A poor economy and higher prices for fuel, food and lodging have travelers re-evaluating vacation plans, Tampa Bay tourism industry officials have learned. The key to success in this year's tourism season will be how well the tourism industry can tap into travelers' perceptions. Here is a sample of what some travelers are thinking these days from interviews at Clearwater Beach and Tampa. ...more

May 6, 2008

In 1917 – more than 90-years ago -- the United States entered the Great Conflict in Europe. Sixteen-year-old Frank Buckles decided he wanted in, too. He figured he could fib about his age; say he's 18. But the Army recruiter told him, "No good: you need to be 21." So he kept shopping around until finally, he found a recruiter who believed him when he said his home state of Missouri didn't keep birth records when he was born; it's back home on the farm, an entry in the family Bible. ...more

February 6, 2008