Tom Cruise Visit | $5M Lottery Win | Creamsicle Uniforms: FL Good News

FLORIDA — Tom Cruise surprises Florida moviegoers, a 4-year-old was rescued from a pond, two college baseball teams join major league teams, nostalgic Bucs’ uniform unveiled in video — these are some of the good news stories in Florida this week.

Botanical Gardens Educates On Water Conservation

New signs installed at Florida Botanical Gardens will help educate visitors about the importance of wetlands.

2 FL Baseball Players Join Major League Teams

Former outfielder Nelson Taylor and infielder Dakota Harris were each selected in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday.

Hospital Labor Unit Expands After Baby Boom

Since the hospital opened in 2015, the number of babies delivered in the hospital’s labor and delivery unit has nearly tripled.

Tom Cruise Visits FL Movie Theater

Actor Tom Cruise surprised South Florida moviegoers when he attended a South Miami screening of the latest “Mission Impossible” film.

Sprouts Farmers Market Opening In St. Pete

St. Petersburg’s Skyway Marina District will welcome a new Sprouts Farmers Market, which should break ground by mid-2024, reports said.

New Sustainable Seafood Restaurant Opening

Half Moon is bringing its signature Nashville Hot Fish and New Orleans-inspired po’ boys to Sparkman Wharf's dining garden.

Firefighters Union Contract Approved

The agreement is subject to approval by the Polk County Commission at the July 25 meeting and by ratification of union members.

4-Year-Old Rescued From Pond

Body-worn camera footage by two Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies documented the search for and rescue of a 4-year-old autistic boy.

New Diverse Fest Welcomes All In Sarasota

The Harvest Sarasota hosts its first annual Diverse Fest on Saturday.

Nostalgic Bucs 'Creamsicle' Uniform Unveiled

The Bucs will debut the new uniform on Sunday, Oct. 15, when they face the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium.

$5M Scratch-Off Prize Claimed In Bradenton

A Manatee County man claimed a $5M prize playing the Gold Rush Limited scratch-off game, Florida Lottery said.

Hallmark’s New Christmas Cruise Will Embark From FL

A Christmas-themed cruise organized by the Hallmark Channel will sail from Miami to the Bahamas in November.

World Record For Longest Burmese Python Set

Check out this video of two South Florida men known as the Glades Boys capturing a 19-foot-long, 125-pound python early Monday morning.

Vessels Arrive For New Ferry Service

The new ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island is expected to start late summer or early fall, officials said.

Stranded Manatee Rescued

A stranded manatee was rescued from a beach in Volusia County, the sheriff’s office said.

Woman Raises Money For Ukraine

A clinical social worker in Bradenton sells handmade jewelry to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine as war rages on.