Go Glam, a holiday hair and fashion show, was held Dec. 2 to benefit the Child Victim Rapid Response Program of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. ...more

December 15, 2007

Sami Al-Arian is no longer in contempt of court, a federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday, paving the way for the former University of South Florida professor to complete his prison sentence and depart for Egypt. ...more

December 14, 2007

Wow! Saturday night we had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Flywheelers "Christmas in the Village." We both could not believe the wonderland of lights that the Flywheelers and their volunteers created. Besides all the Christmas displays, live entertainment, antique tractors and cars decorated with lights, there were hot dogs, cider, eggnog, coffee and homemade cookies all supplied by the Flywheelers. From the front gate, you are transported on trams through their antique village and into the different areas of the park to see the displays. The last dates to see this heart warming presentation are Dec. 14 and 15. Admission is an unwrapped toy, canned food or a cash donation. All proceeds go to local charities and local food banks. It is well worth the drive to their village in Fort Meade. For all who need a little holiday spirit and those who already have it, this is a must. ...more

December 11, 2007

Bye-Bye, Officer Bailey Barbara Bailey touched many lives - both human and animal - during her 23 years at Hillsborough County Animal Services. One thing she has learned: "Some days you're the dog, and some days you're the hydrant." The Plant City resident retires Wednesday. ...more

December 9, 2007

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check out charitable organizations before making any donations. As the holidays get under way, charities are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Florida law requires most charities that do business in the state – regardless of where they are headquartered – to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures. There are 12,597 charitable organizations registered with the state. ...more

December 9, 2007

No Place To Raise Money Regarding "Plates Should I.D. Vehicles, Nothing Else" (Our Opinion, Dec. 3): ...more

December 8, 2007

Mike Batchelor invited the heads of 46 charities into his downtown office for one-on-one meetings to personally deliver the news. Nearby, on a small table, sat a box of tissues. ...more

November 22, 2007

Take a long, deep breath. Brace yourself. You know what is coming. ...more

November 14, 2007

She was consistently first in line with a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand or a hot meal whenever someone was in need. ...more

November 7, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights leaders of civic organizations and charities. This week's column features Mary Alice Hendricks, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St. Contact the agency at (813) 759-0886 or www.plantcitypregnancycenter.org. ...more

November 7, 2007