Skydiver Perishes; Merle Haggard Cancels On Strawberry Fest; Cops and Doughnuts

Patch operates 23 daily news sites in Florida. The following are some of the top headlines from the past day:

It’s ‘Pirate Fest’ Time! Spring-Training Fan Event Is Friday In Bradenton

• Pittsburgh Pirates vs. the Twins starts at 1:05 p.m. (Do we play hooky?)

Tampa Cops To Deliver Doughnuts To Special Olympic Donors

• Place your order through March 20. Delivery -- in a patrol car! -- will be March 24.

Kris Kristofferson Replacing Merle Haggard At Florida Strawberry Festival 2016 Show

• Health issues have sidelined Haggard. Read on for what to do if you have tickets for the March 12 concert.

Homicide Investigation Underway In Tampa

• The deceased male was discovered in a vehicle on Oakdale Avenue North.

FREEBIE ALERT: First Day Of Spring Will Mean Free Italian Ice At Rita’s In Clearwater, Seminole

• Mark your calendars: March 20!

St. Petersburg’s Morning Market Relocating Saturday To Williams Park

• Regulars are encouraged to use their normal parking spots. The Market will be closed March 19 due to the Firestone Grand Prix.

Florida Strawberry Festival 2016 Entertainment: Who’s On Tap?

• It’s a packed lineup with Donny and Marie, Cheap Trick, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Tanya Tucker, Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride and more.

Pasco County Accident Claims Life Of Skydiver

• A 53-year-old man died from his injuries during a Tuesday jump near Zephyrhills.

Boat Explodes, Catches Fire After Fueling Up At Palm Harbor Marina

• Two men onboard jumped to safety, according to rescuers.

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