The father of a 21-year-old woman who authorities say was raped by Raymond Marston, the inmate who escaped from a county jail, today thanked law enforcement and two homeless brothers whose tip led to Marston's capture. Marston, 50, had been in jail since May 27 on charges including sexual battery, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated battery. He escaped from Falkenburg Road Jail on Sunday night as he was being escorted to a medical clinic, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. ...more

October 31, 2008

A vendor in Calcutta, India, rearranges demon heads made of earthen clay at his stall Sunday prior to worship of the Hindu goddess Kali. Hindu devotees offer demon heads to Kali wishing fulfillment of their prayers. Kali, who traditionally is associated with death and destruction as well as with time and change, is worshiped in some parts of India during Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights that falls on Tuesday. ...more

October 27, 2008

Lawrence Samuels, who broke Arena Football League receiving records during his 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm, has been hospitalized after his vehicle crashed in Pasco County, team officials said. ...more

October 23, 2008

While preparing for my 90th birthday, I had a massive heart attack and ended up in Florida Hospital in Orlando. I have to tell you that I have never received such great care. To begin with, I have to thank our local newspapers, The Tampa Tribune, News-Sun and Lake Placid Journal for publishing my letters for the past 28 years. ...more

October 14, 2008

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt of Ohio suffered broken ribs and vertebrae when she was struck by a car while jogging last week, but the damage wasn't discovered until after she fainted from pain on an overseas trip, her spokesman said Monday. ...more

October 13, 2008

Lea's Prayers and Postage Inc. is holding its final fundraiser of 2008. ...more

October 9, 2008

We have been searching for the right words to express how truly blessed we feel with the outpouring of sympathy from the Tampa Bay community. Still, we cannot begin to let you know how much your support means to us at our most difficult time. ...more

October 6, 2008

My thanks to Martha and Claudia Olivares for inviting me to the Montessori Children's Year End Step Up and Graduation Ceremony. There were 21 children who will be going on to another school. Every time I am lucky enough to attend one of these affairs I am amazed! They dance, sing and do sign language. I don't remember anyone in my past school years being this bright. The dedicated teachers, volunteers, and Mr. Filip, the music teacher who directed and produced this awesome program with great patience and care for so many children. ...more

June 16, 2008

Carl Cool running for county commission is the biggest joke since WMD. The good old boys are at work again! Cool stated his decision was based on advice from close friends and prayers. Close friends being the present commission-less Barbara Stewart, and the prayers of the commissioners hoping the good old boys are not caught with their hands in the cookie jar again. Barbara Stewart has been a thorn in the side of the present county commission for the last four years because she has the grit to ask questions and go against the grain of the good old boys. This is the reason they would like to get rid of her. ...more

June 13, 2008

A 5-year-old girl remained hospitalized Monday after a crash in Lakeland on Sunday morning that injured her two sisters and her mother. ...more

June 10, 2008