitat for Humanity Pinellas and Pasco.

Pinellas Exhibit Opening Saturday Explores Black Representations

An opening reception and artist talk for "Imagine Blackness: Alternate Realities and Collective Dreaming" will be held Saturday, Jan. 28.

More Pay For Longtime FL Educators Part Of Teacher Bill Of Rights

The Florida Education Association said Gov. DeSantis has vilified teacher unions to draw attention away from his disregard for teachers.

Live Performances Return To Venice Theatre Ravaged By Hurricane Ian

The 90-seat black box Pinkerton Theatre reopened Friday at the Venice Theatre, which was damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Cross-Bay Ferry To Offer BOGO Deals, Free Rides For Kids In February

The Cross-Bay Ferry announced that it is offering a new promotion on Wednesdays and Thursdays during February.

2023 Best Online Programs Ranking Includes FL Schools: U.S. News
U.S. News & World Report ranked the best online programs for bachelor's and master's degrees, which included some Florida schools.