Stanley Cup, Tiger King, Santas, Helping Others: 2020 FL Top News

Tampa FL

31 December, 2020

4:40 AM

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FLORIDA — It's hardly a surprise the biggest stories of 2020 on Florida Patch sites focused on the coronavirus and its impact on health care services, schools, the economy and politics. However, those weren't the only issues on the minds of readers during this eventful year in which Florida dodged several tropical storms, grappled with civil unrest and police relations following the death of George Floyd and tackled an upsurge of gun violence in communities across the state. With so much news taking place on the home front, it would be difficult to choose a single story, much less 20 stories, that are representative of the turbulence, anxiety and controversy Florida experienced this year. But from this strife rose an army of heroes the likes of which Florida Patch editors have never witnessed until now — people who risked their lives to help others; people who fought to save their livelihoods against all odds; and people who banded together to help the hungry, the dispossessed and the helpless. In between, Patch readers relished some moments of true Sunshine State pride as the Tampa Bay Rays went to the World Series and the Tampa Bay Lightning brought home the Stanley Cup. Here are some of those stories that uplifted us this year: Florida's Santas, Mrs. Clauses Adapt In The Era Of Coronavirus Patch spoke with several Floridians who play Santa and Mrs. Claus to see how they've adapted their roles during the coronavirus pandemic. First-Time Florida Voters Share Their Stories From The Polls Numerous reasons spurred some Floridians to vote for the first time this year. Here are stories from Shaq, a restored citizen and others. $180K Helps 'Alice's Restaurant' Namesake Pay Medical Bills, Rent Alice Brock inspired Arlo Guthrie's Thanksgiving song, "Alice's Restaurant," and this year two Sarasota musicians raised funds to help her as she faced health and financial issues. Black Restaurant Week Expands To Florida For First Time Black Restaurant Week was established in Houston in 2016 and now the movement has spread across the country, giving minority-owned restaurants a much-needed boost during the coronavirus pandemic. Rays Overpowered By Dodgers' Pitchers, Lose World Series All eyes were on the Tampa Bay Rays as they made it to the World Series for the second time since 2008. Stanley Cup Back In Tampa Bay; Tampa Celebrates With Boat Parade For the second time in its 28-year franchise history, the Tampa Bay Lightning took home the Stanley Cup after defeating the Dallas Stars 2-o, eliminating the Stars after six playoff games. Netflix's 'Tiger King' Prompts Sheriff To Seek Tips In Cold Case Netflix's "Tiger King" docuseries prompted the Hillsborough County Sheriff to reopen the case on the disappearance of Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin's first husband. Experience The Haunted Side Of St. Pete On A Ghost Tour While coronavirus forced residents to play down the normally ruckus Halloween season, at St. Petersburg paranormal investigator shared some real-life haunting with Patch editor Skyla Luckey. Artist's Heart Breaks For St. Pete Musicians, Creates Opportunity A St. Petersburg musician sets up livestreamed concerts to help out her fellow musicians who were out of work during the coronavirus pandemic. FL's Oldest VFW Saved By Drag Queens And St. Pete Community Drag queens and members of the LGBTQ community came out to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 39 in St. Petersburg during its fundraiser, "Save the VFW Post 39." It is the third oldest Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in the world. 90 Uplifting Notes Distributed To Connect St. Pete Strangers Lauren Hubbard was inspired by the Junior League of St. Petersburg to distribute 90 handwritten notes of gratitude to strangers. St. Pete Bartender Makes Coronavirus Masks Out Of Liquor Bags A St. Pete bartender found himself low on funds after bars closed but came up with creative ways to supplement his loss of cash including making coronavirus masks out of liquor bags. Thousands Support Police At Tampa Back The Blue Rally Hundreds of demonstrators came out to a rally in Tampa in June to show their support for police who were widely criticized following the death of George Floyd. This Is The Most Expensive Home On The Market In St. Pete Despite the economic impact of the coronavirus, Realtors say home sales in Florida are stronger than ever. Patch readers were eager to see inside St. Petersburg's most expensive home. The 1925 waterfront estate is selling for $8 million. Pasco Man Surprised To See Florida Announce His Coronavirus Death It was no laughing matter but 46-year-old Hudson resident Gene Della Sala took the news in stride when the Florida Department of Health reported he'd died of the coronavirus. Della Sala reported that he was feeling "90 percent better." Pinellas Teacher Now On Front Lines In Coronavirus Fight A fifth-grade teacher at Blanton Elementary School in St. Petersburg, was deployed to West Palm Beach to fight the coronavirus as a sergeant in the Florida National Guard. Courageous 12 Monument To Note Black Officers' Fight For Equality A monument to honor St. Petersburg's 12 Black officers who fought against racial discrimination in the 1960s will be installed by the city at the old St. Pete police headquarters. A Coffee Crew Keeps Doors Open For St. Pete During Coronavirus Southside Coffee Brew Bar is grateful for South St. Pete's community support, which allowed it to remain open during the pandemic. Lost A Precious Keepsake On The Beach? These Guys Will Find It Tobias Borawski thought his wedding ring was gone forever after losing it on Clearwater Beach. Then the ring finders came to the rescue. Downtown District Restaurants Host Fundraiser For Salvation Army Restaurants in Clearwater's Downtown District that were shuttered for months during the pandemic helped Metropolitan Ministries rescue Christmas by hosting Dine Out for Kids. Thanks for reading Patch!