The Brandon Newcomers Club welcomes people new to the area and those who have been here awhile, and members want to share their knowledge of the environs. ...more

February 11, 2009

Grateful, happy, excited, humbled and exhausted "American Idol" contestant Syesha Mercado rolled through Tampa, Bradenton and Sarasota on Friday on a "surreal" homecoming tour. ...more

May 10, 2008

Having survived numerous close calls in the voting this season, "American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado is scheduled to make a triumphant hometown visit today. ...more

May 9, 2008

FAIRS & FESTS Today-Sunday Cotee River Seafood Festival and Boat Show features seafood, boats, arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, music, kid's activities, games, fishing and boating demonstrations, boat tours and more; 5 to 11 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; $2 donation (prices vary for activities and food); U.S. 19 between Port Richey and Holiday, downtown New Port Richey; (727) 819-1665 ...more

May 9, 2008

TAMPA - "American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado, 21, is coming home to Sarasota on Friday for a free public concert, a visit to Tampa radio and TV stations and to sing the national anthem at a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. ...more

May 8, 2008

THEATER Today-Saturday "A Christmas Carol"; the Charles Dickens holiday classic features carolers, candy canes and holiday spirit; 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday; $6 adults, $4 students; East Bay High School, 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton; (813) 671-5134, Ext. 271 ...more

December 5, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS Christopher Still pulls on his fins and scuba tank, grabs his underwater sketch pad and pencil and swims into the Gulf waters off Fred Howard Park. ...more

October 22, 2007

SARASOTA - Not so many years ago, a visit to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art meant a day staring at a lot of arcane baroque paintings. ...more

October 7, 2007