Jessica Simpson's concert at the Florida Strawberry Festival may have gotten mixed reviews from music critics. But the 28-year-old pop-turned-country singer's looks at the festival were a big hit. The blond diva put to rest rumors of a weight gain the minute she took the stage. At least three celebrity Web sites ran photos and stories on Simpson and the Daisy Duke short-shorts she wore during her hourlong concert. ...more

March 11, 2009

A Ruskin man whose service career spanned 30 years, including service in World War II, was the first veteran through the gate March 4 as the Florida Strawberry Festival celebrated Military Day. ...more

March 11, 2009

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson made his annual trek to the Florida Strawberry Festival parade luncheon, but he didn't get his usual treat. ...more

March 11, 2009

Jennifer Faircloth and Jesse Lingerfelt selected the Florida Strawberry Festival for their first date four years ago. So when festival promoters announced an essay contest to pick a couple to wed at the 2009 event, Jennifer picked up a pen. ...more

March 11, 2009

Strawberries are one of the success stories in Florida's economic crisis, state Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said. ...more

March 11, 2009

The judges at the March 1 Florida Strawberry Festival baby contest had their hands full choosing from about 100 youngsters in competitions ranging from Best Decorated Diaper to Best Looking and Fastest Crawler. ...more

March 11, 2009

There was a time, long ago when the Earth was young, that not only was the Florida Legislature an effective body, but it often had strong leadership from Hillsborough County. ...more

March 11, 2009

The Florida Strawberry Festival ended its 11-day run Sunday with attendance totaling about 500,000, according to a preliminary count. ...more

March 11, 2009

Michelle Stringer last week claimed a slice of Florida Strawberry Festival history. ...more

March 11, 2009

Little League baseball opened its season with the Florida Strawberry Festival queen throwing out the first pitch and a raising of the American flag. ...more

March 11, 2009