Five Things We Learned on Patch This Week

 If you're a parent, you probably received a supply list from your child's school. If you don't have a school-aged kid, you've undoubtedly seen every store feature back-to-school sales. With multiple quantities listed, you may wonder if your child really needs 24 pencils in the first week of school?

 Saint Petersburg may be rightfully proud of its flourishing status as an arts center, but neighboring St. Pete Beach has some artistic bragging rights of its own. No one is prouder of the growing St. Pete Beach arts scene than artist Vincent Cianciola.

 Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats has announced he will retire Nov. 7 to support his wife, Cat, who is battling cancer. His wife was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. “It was a difficult decision,” Coats said. “It’s a journey for two."

In the past few months, Pinellas County School Board members have not always agreed when it came to assessing Superintendent Julie Janssen's job performance. But Tuesday morning they were all on the same page when they decided to fire her during a 7-0 vote. Now, Janssen has 11 days to get her personal things in order and vacate her office.  

 Finally, Florida is getting a little happy news. In the wake of a steady flow of adverse economic reports, this month brings a bright spot—tourism numbers.