What We Learned on Patch This Week

Laptops Stolen from Boca Ciega High School: Three laptops were stolen from the school in the past three weeks. Two have been recovered. "Anytime there's a theft from a school, it's taking from the kids, and it hurts our children," Principal Michael Vigue said.

String of Burglaries in Gulfport: Lock Your Vehicles: In the past 10 days, several unlocked vehicles have been burglarized in Gulfport. Authorities are reminding people to lock up their belongings.

Police Blotter: June 20 - 26: The following people were arrested between June 20 and 26. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

World War II Veterans Honored with Flight to D.C.: More than 70 aging World War II veterans from Tampa Bay are embarking today (June 28, 2011) on an unusual one-day, whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II Memorial.

Meet the Fun Finders: 'Best of the Road' Rally Team: The Fun Finders are bringing their taste buds to Gulfport. Gulfport is one of six finalists in the2011 Rand McNally USA TODAY "Best of the Road" contest. Now, the judging is up to the road rally team The Fun Finders. 

Pleasure Doing Business: Media Concepts, Inc.: It all started in 1974 when John P. Gallagherand Bob Skidmore, two broadcast veterans in New York, came to Florida to sell in-room, closed-circuit movie systems to local hotels. The idea was a hit and eventually led to renting movie videos, which led to a video production facility, and the business continues to evolve to this day.

AARP Driver Safety Class Helps Seniors Save Money: An AARP Driver Safety Course is available every month at the Gulfport Senior Center. Taking the course will not only provide seniors with a savings on motor vehicle insurance, but grads say you will learn how to be a much better, safer driver.

Hurricane Preparedness: How to Keep Your Pets Safe: Finding a spot for your pet can be stressful and choices are limited. That’s why local and county experts urge you to plan ahead. “There’s no time like the present,” said James Marenkovic, Gulfport’s Fire Chief.

Hands Across the Sand: Green activists call for permanent state drilling ban: Recent news intensified the cause for those who came out for the second annual Hands Across the Sand demonstration. News that Governor Rick Scott and Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos want to open up state waters to offshore oil drilling.

Fireworks Guide: How to Celebrate Safely: "Very often, people don't anticipate the dangers and don't realize sparklers can be dangerous," Marenkovic said, "Over the years, I've seen some bad injuries and burns and even a gentleman who blew off his hand," he said.

Video: Roller Girls Face Off in New Derby League: Hundreds of screaming fans packed the Astro Skate in Pinellas Park for the Roll-A-Hula-Luau Exhibition Bout. People of all ages came out to support moms, daughters, sisters and friends; the women of the Pinellas County Roller Girls. 

Kick It to Cancer Tournament Raises $400: People of all ages came out to "kick it to cancer" in Gulfport on Saturday. Despite a rainy weekend, nearly 100 people came out to try their chances at kicking a home run at the first Kick It to Cancer kickball tournament. The event helped raise $400 for Relay for Life of Gulfport.

Teen Body Images Tip the Scale: Just a few days ago, my daughter’s friend told me that she wants to lose 12 pounds by the end of the summer. My jaw almost hit the floor.

So, an X and a Y Chromosome Walk Into a Bar: The punchline is: You get the genes your parents gave you.