Shark Swarm, Italian Renaissance, Robber Knocked Out

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

Watch: Thousands Of Blacktip Sharks Swarm Florida Coast

People who enter Florida’s waters to swim often do so in the company of sharks, but not necessarily thousands at once. That, however, has been the case lately as thousands of blacktip sharks hang out off of Palm Beach’s coast.

Explore The Italian Renaissance At University Mall

Tampa Bay area residents will soon find they can do more at University Mall than just shop, dine and take in a movie. They’ll also be able to learn more about the Italian Renaissance courtesy of the opening of “DaVinci & Michelangelo – Titans Experience.”

Steven Stamkos Staying Put, Lightning GM Says

Tampa Bay Lightning fans don’t have to worry that the team’s run for a return to the playoffs might hit a bump courtesy of the departure of Steven Stamkos. Steve Yzerman, Lightning vice present and general manager, issued a statement Monday regarding a rumored trade of the team’s captain.

Bryan Adams, Blues Take Over Coachman Park

Tampa Bay area residents looking for something to do this weekend may want to set a course for Clearwater’s Coachman Park and stay there. The weekend’s festivities kick off on Friday, Feb. 19, when multi-platinum selling musician Bryan Adams takes the stage.

Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Fur, Chewed Rice, Roaches

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at two area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet guidelines for health and safety. Roach activity, rodents and unsafe food storage were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings.

Florida Zika Virus Cases Holding Steady

Florida’s confirmed Zika virus cases are holding steady at 21. The increase of one case from Friday’s 20 was reported by State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong on Monday. Tuesday’s daily virus update showed no change in the numbers. All of the state’s confirmed cases have been travel-related and no pregnant women have been impacted so far, Armstrong reported Tuesday.

Witnesses Knocked Out Armed Robber, Cops Say

A 26-year-old Bradenton man’s attempt to rob a Walgreens of its Oxycodone supply didn’t go quite as planned. According to the Bradenton Police department, Anthony Robert Nemeth walked into the 5896 Cortez Road pharmacy around 12:24 p.m. Sunday, wearing a hooded sweater and holding a white towel over his face.

U.S., Cuba To Resume Commercial Flights

Tampa Bay area residents with reason to fly to Cuba may soon be able to board commercial flights to the country. In what may be one of the most important trade agreements between the two nations in decades, U.S. and Cuba officials signed a pact on Tuesday to resume commercial airline flights by next autumn.

Tornado Rips Through Florida Panhandle, Alabama

While the Tampa Bay area escaped Monday’s storms largely unscathed, the same cannot be said for some parts of Florida. The National Weather Service’s Mobile, Ala., office has confirmed a tornado touchdown in Century.

Florida Atlantic University’s Tanner Anderson checks out a blacktip shark in the water off John D. MacArthur Beach State Park during a recent tagging excursion. Photo from the FAU Shark Migration Facebook page