Elephant’s Birthday | Best Schools | Strawberry Fest: FL Good News

FLORIDA — An elephant devours pumpkins and candy corn as a birthday treat, multiple Florida elementary schools ranked high in the U.S., Pink gave away free banned books during Florida concerts.

See these good news stories and more from this Florida Patch sites this week.

These Are The Best Elementary, Middle Schools In FL: Ranking

Multiple elementary schools, middle schools in FL are among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Former NFL Player Ensures Firefighters Have Hearty Thanksgiving Meal

For the fifth year, the Mike Alstott Family Foundation will serve up Thanksgiving dinners at all 46 Hillsborough fire stations.

World's Most Adaptable Creatures Highlighted In New Aquarium Exhibit

Four-eyed fish, salamanders that look like they're from outer space and frogs that resemble bird poop will be on display.

Sulphur Springs Landmark Gets Much-Needed Facelift

The 100-year-old water tower was the principal source of water for the area until until the 1970s.

New Marshalls Store Opens

Manatee County’s third Marshalls store, part of TJX Companies, opens Thursday in Parrish.

Sanding Ovations Sand Sculpture Event Kicks Off

Here's what you need to know before you go to this annual event.

Palihouse Hyde Park Village Celebrates Opening

Avi Brosh's Palisociety has opened Tampa's newest hotel, bringing the brand’s signature style.

Lineup Of Holiday Performances Planned At Arts Center

The recently opened performing arts center will offer holiday jazz, ballet, kids' shows and traditional seasonal music.

Up To 1,200 Free Turkeys To Be Given Away

The turkey giveaway will take place on Nov. 18 at three locations in Polk County.

Aquarium Unveils International, Community Artwork

Project Holocene, Washed Ashore and Morean Arts Center bring the message of conservation to CMA guests.

Rosie The Elephant Devours Birthday Treat: Video

Watch Rosie the elephant gorge on pumpkins and iced candy corn treats for her 53rd birthday celebration at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Dog Adoption Fees Waived By County

As the number of dogs arriving at Bradenton-area shelters increases, Manatee County Animal Welfare has waived adoption fees.

Singer Pink Gives Away Banned Books At FL Concerts

Pink, partnering with PEN America and Books & Books, will give away 2,000 books at her Florida tour stops this week.

Mobile Bus Provides Free Health Care For Low-Income Residents

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday will celebrate the launch of the new mobile bus for low-income Hillsborough County residents.

12 Schools Honored For Support Of Veterans

Hillsborough County Public Schools announced that 12 schools have been named Purple Star Schools of Distinction.

50 FL Nursing Homes Make 2023 U.S. News ‘Best’ List

U.S. News & World Report rated more than 15,000 nursing homes in its annual report. Here’s how it rated Florida’s nursing homes.

‘Botox For Blood’: SunCoast Blood Banks Offers Black Friday Gift

SunCoast Blood Centers, a blood bank that serves Southwest Florida, is offering free Botox for blood donations this holiday season.

1,300 Families Get Ham, Turkey Food Baskets For Thanksgiving

More than 200 cars lined up to receive food baskets before the event hosted by Tampa United Bikerz began at 10 a.m. Saturday.

ZZ Top, Black Eyed Peas, Jordan Davis Headline 2024 Strawberry Fest

The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced the headline entertainers for the 89th festival scheduled for Feb. 29 to March 10.

$2.6M Federal Grant To Focus On Making Roads Safer

Tampa has received $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets for All grant program.