TAMPA - First-grader Tatum Johnson loved to frolic with friends on the school playground. The 7-year-old enjoyed playing with classmates and came home every day with tales of her school adventures. Though Tatum can no longer run with her friends though the Mort Elementary fields, her memory has become a permanent part of the school campus. ...more

May 9, 2008

A state title at Hillsborough High in 1959. Years later, he became the first University of South Florida men's basketball coach, compiling a 33-42 record from 1971 to 1974. ...more

May 4, 2008

At Gulf High School, there is a large plaque in volleyball coach Shari Schau's office. The plaque lists the all-time career leader in aces, digs, serving attempts and good serves. After each category is the name of one player - Amanda Gardner. ...more

February 12, 2008

Dominic Mancuso and wife, Pauline, Brandon residents since 1965, wait all year for the holiday season so they can create a Christmas wonderland right outside their door. They have been decorating their home for Christmas, inside and out, for the past 47 years. Some of their neighbors followed their lead and now create spectacular holiday decorations, too. Here are some details about how the tradition evolved. ...more

December 22, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - It never fails to inspire when hearing of a coach who has made an impact on the athletes he or she has coached. That influence can seep deep into one's personal or professional endeavors. ...more

December 20, 2007

More than 600 people participated in the first Hike for Hospice, a benefit that raised $100,000 for Gulfside Regional Hospice, organizers said. ...more

December 19, 2007

In a place where there's few things for children to do, the Children's Museum of the Highlands is special. But the museum is more than just easily accessible to county residents. It's fun, it's educational and it's affordable. Those who've got children in the family have had to have made at least one trip to the museum, and many leave its doors with children who'd rather camp at the museum for life. This popular destination now wants to be bigger and better and needs the community's help to expand. Museum director Linda Crowder, who unveiled plans Wednesday, said the museum is seeking to build a second floor, which will double its space. ...more

December 14, 2007

Several hundred mourners gathered in a cavernous church Friday evening to celebrate a girl who danced in the rain, lit up a room and died too soon. Raquel Carreras, killed in an auto accident one week ago, was remembered by family and friends as an eternally cheerful and energetic 14-year-old who made friends by the dozens and who will not be easily forgotten by them. ...more

September 21, 2007

Marc Ecko could have bought the Texas fishing license bearing Mickey Mantle's name for only $4,000. Orlando Cepeda's National League MVP plaque was available for only a few thousand more. ...more

September 19, 2007

LAKE PLACID –– It was about 1:15 p.m. when Adam Hess sat down for an interview. He got out two sentences when tones on his two-way radio sounded. A car had veered off Catfish Creek Road and wound up in low, scrub trees. A hot catalytic converter set the grass on fire. "This always happens," he said, shaking his head in an apology. "I've got to go." Hess and a crew took off in the brush truck and an engine. ...more

September 17, 2007