Sun-City News

It's ugly, expensive and goes right in front of your house where everyone can see it.

Environmentalists and longtime homeowners continued their call Tuesday for a community plan for south of the Little Manatee River that would keep the area rural and protect natural areas from dense development.

Update: Tampa, Florida - The Hillsborough County Fire Investigator determined the cause of the fire was a juvenile playing with a lighter. via WTSP-TV Saint Petersburg

After a failed lawsuit in august of 2007 against the Democratic National Committee Attorney Mike Steinberg and political consultant Victor DiMaio have filed an appeal to get Florida delegates sat at the DNC ... via WMNF-FM Tampa

“Will any of these cuts singularly destroy the system? Probably not, but cumulatively they have a destructive impact”

No more field trips. Smaller summer school and sports programs. Fewer art and music teachers. via St. Petersburg Times

New Port Richey, Florida- Rising gas prices are squeezing everyone who has to fill up a car. via WTSP-TV Saint Petersburg

This afternoon a group supporting the amendment that would define marriage as the union between one man and one woman in Florida's Constitution held a press conference to announce their new name, strategy and ... via WMNF-FM Tampa

Democrat Darryl Rouson was sworn in Wednesday as the newest member of the House, a day after being elected to represent a Tampa Bay-area district. via HeraldTribune.com

An Amber Alert has been issued for a 15 month old Ruskin boy who was taken from his Ruskin home by his father, according to the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office. via ABC Action News

A 15 month old toddler who was kidnapped by his father early Saturday morning has been found safe in Palm Beach County, according to the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office. via WFTS

The Medicaid reform pilot was launched in Broward and Duval counties in 2006 and later expanded to Baker, Clay, and Nassau, the more rural areas just outside metropolitan Jacksonville. via WMNF-FM Tampa

Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a Tampa man was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple criminal counts of identity theft. via ABC Action News

“We haven't added any in the last year. That number is not going to grow.”

Entities include cities, towns, counties, school districts, community development districts and assorted special taxing districts. via North Port Sun

Detectives say they've busted a major organized crime ring with the arrests of 30 suspects. via WFTS

Manatees are on the move as Florida waters begin to warm up, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission cautions boaters to be on the lookout for migrating manatees. via Fleming Island Messenger

A bus driver for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has been arrested after a female passenger said he made sexual advances toward her and wouldn't let her off the bus. via Tampa Bay Online

“It's usually a temporary thing. You hit a nerve ending, it's temporary. There are nerves that you hit. Any pain should go away in no time.”

Ulis Pietri is a regular giver of blood. He's gone for years to Florida Blood Services offices across the county and to mobile blood drives. via Tampa Bay Online

“Historically, during recessions people tend not to move from one state to another”

By Helen Huntley , Personal Finance Editor Published Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:43 PM Florida's population is increasing at the slowest pace in 30 years, which will put a damper on economic growth, University ... via St. Petersburg Times

“Strawberries are a major player in the state's agricultural industry. The increased growth is a team effort, producing quality product at a good price and getting the word to the consumer.”

I love strawberries! Any way you fix 'em: strawberry smoothies, strawberry jam, strawberry pie, strawberry shortcake and just plain strawberries. via News Press

Two former employees of a subprime lender were charged Tuesday with operating a mortgage fraud scheme that lasted more than two years and involved more than $34 million in loans. via Bradenton Herald