America's Best Beach, Decriminalizing Pot, Open Carry Flops

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

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.”

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.

Clearwater Beach Named Best In America

There’s no beach in the country that’s better than Clearwater. At least that’s the opinion of TripAdvisor readers who voted to name Clearwater Beach the No. 1 beach in America.

Florida’s Open Carry Proposal Dies In Senate

Florida concealed weapons license holders who were hoping to be able to carry out in the open won’t get that opportunity this year, at least. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, announced Tuesday that he has no intention of granting a hearing on a bill that would make it legal for permit holders to openly carry handguns.

15 Florida Restaurants To Visit ‘Before You Die’

If it’s time to put together that bucket list, there are a few eateries in Florida that should make the cut. That’s according to the folks at onlyinyourstate.com, a publication that specializes in creating a variety of lists relevant to each state in the country. One of its most recent lists puts a spotlight on “15 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Florida Before You Die.”

U.S. Humane Society Scores Florida’s Representatives

The U.S. Humane Society has released its annual scorecard showing which Congressional leaders stand out on animal rights issues and which ones fall short of the mark.

Tampa Moves To Decriminalize Marijuana

Tampa residents will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions on a prosed local law that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

School Recess Bill Dies In Florida Senate

Just one day after the Florida House voted to approve making 20 minutes of daily recess mandatory in public schools, the bill that would make it so appears to be dead on arrival in the Senate.

Tampa Bay Bonefish Grill Locations Spared

Bonefish Grill lovers in the Tampa Bay area can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of the Tampa-based chain, announced Friday that local stores are not part of an announced 14-location closing.

Boycott Beyonce’s Music, Tampa Police Union Says

As the Tampa Police Department strives to set the record straight that its officers will provide security for Beyonce’s upcoming performance at Raymond James Stadium, the local police union has issued a statement about the controversy.

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