Tampa lawyer John Fitzgibbons has been named to head a statewide panel that picks finalists for presidential appointments to district judgeships, U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals. ...more

February 27, 2009

On Wednesday's live broadcast of "American Idol" , the second group of 12 contestants were vying to be among this season's dozen finalists. ...more

February 26, 2009

Wanted: singers; no experience or audition necessary. Sing Live UK, launched a decade ago in Leeds, England, crossed the pond to Orlando in 2007 and now has Tampa in its sights. ...more

February 23, 2009

Image counts on "American Idol," and the first three finalists know it. ...more

February 19, 2009

The first three finalists of "American Idol's" season eight: Alexis Grace, the soulful 21-year-old single mother from Memphis, Tenn.; Michael Sarver, the beefy 27-year-old oil rig worker from Jasper, Texas; and Danny Gokey, the spikey-haired 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee were announced Wednesday night. The trio received the most viewer votes. ...more

February 19, 2009

Tatiana Del Toro had something else to cry about. The emotional 28-year-old crooner from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was one of nine "American Idol" semifinalists sent packing Wednesday. ...more

February 18, 2009

"American Idol" revealed its new format and Danny Gokey wowed the judges with his closing number, "Hero." ...more

February 18, 2009

For the first time, all seven "American Idol" champs were together on one stage Thursday night for the kickoff of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. ...more

February 13, 2009

The Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando hopes to hit a few high notes with a new stage show attraction based on "American Idol." ...more

February 13, 2009

Ryan Seacrest, Simon Fuller, Paula Abdul and some previous "American Idol" winners including Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks and David Cook are expected to walk the "blue carpet" tonight at a private sneak preview party for the new "American Idol" experience opening Saturday at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. ...more

February 12, 2009