Five Things We Learned on Patch this Week

: The Pinellas County Commission voted earlier this month to stop adding fluoride to the water on Dec. 31. Pinellas County has been adding fluoride to the water supplies since 2004. Across the U.S., flouride has been added to municipal water systems for more than 60 years. The argument for adding flouride, which naturally occurs in water at lower levels, is that it helps to prevent tooth decay.

: Rachel Jolley is a USF grad, daughter of a retired fire official and St. Pete native to boot. She also is the new Assistant Editor for the Old Northeast-St. Pete Patch, the Gulfport Patch and Pinellas Beaches Patch.

 The media backed off, and jurors weren't talking. That was the unusual detente reached Tuesday between Florida news outlets and the men and women who deliberated in the sensational Casey Anthony murder trial, after their names were released to the public.

 Ninety years ago today, the Tampa Bay area was savaged by a Category 3 hurricane that left a wake of damage in its path. Dubbed the 1921 Tarpon Springs Hurricane, the storm was blamed for eight deaths, an estimated $5 million in damage (in 1921 dollars) and a storm surge that rose to 11 feet in height. Its fury was felt throughout the Tampa Bay area.

: Fresh produce at reasonable prices and good service is what attracts customers to St. Pete Beach Produce & Deli. The shop’s owner, Odise “Odi” Armata, makes road trips for farm fresh products about three times per week.  He journeys to Tampa, Plant City, Ruskin, or Immokalee based on what is in season. About 80 percent of the store’s fruit and vegetables are locally grown based on what is available at any given time in Florida. One current seasonal option is a selection of pumpkins for carving and cooking.