Rays Want Stadium Ideas, Walmart Grocery Expansion, Zika Virus

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

3 New Tampa Bay Zika Virus Cases Confirmed

The Florida Department of Health on Monday confirmed six new travel-related cases of Zika virus within the state and one new non-travel related case. Two of the new travel-related cases involve residents in Hillsborough County with another reported in Polk County.

Rays Want Your Stadium Ideas

As the Tampa Bay Rays continue their search for a new location to call home, the team is hoping to get fans involved in the process. With that in mind, the Rays launched “Ballpark Reimagined” on Monday.

Marco Rubio Unapologetically Pro-Life Despite Zika Virus Concerns

As Florida’s Zika virus case count continues to climb, Sen. Marco Rubio has come out against abortions for women infected by the condition that can cause birth defects in babies. The Florida Republican, a staunch pro-life supporter, doesn’t think abortion should be an option even if severe microcephaly is suspected.

Man Accused in Pinky the Flamingo’s Death Out of Jail

The 45-year-old man accused of throwing Busch Gardens’ famous dancing flamingo Pinky last Tuesday was released from the Hillsborough County Jail on Sunday. Anthony Corrao faces felony animal cruelty charges in the case, which ultimately led to Pinky’s death.

Walmart Expanding Online Grocery Services in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents who prefer ordering their groceries online for pickup at a later time will soon find seven additional Walmart stores available to serve. The retailer has announced plans to nearly triple its online ordering service in the Tampa Bay area by month’s end.

Seminole Heights ‘Pup Crawl’ Benefits Pet Charity

Tampa Bay area residents looking for an excuse to explore Seminole Heights’ trendy restaurant and pub scene will get their chance later this month. Frankie’s Friends, a national pet charity, has announced an upcoming “pup crawl" to benefits its efforts.

Hazardous Weather Warnings, Flood Watches Up Across Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents tired of rainy conditions and gray skies will likely have to endure a few more days of gloom before the sun peaks through the clouds. The National Weather Service says the region is in for a very soggy start to the week with flood watches up in some counties and rip current risks present in coastal area.

Next-Gen PSAs Target New Angle in Drug Addiction, Recovery

A father sits down to a breakfast prepared by his adult son. Silence is oppressive as the two cast glances from opposite heads of the table. Tension builds until the son can take it no longer. “Is it Mom,” he asks, hoping to find an explanation for his father’s alcohol abuse.

Photo courtesy of Walmart