Lightning center and No. 1 overall draft pick Steven Stamkos is making the transition this season from junior star to NHL regular. Throughout the season, the 18-year-old from Markham, Ontario, will share his experiences with Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson to give readers an insight into a new way of life during his rookie journey. ...more

December 21, 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

On Thanksgiving Day, Chamberlain High's football players gathered in their locker room before an early morning practice to share what they were thankful for. When it became his turn to speak, head coach Billy Turner had to fight back tears. As he looked into his players' faces, he told them that as he stood on the school's field that morning, his coaching career flashed before his eyes. Turner, 71, has 254 career wins, the winningest active football coach in Hillsborough County. He's in his 49th season, the past 30 at Chamberlain. Before this season, Turner said it was a strong possibility he would retire after this year. On Monday, he reaffirmed it. ...more

December 2, 2008

Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport ranks as the No. 1 destination for airline tickets Orbitz.com booked for travel this week. ...more

November 24, 2008

Legally, it is still Plaza Chevrolet, but operationally the Avon Park dealership is now being run by the Alan Jay Automotive Network. ...more

November 23, 2008

As the familiar red kettle bell ringers fan out across west Pasco, Salvation Army leaders are preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as more people seek assistance because of a poor economy. ...more

November 21, 2008

As the familiar red kettle bell ringers fan out across West Pasco, Salvation Army leaders are preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as more people seek assistance because of a poor economy. ...more

November 19, 2008

Older Americans and women appreciate the value of travel for the holidays to create memories and build relationships more so than others, a survey by the Travel Industry Association released this morning found. ...more

November 11, 2008

The caring and generosity of the dart throwers and golfers in Highlands County is well known. That point was driven home once again in Saturday's annual Toys For Tots golf tournament. The popular one-day, 18-hole tournament attracted a field of 43 golfers, who competed in a four-person scramble format over the tight and demanding 6,450-yard, par 72 Golf Hammock Country Club layout. ...more

July 21, 2008

After spending two weeks on Indian Rocks Beach during the Christmas holidays and reading Mike Salinero's article "How Green Are We?" (Dec. 22) my answer would have to be "Not nearly green enough." I grew up in Pinellas County, but I live in Norway. ...more

January 22, 2008