Christmas Parade Back In Business

The Plant City Christmas parade is back on the holiday schedule - this time for Dec. 19.

Last week's parade was called off three hours before it was scheduled to begin after a massive manhunt for a gunman paralyzed Plant City. A committee voted Wednesday to stage the event next week.

"A lot of people were disappointed when it was announced the parade was canceled," City Manager David Sollenberger said. "This may be a last-minute Christmas present to a lot of people who were looking forward to it."

The committee agreed to meet again at 4 p.m. Friday for an update on progress and to finalize plans for the event.

George Newman

Spray Here, Graffiti Fans Told

DADE CITY - Some teenagers use MySpace. Others prefer a low-tech method of self-expression: a can of spray paint.

In hopes of reigning in a growing graffiti problem, Dade City commissioners agreed this week to erect concrete "expression walls" in three city parks. City leaders are hoping the taggers will use the 50-square-foot walls instead of public facilities, such as restrooms and racquetball courts.

The idea of a sanctioned expression wall is based on a similar project in Gainesville, where taggers have been allowed to spray paint the 34th Street wall since the late 1970s.

Laura Kinsler

Holiday Stroll On Tap Friday

DAVIS ISLANDS - Holiday music, special foods, drinks and holiday cheer all will be present Friday when the fourth annual Home Is Where The Heart Is Holiday Stroll takes place.

The event will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the homes of Karen and Vincent Palori, and Blake Casper.

Tickets are $150 each, and proceeds benefit the Kids Charity of Tampa Bay. For information and reservations, call Dottie Berger MacKinnon at (813) 629-5205.

Lenora Lake

Caroling Event Helps Homeless

ST. PETERSBURG - Here's a chance to sing for your supper - and make a statement about helping the homeless.

The 22nd annual Still No Room at the Inn Carol Sing begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the ASAP Drop-in Center, 423 11th Ave. S. Carolers will stroll through downtown, stopping to serenade residents of homeless shelters and a retirement home with favorite holiday songs. The caroling concludes at 9 p.m. next to the manger scene in Straub Park.

A cookout precedes the singing from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the drop-in center, where supporters will grill hamburgers, hot dogs and vegetarian fare. Beverages and side dishes will also be provided.

Carolers should park at the Salvador Dali Museum lot at 11th Avenue South and Third Street South, across the street from the museum. Rides back to the lot will be provided after the caroling.

For information, call (813) 823-5665.

Michelle Bearden