"Champion of the Dream," the theme of the 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival, takes on special meaning in the wake of the presidential election, organizers say. The event, hosted and organized by the Improvement League of Plant City, runs Jan. 16 to 19 and features a variety of activities, including a parade, a street festival and the popular Statewide High School Step Team Competition. ...more

January 6, 2009

It was the first year the Florida High School Athletic Association has officially recognized competitive cheer as a varsity sport. It also was the first time the FHSAA had held a state championship meet. ...more

December 26, 2008

One of two tickets that matched all six Florida Lotto numbers to share a jackpot of $38 million was sold in Polk County, lottery officials said today. ...more

December 25, 2008

If you're tired of bad real estate news, here's encouragement: Tampa is the top metro area in Florida for singles who relocate, according to an industry survey. ...more

December 3, 2008

Two road-safety proposals will soon be under consideration by Florida lawmakers. House Bill 1 comes this year from Republican Rep. Rich Glorioso, who wants to allow police officers to pull over drivers for not wearing seat belts. Democratic Rep. Kelly Skidmore, meanwhile, wants to stop new teenage drivers from carting their young pals around. ...more

December 2, 2008

The spider plant made it feel like home. "I grew that in my apartment, waiting for this day," Christine Rideout said last week as she stood on the front porch of her new house. ...more

November 17, 2008

GIRLS Team results: 1. Boca Raton 258.5; 2. Nease (Ponte Vedra Beach) 146; 3. Plant 137.5; 4. Booker (Sarasota) 135; 5. Northeast 124; 6. Eastside (Gainsville) 121; 7. Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 109; 8. Seminole (Seminole) 105; 9. Newsome 104; 13. Tarpon Springs 77; 15. Clearwater 59; 31. Osceola 17. ...more

November 16, 2008

John Henry, known throughout the world for his tall sculptures, on Monday had a work titled "Big Max" installed in MacDill Park on the Riverwalk. ...more

November 11, 2008

Publix held the grand opening this morning of its GreenWise Market in Hyde Park, and hundreds of people descended on the upscale, 39,000-square-foot store to shop, sightsee or both. ...more

November 6, 2008

Publix GreenWise Market's niche is natural and organic groceries, but what will catch your eye is its medley of gourmet prepared foods - made with natural, organic and conventional ingredients. ...more

November 6, 2008