A man broke into a Lakeland McDonald's restaurant and stole a donation box intended for Ronald McDonald charities, the Polk County Sheriff Office said. ...more

January 15, 2008

Although the national trend in holiday giving appears on the rise, many Tampa charities are falling short of end-of-year goals, even as they're serving more clients than ever. ...more

December 30, 2007

SEBRING — Break out your matches. Blistering sky, maddogg and sonic boom fireworks are now for sale. Judy Ray will open up her TNT Fireworks stand at 10 a.m. today in front of Albertsons grocery store, located at 3610 U.S. 27 N. "We sell what are called 'safe and sane' fireworks," said Ray. "We don't sell the explosive kind." Fireworks available at the stand include sparklers and stand-up displays that spray multi-colored sparkles and designs. Also available are classics like snakes and party poppers. ...more

December 27, 2007

TAMPA - Cold weather shelters in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties will open tonight as temperatures are again expected to plunge into the 30s, with the wind chill making it feel blow freezing. ...more

December 17, 2007

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., has announced plans to introduce federal legislation to better regulate embedded giving, the fast-growing fundraising practice that involves building a gift to charity into everyday purchases. "We need to ensure that charity is not being used solely as a sales pitch," Menendez said in a statement. ...more

December 16, 2007

Go Glam, a holiday hair and fashion show, was held Dec. 2 to benefit the Child Victim Rapid Response Program of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. ...more

December 15, 2007

Sami Al-Arian is no longer in contempt of court, a federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday, paving the way for the former University of South Florida professor to complete his prison sentence and depart for Egypt. ...more

December 14, 2007

Wow! Saturday night we had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Flywheelers "Christmas in the Village." We both could not believe the wonderland of lights that the Flywheelers and their volunteers created. Besides all the Christmas displays, live entertainment, antique tractors and cars decorated with lights, there were hot dogs, cider, eggnog, coffee and homemade cookies all supplied by the Flywheelers. From the front gate, you are transported on trams through their antique village and into the different areas of the park to see the displays. The last dates to see this heart warming presentation are Dec. 14 and 15. Admission is an unwrapped toy, canned food or a cash donation. All proceeds go to local charities and local food banks. It is well worth the drive to their village in Fort Meade. For all who need a little holiday spirit and those who already have it, this is a must. ...more

December 11, 2007

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check out charitable organizations before making any donations. As the holidays get under way, charities are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Florida law requires most charities that do business in the state – regardless of where they are headquartered – to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures. There are 12,597 charitable organizations registered with the state. ...more

December 9, 2007

Bye-Bye, Officer Bailey Barbara Bailey touched many lives - both human and animal - during her 23 years at Hillsborough County Animal Services. One thing she has learned: "Some days you're the dog, and some days you're the hydrant." The Plant City resident retires Wednesday. ...more

December 9, 2007