TAMPA - A mom who was issued a citation for making an illegal U-turn to pull over because of her vomiting toddler received a happy surprise today: The doctor who treated her daughter offered to pay the ticket. ...more

January 31, 2008

Dog's Peaceful Goodbye Normally in this space, letters appear to voice a complaint, take a stand on a matter or respond to an article. This letter is written for a totally different reason: to publicly thank some very special people for the caring, understanding and compassion shown us through a very difficult time. ...more

January 21, 2008

Six French charity workers sentenced to eight years' forced labor in Chad for trying to kidnap 103 children were transferred to France on Friday, judicial officials said. ...more

December 29, 2007

The Rev. Brian James' confession of being a porn addict certainly was traumatic for this respected pastor and his congregation at the St. James United Methodist Church in New Tampa. ...more

December 18, 2007

As the year comes to an end, we are faced with a holiday that is the most celebrated in the world. Christmas is a special time of year in this country. Its traditions go back a long way in history. ...more

December 15, 2007

As local residents struggle to find ways to help the area's homeless, recent dust-ups on both sides of Tampa Bay show the limits of even the most compassionate policies. ...more

December 11, 2007

Tom and Dorothy Huitfeldt had compassion for humans and animals alike. ...more

December 10, 2007

Sunday's a busy day for most churches. This Sunday, City Church Center C3 has an especially full agenda: celebrate the 30 years its founding pastors, Jerry and Mary Magliulo, have spent in the ministry, welcome new pastor Steven Morgan and his wife, Coreen, and dedicate its new sanctuary. ...more

December 1, 2007

I have been a snowbird for years and took up permanent residence in Sebring seven years ago. I love it! The best place in the states to live. ...more

November 28, 2007

Few of us knew Alexa Hall. She was only 3-months-old when her mother's boyfriend allegedly shook her to death Monday. All most of us know are what we see in the photograph of a precious baby girl and the anguish of her mother and grandparents. It's enough to break the hardest heart. What we also know about Alexa, however, is that although tragedy befell her, she brought life and happiness to others in her short time here. Besides the people who loved her, her transplanted organs provided life for other babies in several locations around the country. Alexa gave the gift of life to other little ones who also faced death. As tragic as this ordeal is for her family, at least some warmth has to be felt that part of her lives on, and gives someone else the chance at a happy life. It's the ultimate gift and Alexa's legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of those who loved her and many other people who know little of her. How many of us can say that? ...more

November 16, 2007