Thousands of spectators will lug lawn chairs and carry coolers bright and early Saturday to claim a shady spot along the route of Brandon's annual Fourth of July Parade. ...more

July 3, 2009

As cash-strapped governments and community organizations cinch their belts in this struggling economy, fireworks displays are among the offerings falling by the wayside. And as expensive displays dwindle or disappear, more and more backyard pyromaniacs will be putting on their own shows, authorities say. ...more

June 27, 2008

SEBRING — City councilors decided 5-0 to proceed with funding the fire department with an assessment on real property. A motion was passed Tuesday which instructs Government Services Group of Tallahassee to draft an ordinance. A schedule shows the new proposal will be presented to the council on July 1. After two public hearings, the council can adopt it on second reading on Aug. 19, and the tax collector can be notified on Sept. 15. "I think we need to go ahead and do it," said Councilor Margie Rhoades. But, she added, people want fairness, so she would not consider a fire assessment without a reduction in millage. That means some of the poorest citizens, who will pay the fire assessment could pay more in overall taxes. ...more

June 4, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS – The City Commission wasted little time in thanking the local couple who is paying for the city's Fourth of July fireworks show this year. ...more

June 4, 2008

Tight budgets and rising fireworks prices might mean less pop and more fizzle in fireworks displays this Fourth of July. ...more

June 3, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS -- There will be no rockets red glare or bombs bursting in air in the night sky over Tarpon Springs this Fourth of July. ...more

May 31, 2008

FAIRS & FESTS Today Festival Hispano; enjoy a variety of Latin-American music and food; includes entertainment for children; noon to 3 p.m. today; free; Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater; (727) 523-3394 ...more

May 30, 2008

TODAY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES BREAKFAST: Annual bowl game breakfast at Tampa downtown Hyatt Regency, will be attended by some players and coaches. Call the FCA at (813) 926-4031 to purchase tickets. ...more

December 27, 2007

THURSDAY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES BREAKFAST: Annual bowl game breakfast at Tampa downtown Hyatt Regency, will be attended by some players and coaches. Call the FCA at (813) 926-4031 to purchase tickets. REGIONS BANK GOLF CLASSIC: Scramble-team event features bowl sponsors, local celebrities and officials from the participating schools. Held at Cheval CC. Limited spots available by calling (813) 874-2695. TEAM NIGHT AT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Tennessee and Wisconsin players will be hosted by the Lightning for their game against Montreal. For additional information or to order tickets, call Michael Ceccarelli at (813) 301.6892 or e-mail him at mceccarelli@sptimesforum.com. FRIDAY PLAYERS NIGHT AT GAMEWORKS: Teams are hosted for fun and games at GameWorks in Ybor City to compete off the field with interactive video games. Teams only from 6-8 p.m. Doors open to the public at 8. SATURDAY BUSCH GARDENS TEAM OUTING: Both teams will enjoy the attractions and festivities at Busch Gardens. Admission tickets for the general public are available at the gate. DEC. 30 OUTBACK BOWL BEACH DAY: Join both teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. The day includes live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. DEC. 31 TECO ENERGY PARADE & BAND BLAST: Ybor City is the site of festive celebration that features pep rally with both schools' marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade will feature floats and 20 marching bands. Free event starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along 7th Avenue. LIGHT UP TAMPA BAY: Channelside will light up on New Year's Eve with live entertainment and a midnight Fireworks Show and Ball Drop along the downtown Tampa waterfront area. Call Channelside at (813) 223-4250 for more information. JAN. 1 PREGAME BOWL BASH: Fans can warm up for the game outside the stadium with live music and a pep rally. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. The action begins at 8 a.m. on the south plaza between gates C and D at Raymond James Stadium. DeBARTOLO PREGAME SHOW: Colorful pregame show featuring the pageantry of high school and college bands along with numerous special activities, including a U.S. Marine Corps flyover and skydivers delivering the game ball. The Outback Bowl tradition begins at 10:15 a.m. OUTBACK BOWL: The 21st annual Outback Bowl matching Tennessee and Wisconsin kicks off at 11 a.m. Gates open at 9:30. The halftime show will feature more than 4,000 performers. ...more

December 23, 2007