Parents Ask School Boards To Resume Mask Mandates | Patch PM

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

Aquarium Treats Rare Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Exposed To Red Tide

Nature hasn't been kind to some of the most vulnerable marine creatures on Florida's west coast. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is now caring for a juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle, considered the world's most endangered species of sea turtle, after she was found floating in waters contaminated by red tide off Madeira Beach July 22.

FDEP Sues Piney Point Owners For Contaminated Wastewater Breach

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has filed a complaint against HRK Holdings, the owner of the Piney Point site, a former Palmetto phosphate fertilizer processing plant that experienced a significant wastewater reservoir breach in March and April, in the 12th Judicial Court in Manatee County Thursday.

Parents Set For FL Mask Mandate Showdown As 1st School Day Nears

As schools prepare to open their doors to students next week, parents are headed for a showdown over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order prohibiting public schools from requiring face masks. Hillsborough and Pinellas parents are petitioning their school boards to resume mask mandates in light of the surge in coronavirus cases.

DeSantis Blames Biden, Immigrants For Florida's COVID Surge

With COVID-19 spreading throughout Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis placed the blame for the rise in new cases on President Joe Biden and illegal immigrants entering the country. At a Wednesday news conference, DeSantis said about Biden, "This is a guy who ran for president saying he was gonna 'shut down the virus' and what has he done? He's imported more virus from around the world by having a wide-open Southern border."

A Mom's Love For Her Son, A Persistent Soon-To-Be Marine

A 19-year-old St. Petersburg man currently in Marines boot camp is getting extra support from his mom in his final hours of the 54-hour crucible every recruit must endure before they earn the U.S. Marine emblem and title.

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