A Hillsborough County judge played Santa and a sheriff's deputy was the elf Saturday as more than 300 children received the benefits of the Sheriff's Office District III Toy Drive. Judge Nick Nazaretian, aka Santa, gave dolls, trucks and other toys to children at the district office at 7202 Gunn Highway. The recipients were children who have medical issues, economic challenges, or whose families have been victims of crimes. Deputy Michelle Branscomb, who has organized the toy drive for the past 13 years, also helped distribute the holiday gifts. ...more

December 21, 2008

A Hillsborough judge played Santa and a sheriff's deputy was the elf today as more than 300 children received the benefits of the Sheriff's Office District III Toy Drive. ...more

December 20, 2008

Metropolitan Ministries says there will be children without anything under the tree this year if donations to the group don't increase quickly. ...more

December 20, 2008

Santa Claus says he's added a New York City traffic agent to his naughty list after she gave him a ticket for double parking while delivering gifts to children. ...more

December 18, 2008

An Oldsmar insurance company has donated more than 130 bicycles for needy children in time for the Christmas holidays, the Pinellas Sheriff's Office said. ...more

December 17, 2008

Florida is receiving $587,000 as part of a multistate settlement with toy maker Mattel and subsidiary Fisher-Price. ...more

December 16, 2008

The first of thousands of needy families began picking up meals and toys today at Metropolitan Ministries' annual Holiday Center. ...more

December 13, 2008

It might not be the bowl game the University of South Florida envisioned for itself at the start of the season, but Coach Jim Leavitt continues to embrace the advantages of playing in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl. ...more

December 11, 2008

When Albert Delarosa, Sonia Vasquez and their three children were burned out of their home last week, the Highlands County community responded by giving the family everything they needed to get a new start. ...more

December 7, 2008

Why eat ham this Christmas when you can have a slice of pizza? River of Life Church is hosting a pizza party Saturday, Dec. 20 complete with Christmas music and a visit from Santa Claus. Children can also sign up to receive presents from Santa. So far there are close to 100 kids enrolled. ...more

December 6, 2008