WWII Pilot’s Funeral | Boy Calls 911 For Hug | Wine Bar: FL Good News

FLORIDA — A boy called 911 to ask a deputy for a hug, a 45-minute train ride from Tampa to Disney, more than 70 Florida hospitals earn an “A” grade, home insurance grants.

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

Resident Named FL Special Olympics 2023 Athlete of the Year

Andrew Ahearn was named Special Olympics Florida’s 2023 Athlete of the Year. He aims to carry on the legacy of his late father, a Navy SEAL.

Boy Calls 911 To Ask For Hug From Sheriff's Deputy: Video

Deputy Scott Pracht said the Riverview boy announced he knew how to call 911. The youngster called to ask for a hug, which the deputy gave.

Placemaking Art Initiative To Be Funded With National Endowment Grant

Creative Pinellas has received a $110,000 National Endowment for the Arts Award to fund Pinellas County placemaking arts initiatives.

Tampa Bay Company Is Offering $10,000 To Creator Of Best Short Film

WAVES, the mobile video-hosting app that connects independent filmmakers, won $50,000 in the BUC Ventures competition.

Country Music Star Cole Swindell To Perform At Valspar Championship

Taylor Moore will defend his 2023 PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship at the 2024 tournament March 18 to 24 at Innisbrook Golf Resort.

FL Recognizes Pasco County Landowner For Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Jake English began working with the FWC in January 2020 to create a management plan for his 30-acre property, Drexel Farms in Land O' Lakes.

1st Sucessful Flight Of 'Air Taxi' In FL Takes Place

Tampa International Airport hosted the first-ever electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft test flight at a large U.S. airport.

Civil Air Patrol Students At School Plan Cape Canaveral Trip

Students in the Civil Air Patrol program at Azalea Middle School are raising money to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Bay Runner Trolley Adds 2 New Stops To Route

The free trolley service introduced two new stops to its route in Sarasota Wednesday.

Manatee Hit By Watercraft Rescued: Police

A manatee hit by a watercraft and tangled in fishing line was rescued from Venice waters Thursday, police said.

REI Co-op To Host Grand Opening

The new 25,000-square-foot REI Co-op, which sells outdoor gear and apparel, is opening at University Town Center in Sarasota.

45-Minute Trip From Tampa To Disney To Be Reality On Brightline Train

After touring the Brightline high-speed train from Miami to Orlando, Mayor Jane Caster said the high-speed rail to an Ybor City station.

Jewish Institutions In FL Earmarked For $45M In Security Measures

Florida Jewish leaders said they're grateful for the Legislature's passage of $45M in additional security at Jewish schools and synagogues.

Retired Marine Opens Pour-Your-Own Wine Bar

The Study, a pour-your-own wine and beer lounge, recently opened its doors in St. Petersburg’s Historic Kenwood neighborhood.

Solid Waste Driver Takes 3rd Place In Driving Competition

Clearwater solid waste drivers compete in international competition in Denver, Colorado.

Metropolitan Ministries Launches Holiday Tent Saturday

For those who can't drop donations off at the holiday tent, Metropolitan Ministries offers other ways to help residents in need.

New DIY Pottery And Art Studio Focuses On Beginners, Kids

The Makery at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime offers art workshops, craft projects, including slime making, pottery, needle felting, moss art.

70 FL Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Grades, 12 Get ‘D’ In Latest Leapfrog Ratings

Florida is among the states with the highest number of hospitals earning ‘A’ grades in new Leapfrog patient safety ratings.

World War II Pilot’s Funeral Planned

A funeral is planned Friday in St. Petersburg for a World War II pilot who was shot down over Sicily in 1943.

Employees, Volunteers Present Pasco Perspective In New Art Exhibit

The public is invited to view the artwork of more than 100 artists during the inaugural exhibit, "Pasco Perspective."