Tony Crouse tries not to learn too much about the people he helps on the job. He doesn't ask about families or hobbies or aspirations. A professional distance helps the Polk County deputy fire chief leave the job behind each night. ...more

January 11, 2008

A deadly mix of fog and smoke from a brush fire has led to the deaths of at least four people in a series of crashes on Interstate 4 near Polk City. ...more

January 9, 2008

Six snowmobilers missing in the mountains for 2 1/2 days while a howling blizzard swirled around them were rescued on Monday. They were hungry and cold but unhurt after taking shelter in a cozy cabin and calling 911 on a cell phone when the storm eased. ...more

January 8, 2008

A trio of determined teens acting on a far-fetched story about cash hidden under a bridge has cost the county dearly. ...more

November 14, 2007

RIVERVIEW – The deadly ammonia cloud that caused hundreds to be evacuated last night is almost contained this morning, more than 12 hours after a 16-year-old boy drilled a hole into the pipeline. Residents and business operators, however, are restricted from returning to the area just north of U.S. 301 and Riverview Drive. ...more

November 13, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - Several residents are being evacuated in the Brookside subdivision of Wesley Chapel as fire and rescue crews respond to a gas leak. ...more

November 9, 2007

Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a fire today at the same single-story house where a fire occurred last week. The situation is suspicious, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Tampa Fire Rescue. Crews arrived at 2:33 p.m. to the fire at 2007 E. North Bay St. and had it under control within 20 minutes. ...more

October 30, 2007

Four charred bodies were found in an apparent migrant camp burned by the wildfires raging across Southern California, authorities said Thursday. ...more

October 26, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - A fire on June 29 burned a portion of the Best Western Inn & Suites under construction, but that didn't knock down owner Mike Patel; the hotel will be ready by December. ...more

October 24, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - A fire on June 29 burned a good portion of the Best Western Inn & Suites under construction, but that didn't knock down owner Mike Patel; the hotel will be ready for business by December. ...more

October 24, 2007