Five Things We Learned on Patch this Week

Surfers for Autism originated in South Florida in late 2007.Since then, it’s caught on heavily. The volunteer-powered events entail bringing children with autism spectrum conditions out to the beach, and teaching them to surf amid the waves. Even if there aren’t any serious waves, organizers say balancing and on a board and being out on the water are therapeutic for participants.

This July Fourth, the red, white and blue banner of our country will be on St. Pete Beach and made out of something commonly found on any beachgoer. For the past six years,  has made a colonial 13-star flag on the beach made out of red, white and blue towels.

More than 70 aging World War II veterans from Tampa Bay are embarking today on an unusual one-day, whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II Memorial. The veterans will fly from St. Petersburg·Clearwater International Airport on a trip organized by Honor Flight of West Central Florida (HFWCF) and funded by private donations.

Hundreds of screaming fans packed the Astro Skate in Pinellas Park for the Roll-A-Hula-Luau Exhibition Bout. People of all ages came out to support moms, daughters, sisters and friends; the women of the Pinellas County Roller Girls. 

Recent news intensified the cause for those who came out for the second annual Hands Across the Sand demonstration. News that Governor Rick Scott and Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos want to open up state waters to offshore oil drilling.