Five Things We Learned on Patch this Week

 Musical hits by Cher, Whitney, Barbara and more echoed throughout the Catherine A. Hickman Theater in Gulfport on Saturday as several divas took to the stage.  The Miss Gay Gulf States America 2011 Pageant provided show-stopping performances that brought the audience to their feet, ignited laughter and encouraged tipping during some of the highlights. 

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission recently has been considering some changes to shark fishing, including a proposal to add tiger sharks and great hammerheads to the banned fishing list.

 Texas may have the reputation of growing everything “big,” but the Tampa Bay area has its own larger-than-life claims to fame. We’ve put together a list of 13 of the Bay area’s largest and often wackiest landmarks, some of which may be in your own backyard.

 Staying green isn't the biggest thing on people's minds when they hit up the beach. While getting wild in the water can definitely be the number one priority, here are some tips to remain for green conscious while out on the beach.

 Pinellas County Utilities will be changing the water treatment temporarily from chloramine to chlorine disinfectant on August 1 until September 12. The change in disinfectant is a routine procedure to optimize water quality in the Pinellas County system, according to the Pinellas County Utilities.