Serving smaller hot dogs, plastic juice pouches and fewer of the kids' favorite chicken sandwiches can go a long way in shrinking the food budget. ...more

January 6, 2009

hillsborough county schools cuts $1.3 million from the school meal budget ...more

January 5, 2009

Not that long ago, it was common practice for a neighborhood to take care of the police officer walking their streets. The local grocery helped out with staples, the diner a hot meal, the cafe a cup of Joe. ...more

November 9, 2008

After prying off their sneakers and slipping on dance shoes, the students at Metropolitan Ministries Academy formed straight lines and stood at attention. ...more

October 8, 2008

Evidence of the flagging economy's local effect can be found as close as your neighborhood school's lunch line. ...more

September 24, 2008

For the first time, more than half of all students in Hillsborough County public schools qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. ...more

September 23, 2008

With the economy tumbling and many parents struggling to pay bills, thousands more youngsters are turning up at county recreation areas this summer to take advantage of free lunches. ...more

June 25, 2008

It's official: Sen. Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for president. ...more

June 7, 2008

The pool is ready except for the ribbon-cutting Tuesday. The city's $1.5 million remodeling project elevated the pool at Cyrus Greene Park, added a handicap accessibility ramp, a slide, rain arches and a splash pad. There will be six swim lanes and there are plans for swim league competitions. ...more

June 4, 2008