Puppy's 2nd Chance, Cub Ambassadors, Graduation For 1: Good News

It’s been a very bad week for Florida, and we’re all overdue for some good news. To help out, here are just a few of the more upbeat stories Patch has covered from across the state over the past few weeks:

Adorable Manatee’s Release Goes Off Without A Hitch

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo celebrated a major milestone Wednesday when Shorley, a young manatee sickened by red tide, was released back into Pinellas County waters.

Mom’s Letter After Cops Surprise Autistic Boy Says It All

Fearing another year of unanswered birthday party invitations and another year of heartache for their little boy, Carolyn and Dan Nicastro decided to make a proactive move to spare their child tears during his celebration.

Busch Gardens Cobra’s Curse Opening Date Set

Tampa Bay area thrill ride lovers don’t have to wait much longer to brave Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest rollercoaster. The theme park has announced Cobra’s Curse will open before June comes to a close.

Clouded Leopard Cubs Are ‘Ambassadors-In-Training,’ Zoo Says

Tampa Bay area residents wondering just what happened to Lowry Park Zoo’s twin clouded leopard cubs born about three months ago are in for a treat. Aiya and Shigu are officially “ambassadors-in-training,” the zoo announced Friday.

Sarasota Waives Fines On 90-Year-Old Widow’s Home

The 90-year-old Sarasota widow whose code enforcement fines had reportedly mounted to more than $150,000 is officially out of the woods with city officials. The happy turn of events in Mary Louise Sikorski’s case came during a special magistrate hearing Thursday.

Puppy Rescued From Septic Drain Gets 2nd Chance

A tumble into a septic drain might have been the end of a little puppy in Fort Pierce recently, but it seems luck was on the critter’s side in more ways than one.

Mom Gets MBA Graduation Redo After Pregnancy Scare

Sixth months pregnant and ready to take on the world, Danielle Bunin donned full commencement regalia April 30 to receive her hard-earned MBA from Saint Leo University before her second son’s arrival.

Cop Cruiser ‘Creamed’ On Last Day Of School

A Largo school resource officer reporting for work on the last day of the academic year found out firsthand just how rambunctious kids can be waiting for that last bell to ring.

Watch: Manatee Crashes Florida Backyard

A St. Petersburg woman got quite a surprise over the weekend when she found unusual visitors in her backyard. It seems two manatees took advantage of high waters to pay her a personal visit.

Photos courtesy of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office