An unbiased evaluation of the Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission, contracted for a state agency, praises the board's independence and value. ...more

January 6, 2009

A Florida couple who says they wound up in a Cuban jail after their boat was badly damaged in a storm is back home. ...more

January 2, 2009

The potential closing of Egmont Key State Park has Hillsborough County commissioners looking for a rescue plan to keep the wildlife preserve open. ...more

December 30, 2008

The Highlands County commissioners voted last week to delay action on comprehensive plan amendments for major growth around Lake Placid and at the Blue Head Ranch until at least mid January. ...more

December 29, 2008

As I got ready for an overseas trip this month, I did the things diplomats normally do: I made last-minute calls, prepared notes from meetings, packed briefing materials and travel documents. Then I did something that reflects how the world of public diplomacy is changing to adapt to the digital age: I sent a tweet. ...more

December 27, 2008

For those concerned about U.S. citizens in Mumbai, call the State Department at 888.407.4747 ...more

November 26, 2008

The number of foreign children adopted by Americans fell 12 percent in the past year, reaching the lowest level since 1999 as some countries clamped down on the process and others battled with allegations of adoption fraud. ...more

November 18, 2008

Get ready to smile for the camera. Hillsborough County is about a week away from selecting a company to install automated cameras at 10 intersections to photograph drivers who run red lights. ...more

November 3, 2008

TAMPA – Former state Department of Children & Families spokesman Al Zimmerman pleaded not guilty today to child porn charges. ...more

October 23, 2008

U.S. troops could face trial in Iraqi courts for major crimes committed off base and when not on missions, under a draft security pact hammered out in months of tortuous negotiations, Iraqi officials familiar with the draft said Wednesday. ...more

October 16, 2008