A tragic loss in the line of duty has united communities across Florida, as they come together to honor the memory of a beloved officer. Last month, Walton County Sheriff Deputy William May lost his life while serving his community. In response, local businesses have stepped up to provide support for May’s family. One such initiative took place on Sunday at Patches Pub, where an all-you-can-eat catfish special turned into a fundraising effort, with proceeds benefitting the fallen deputy’s loved ones. The gesture reflects not only the restaurant's commitment but also the deep bonds shared by neighboring counties.
On a quiet Sunday earlier this month, residents and visitors alike gathered at Patches Pub in Panama City Beach to show their solidarity with Deputy William May’s grieving family. Located on Thomas Drive, the eatery organized an all-day event featuring an unlimited fried catfish meal priced at $20, with $5 from each sale earmarked for May’s beneficiaries. Christina Montelbano, a manager at Patches Pub, emphasized the interconnectedness of these communities: “We are essentially one big family,” she explained. This sentiment stems from the mutual assistance provided during peak tourist seasons like spring break and summer when Walton County frequently aids Bay County.
The outpouring of support extended beyond just monetary contributions. First responders were treated to complimentary meals, symbolizing gratitude for those who risk their lives daily. Additionally, patrons had the option to make direct donations that would be entirely allocated toward helping the May family through this challenging period. These acts underscore the importance of community resilience and compassion in times of adversity.
Patches Pub’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of how small gestures can create significant impacts within communities. By fostering connections between neighboring regions, the establishment highlights the strength found in unity. Such efforts ensure that even amidst sorrow, there remains hope and comfort for families facing unimaginable losses. Through collective action, the people of Florida continue to demonstrate unwavering support for those who serve and protect them.
In an effort to prioritize student well-being, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has unveiled plans within the latest Metro budget aimed at enhancing school safety. During his State of Metro address, O’Connell emphasized the importance of safeguarding educational environments. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to Metro Nashville Public Schools, with a focus on expanding resources such as hiring additional school nurses and increasing the number of school resource officers (SROs). This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive safety measures across all district schools.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell's administration has set its sights on fortifying the security infrastructure of Nashville's public schools. According to recent announcements, approximately 37% of the Metro budget will be dedicated to education. Among the proposed expenditures is a $15 million allocation designed to introduce a nurse into every school and expand the presence of SROs. The current deployment of only nine SROs across 70 elementary schools underscores the need for augmentation.
The plan includes not only bolstering elementary school protection but also enhancing high school safety by adding a third SRO to certain institutions. Antioch High School currently stands alone in possessing this level of security. By extending this measure, the city aims to create a safer learning environment for students at all grade levels.
Mayor O’Connell’s vision reflects a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the education sector. By investing in both medical and law enforcement support within schools, the administration seeks to foster a more secure atmosphere conducive to effective learning. These enhancements are expected to contribute significantly to the overall safety and success of Nashville's students, ensuring they thrive in protected environments.
In a stunning display of golfing prowess, Haeran Ryu secured her third LPGA title with an impressive performance at the 2025 Black Desert Championship. This marked the first time in over six decades that Utah hosted an LPGA event, showcasing a purse of $3 million—one of the largest among non-major tournaments. Ryu's victory by five strokes highlighted her dominance, converting her fifth 54-hole lead into a triumphant finish. Following closely behind were Ruoning Yin from China and Germany’s Esther Henseleit, who shared second place after a thrilling playoff last week at the Chevron Championship.
The historic Black Desert Championship took place in Utah, marking a significant milestone as it was the first LPGA event held there in more than 60 years. With a substantial prize fund of $3 million, this tournament attracted some of the world's best female golfers. Leading the pack was Haeran Ryu, whose exceptional skill earned her not only the championship title but also a substantial winner's check worth $450,000. Ryu showcased remarkable consistency throughout the competition, maintaining her lead from start to finish—a rare feat known as a "wire-to-wire" victory.
Ryu’s journey to success wasn’t without formidable competition. Notably, Ruoning Yin from China and Esther Henseleit from Germany demonstrated strong performances, finishing tied for second place. Their resilience was commendable, especially given Yin’s recent experience in a playoff at the Chevron Championship just weeks prior. Meanwhile, Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou made headlines by eagling the final hole, securing a share of sixth place with a closing round of 67. Her strategic play added excitement to the latter stages of the tournament.
Beyond the top contenders, several other players delivered noteworthy performances. Among them were Chanettee Wannasaen and Ariya Jutanugarn, both tying for sixth alongside Kyriacou. Grace Kim rounded out the top ten with her consistent play, while Auston Kim and Andrea Lee also found themselves sharing tenth place honors. The depth of talent on display underscored the competitive nature of modern women's golf, highlighting the increasing global participation and excellence within the sport.
As the dust settled at the Black Desert Championship, Haeran Ryu emerged victorious, cementing her legacy as one of the most promising young talents in professional golf. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and convert leads into victories sets her apart from her peers. The tournament not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of hosting major events in diverse locations like Utah, fostering growth and visibility for women's golf worldwide. Through her efforts, Ryu inspired countless aspiring athletes, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.