$1M Scratcher, Cooters Infected, $18M Estate | News Nearby

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

• $18M Private Waterfront Estate Offers Stunning Sarasota Bay Views
• Largo Man Claims $1 Million In Lottery Scratch-Off Game
• Fatal Disease Infects Many Cooters: Florida Fish And Wildlife

COVID-19 Claims Life Of Manatee County Deputy: Sheriff

A 67-year-old corrections deputy died from COVID-19 after being hospitalized for nearly two weeks, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said. Deputy Douglas Clark most recently oversaw inmate work projects in Manatee County Jail's Road Gang Unit.

Teacher Who Got Sick Before School Started Died Of COVID: Report

A veteran teacher about to start her first year working at the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies in Sarasota contracted COVID-19 and has died from the virus. Fifth-grade teacher Michelle Cook, 51, wrote on Facebook before her death, "Don't be fooled into thinking your health is stronger than COVID – from a once healthy girl in day 5 COVID ICU, fighting to live."

Families Defeat Gov. Ron DeSantis Over FL Mask School Lawsuit

A Florida judge ruled Friday that Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order banning mask mandates in schools was unconstitutional, rejecting many of the DeSantis administration's claims. The decision clears the way for school districts to impose mask requirements, without state penalties, as COVID-19 cases surge to record highs in the state.

• Despite Court Ruling, Pasco To Keep Masks Voluntary In Schools

Third Party Appointed To Oversee Piney Point Closure: FDEP

A judge ordered an independent third party to oversee the management and closure of the Piney Point site in Palmetto. State officials are concerned that rainfall could cause the reservoirs at the site to refill to capacity, potentially causing another major leak.

Bookstore1Sarasota Moving To Downtown Condo Building

Bookstore1Sarasota shared its plans to move into new downtown digs "in the next few months" in an email newsletter sent out Thursday. The bookstore's new home will be at The Mark Sarasota, right around the corner from its current location.

Contribute your own content to Patch by signing up for an account and clicking the "Post on Patch" button at the top right of the site.

Also Worth a Look Today

• City Manager Finalists To Meet With Clearwater Residents Sept. 1
• 2 Die After Car Loses Control On Wet Road In Largo
• Robles Park Gang Members Indicted On Racketeering, Murder Charges
• Woman Accused Of Trying To Rob Bank By Threatening To Blow It Up
• Family, Police Take To Streets For Tips On Shooting Of 4-Year-Old
• Jury Trials Suspended In Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto Counties
• March On For Voting Rights In South FL: Miami, West Palm Beach
• Florida Releases Redesigned Tampa Bay Bucs Specialty Plate
• Mail Carrier Guilty, Misuses Postal Box Access: State Attorney

Across America

• Marches For Voting Rights Planned In Several U.S. Cities
• Woman Loses Husband To COVID-19: 'I Can't Live Without You'
• Capitol Officers Sue Trump, Far-Right Groups Over Jan. 6 Attack
• Delta Variant Questions Answered For NJ Parents As School Resumes

Don't miss local and statewide news from across Florida. Sign up for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters.