Banks that received taxpayer bailouts had a lower average level of loans outstanding at the end of March than a month earlier, the Treasury Department reported on Monday. ...more

June 2, 2009

For once the stuff falling from the sky isn't oak pollen. Light rain is spreading over coastal counties and should continue off and on through late afternoon. By evening, it should move off the coast. Any rain is welcome, both as a relief for lawns and a valuable break for crews battling wildfires. But the weather service estimates most places will eventually see only about .1 of an inch. ...more

March 23, 2009

It's a long-held tradition in eastern Hillsborough County for members of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association to compete in the Florida Strawberry Festival's best flat contests. ...more

March 18, 2009

After 38 years as a teacher in Pasco County, John Benedetto was informed Tuesday afternoon he will not be eligible for the final year of his extension in the Deferred Retirement Option Program, also known as DROP. ...more

March 17, 2009

A man whose body was found March 1 in a ditch in Ruskin has been identified as 52-year-old Dale Strunk, Hillsborough County deputies say. Strunk had no obvious signs of trauma, though it's up to the medical examiner's office to determine an official cause of death, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The cause of death is pending toxicology results. ...more

March 11, 2009

With only seven weeks to put together a three-day festival, organizers of the first-ever Swamp Fest weren't sure what to expect. When all was said and done, the Land O' Lakes High School Gators came away from the event already looking ahead to next year. ...more

March 11, 2009

About 200 family members and mourners have gathered at the funeral of radio legend Paul Harvey in Chicago. ...more

March 7, 2009

This is a partial list of crimes and service calls reported Feb. 26 through March 4 to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Questions about a specific event should be directed to the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8200. 33548 Crystal Grove Blvd, Block 600, residential burglary, Feb. 26, 10:19 a.m. US 41 N, Block 17100, stolen vehicle, March 3, 7:15 p.m. US 41 N, Block 18800, illegal dumping, March 3, 1:23 p.m. ...more

March 6, 2009

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA distributed hundreds of pairs of free Nike running shoes to young people participating in the 2009 Let Me Play Kids Running Program. Included in the distributions were the children at Rampello Downtown Partnership who received their shoes Feb. 13. ...more

March 4, 2009

Taxpayers have one more chance to file for Florida's Homestead Exemption for 2009. ...more

March 2, 2009