NO ONE NEEDS TO WORRY about health threats, people are told. But the words don't match the actions as new testing is ordered and notices are sent to families about the underground spread of dangerous chemicals from a Raytheon plant in St. Petersburg. One thing is certain: Dealing with the pollution will take years. ...more

July 27, 2008

One of the dogs trapped in a fire at Rep. Rick Kriseman's house this week, while the state lawmaker was out of town with his family, has died, the representative confirmed Friday. ...more

June 7, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG -- One of the dogs trapped in a fire at Rep. Rick Kriseman's house earlier this week, while the state lawmaker was out of town with his family, has died, the representative confirmed today. Kriseman said Henry, a black Labrador, succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the 12:30 a.m. blaze Wednesday at the Kriseman home at 6044 Third Ave. N. Meanwhile, the Kriseman family's other dog, Maggie, who suffered severe smoke inhalation, is fighting for her life at the Animal Hospital of Treasure Island. ...more

June 6, 2008

A state lawmaker whose house burned down early Wednesday is returning with his wife and children from vacation in Virginia to assess the damage. ...more

June 5, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - A state lawmaker whose house burned down early this morning is returning with his wife and children from vacation in Virginia to assess the damage. ...more

June 4, 2008

A state lawmaker is asking Florida environmental officials to explain a series of delays in cleaning up groundwater pollution that was first identified more than 13 years ago at a west St. Petersburg plant. ...more

May 20, 2008

Even though Florida voters just approved a referendum to lower property taxes for some homeowners, legislation has been introduced to raise the taxes elsewhere: on cigarettes. Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, has introduced a bill to raise the tax on cigarettes by $1. Sen Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, plans to introduce a similar bill in the Senate. ...more

February 15, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - People who go to a topless bar or pay for a personal escort service could help nursing home residents afford haircuts or movie tickets if lawmakers agree to an unusual new sales tax. ...more

February 5, 2008