Call it the "debutante ball for agricultural services." That's how Paul Wilson sees the Florida State Fair. His company, Wilson Media, is handling publicity for the fair, which started Thursday and runs through Monday at the fairgrounds, just west of Brandon off U.S. 301 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. ...more

February 11, 2009

Visit the dynamic Tampa Bay History Center and you'll quickly appreciate the importance - and excitement - of the region's past, which featured palmetto scrub cowboys, civil rights marchers, Seminole warriors and immigrant cigarmakers. ...more

February 10, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist will introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting today in Fort Myers, where Obama will push his economic stimulus package - a bill that has separated Crist from fellow Florida Republicans. ...more

February 10, 2009

Tom Touchton, founding chairman of the Tampa Bay History Center, added a new title Monday as the 2008 Citizen of the Year. ...more

February 10, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist confirmed today he'll introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Fort Myers Tuesday, where Obama will appear to push his economic stimulus package. ...more

February 9, 2009

The weather should be perfect for going to the Florida State Fair during the next few days. ...more

February 8, 2009

Mason Smoak's contribution to agriculture and community extended far beyond his hometown of Lake Placid. ...more

February 7, 2009

Frosty temperatures didn't deter crowds of determined fairgoers who bundled up in hats and gloves for opening day at the Florida State Fair on Thursday. Attendance was light, possibly due to the chilly temperatures, but fair workers expect a busy weekend. Before the gates opened, law enforcement officers tried their skills at water-gun races and ping pong-ball tosses, checking for foul play along the midway to ensure no cheating. The fair is open through Feb. 16, offering visitors thrill rides, livestock exhibits, traditional fair food and headline entertainment. The fairgrounds is at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. Closing times and ticket prices vary. For details, go to www.floridastatefair.com or call (813) 621-7821. ...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

Local law enforcement officers tried their skills this morning at water-gun races and ping-pong-ball tosses, checking for foul play along the midway at the Florida State Fair. ...more

February 5, 2009