Yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus for the wee ones in need this year, thanks to the jolly old elf's helpers at the Rotary Club of New Port Richey. ...more

December 18, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist signed Florida's passenger rail bill into law Wednesday in ceremonies in Tampa and three other cities while delivering the message that new rail equals thousands of new jobs. More than 150 Tampa Bay area elected officials, business people and transportation advocates turned out at a vacant lot just south of the intersection of Interstate 275 and Interstate 4, where a high-speed rail station is planned for a proposed Tampa-to-Orlando route. The bill will improve the state's chances at winning federal stimulus money for the high-speed rail line that could be built by 2014. It also will jump-start the $1.2 billion SunRail project planned for Central Florida, create a new statewide rail authority and dedicate additional state money to Tri-Rail, South Florida's faltering commuter line. The high-speed project could provide as many as 15,000 construction jobs beginning in 2011 if the Obama administration approves the state's $2.5 billion high-speed rail bid, state officials said in its federal stimulus application. "Jobs, jobs, jobs is what it's really all about," Crist said. ...more

December 17, 2009

Equestrian Club Country is hosting a fundraiser to stay afloat. The nonprofit horse rescue farm is attempting to raise money for the upkeep of the animals and meeting its Jan. 31 lease agreement, which is a payment of $12,560. ...more

December 16, 2009

Equestrian Club Country is hosting a fundraiser to stay afloat. The nonprofit horse rescue farm is attempting to raise money for the upkeep of the animals and meeting its Jan. 31 lease agreement, which is a payment of $12,560. ...more

December 16, 2009

State Rep. Rachel Burgin and Honorary Brandon Mayor Connie Smaldone will host a food drive Thursday at The Bridges Assisted Living Facility and Retirement Community. ...more

December 16, 2009

Pasco residents came together Saturday for the Heritage Park Foundation's second Traditions on the Green celebration in Land O' Lakes. ...more

December 16, 2009

Monday marked the busiest mailing day of the year for the U.S. Postal Service as people hustled and bustled to get their holiday packages off on time. ...more

December 15, 2009

Many more families are homeless this year because of the economy, and a few local charities and businesses are teaming up to help them out. ...more

December 12, 2009

Hillsborough County deputies are helping Santa by collecting new toys and gift cards to make this holiday special for poor children. ...more

December 11, 2009

A 72-year-old Tampa woman will face 80 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after dogs and cats were seized from her home Wednesday, investigators say. ...more

December 10, 2009