The first of thousands of needy families began picking up meals and toys today at Metropolitan Ministries' annual Holiday Center. ...more

December 13, 2008

It might not be the bowl game the University of South Florida envisioned for itself at the start of the season, but Coach Jim Leavitt continues to embrace the advantages of playing in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl. ...more

December 11, 2008

When Albert Delarosa, Sonia Vasquez and their three children were burned out of their home last week, the Highlands County community responded by giving the family everything they needed to get a new start. ...more

December 7, 2008

Why eat ham this Christmas when you can have a slice of pizza? River of Life Church is hosting a pizza party Saturday, Dec. 20 complete with Christmas music and a visit from Santa Claus. Children can also sign up to receive presents from Santa. So far there are close to 100 kids enrolled. ...more

December 6, 2008

After the high-profile recalls of millions of lead-contaminated toys last year, a watchdog group said Wednesday that its tests found fewer toys with high levels of chemicals in them this year. But about a third of the toys tested still contained a worrisome level of chemicals. ...more

December 4, 2008

More than 60 LAMPLighters members and their guests recently enjoyed a fashion update and brunch at the annual LAMPLighters Fall Into Fashion, held at the Bistro Cafe at Nordstrom at International Plaza. ...more

November 26, 2008

Santa Claus took some time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule and made a special appearance at a Tampa school Tuesday morning. Santa met up with local police and fire crews at 8:30 a.m. for an escort through Ybor City to DeSoto Elementary School, where he read holiday stories to the children and handed out small gifts. ...more

November 26, 2008

Thanks to M&I Bank customers, a Tampa police bloodhound will have plenty of treats. The bank's "Dog Days of Summer" campaign has ended, collecting $2,011 for the canine units of the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, bank spokeswoman Annie Nolan said Tuesday. Bank customers contributed to the fundraiser by purchasing paw prints for $1 or stuffed dog toys for $3 or $5. ...more

October 15, 2008

Heartbroken at the sudden death of their baby boy, the Yi family struggled to forget what they thought was a tragic twist of fate. They burned his clothes, toys, everything but a single photo and the baby formula he drank. ...more

October 14, 2008

Dale Lee Hitchings, who was indicted on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. ...more

October 3, 2008