Average number of permit applications per month in Hillsborough County from July 1 to Feb. 28, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. That's up from an average of 312 a month from July 2007 to June 2008 and just 287 a month the year before. ...more

April 1, 2009

TAMPA Fear has some people turning to guns for protection. ...more

April 1, 2009

The Tampa Bay area is on pace this year to exceed permit applications from previous years, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Some people are worried about the recession; others believe a new president will mean bans on weapons. ...more

March 30, 2009

Zale Jewelry Closing 115 Stores Zale Corp., the Dallas-based jeweler, will close 115 underperforming stores across the country in the next 18 months, but it wasn't clear how many will close in the Tampa Bay area. A spokeswoman for Zale said the company will reveal that information shortly before each store closes. ...more

February 27, 2009

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has been dealing with a rash of phone calls about telephone fundraising from organizations that claim to represent the patrol. ...more

February 6, 2009

A 105-year tradition returns to the Florida State Fairgrounds today when the annual state fair opens its gates to thousands of longtime fans and more than a few newcomers in search of thrill rides, livestock exhibits, down-home fair fare and headline entertainment. Here is some information to help you plan your visit: ...more

February 5, 2009

A brutal, stunning freeze is forecast to envelop nearly all of Florida tonight, with temperatures dropping into the 20s except in Pinellas County and along narrow ribbons on the southeast coast and the Keys. ...more

February 4, 2009

Another slug of arctic air is on the way that could send freezing temperatures stabbing as far south as the Everglades Wednesday night and bring even colder temperatures than last month's statewide freeze. ...more

February 3, 2009

Farmers across the state still are assessing damage from last week's string of freezes, but early reports show green beans, potatoes and squash were hit by the frigid weather. ...more

January 27, 2009

Farmers across the state are still assessing damage from last week's string of freezes, but early reports show green beans, potatoes and squash were hit by the frigid temperatures. ...more

January 26, 2009