The city's fire department will be able to boost its ranks, thanks to a $4 million federal grant. The money will come from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SAFER grants, or Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. ...more

January 28, 2009

Pat Kemp, newly elected chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, sees hope for a Democratic resurgence nationwide and this county, where the party has languished for year ...more

January 27, 2009

A children's health care bill that set congressional Democrats against President George W. Bush's administration in 2008 now appears headed for passage with Florida's two senators splitting their votes. ...more

January 27, 2009

Hillsborough County leaders pushing to get a slice of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus money have submitted a $436.5 million list of "ready to go" road, bridge and water projects. ...more

January 27, 2009

A children's health care bill that set congressional Democrats against the Bush administration last year now appears headed for passage – but with Florida's two senators splitting their votes. The bill uses tobacco taxes, including an extra 61 cents a pack on cigarettes, to expand an existing program providing health insurance for children of the working poor. It's one of the most divisive issues Congress has considered recently. The Democratic majority passed it in 2008 but couldn't muster the votes to override former President George W. Bush's veto. This year, President Barack Obama says he'll sign the bill. The House passed it Jan. 14, and it's expected to come up for a Senate vote this week. ...more

January 26, 2009

WASHINGTON Floridians, including elected officials from Tampa Bay, are looking to President Barack Obama and his administration to meet a raft of expectations. ...more

January 26, 2009

The city has a big plumbing problem, and a hefty price tag to go along with it. ...more

January 25, 2009

The start of Obama's presidency is a new chance for our nation to actively push for 21st century innovations and clean technology that the public health, our natural world, and future generations deserve. Energy is a fundamental issue in our rapidly changing world, and 2009 is poised to be the year for legislative action. But citizens must participate in this important process. ...more

January 24, 2009

Family Of Man First David Caton said it was a "sad day" because an AARP publication had an advertisement about a product that would help seniors enjoy better sex (Local News, Jan. 21). The next day I saw his photograph in a Tribune article about domestic partner benefits for the county. ...more

January 24, 2009

Florida could get about $4.3 billion in added federal Medicaid funding this year under the $825 billion economic recovery package being crafted by President Barack Obama and congressional leaders, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa. ...more

January 23, 2009