Monday was a challenging day for drivers on State Road 60 (Adamo Drive) between 50th and 78th streets, as the road was shut down for railroad crossing repairs. The good news, however, is that the road could be reopened Thursday or Friday if the weather cooperates. Eastbound vehicles are being detoured at 50th Street either south to the Selmon Crosstown Expressway or north to Interstate 4 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Westbound traffic is detoured at U.S. 301 to I-4 and King Boulevard. ...more

October 28, 2008

Lightning center and No. 1 overall draft pick Steven Stamkos is making the transition this season from junior star to NHL regular. Throughout the season, the 18-year-old from Markham, Ontario, will share his experiences with Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson in a weekly diary to provide Tribune readers an insight to a new way of life along his rookie journey. ...more

October 26, 2008

Everyone is talking about the weather as we wait for Game 3 of the World Series to begin. It almost certainly won't start until at least a half-hour past its scheduled first pitch. ...more

October 25, 2008

The economy was the central theme Sunday in appearances by Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden, above, and presidential candidate Barack Obama, and their Republican challengers, Sarah Palin and John McCain. In Scranton, Pa., Biden said that the Democratic ticket was better on the economy and health care. In St. Clairsville, Ohio, Palin promised voters she and McCain will bring jobs to the economically depressed region. Obama walked a Holland, Ohio, neighborhood, where questions from middle-class Americans focused on helping families. Advisers to McCain said Sunday he is considering proposals to help the nation weather the crisis. ...more

October 13, 2008

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Ex-Shark Jason Joens is making the transition from linebacker to defensive end for the Thiel College Tomcats. ...more

October 8, 2008

A section of North Howard Avenue is partially closed because of a break in a wastewater pipe, city officials said. ...more

September 30, 2008

I'd estimate that about 75 percent of the e-mails in my inbox are from people who are swamped with credit card debt. Many, particularly in this economy, have had to rely on the plastic because they lost their job or their gas and food bills are sky-high, but about a third can place the blame on shopping, specifically, clothes shopping. ...more

September 28, 2008

Since the last-quarter moon happened just two days ago at 5:04 a.m., the morning bite has been great and will continue to get greater both in intensity and duration. ...more

September 24, 2008

For five years now I have been taking classes at the Hotel Jacaranda through South Florida Community College. When I first started, the pool was completely enclosed, which made it great for taking classes all year round. Hurricane Charley completely demolished the enclosure and it hasn't been replaced since that time as the college stated that they couldn't afford to replace it. That was four years ago. ...more

September 20, 2008

Mandate Generators We here in Tampa Bay have watched a parade of hurricanes swirl around us and breathed a collective sigh of relief when they did not directly hit the area. Is Florida really as ready as we can be for the next "big one?" I've watched the news and see cities without power for days, and lines for relief and supplies. Since the weather is so unpredictable and we don't or can't all evacuate, I think our Legislature should pass new laws that mandate that all gas stations and grocery stores in the state have generators to keep them running when power is out. That way, those who endure the aftermath will have access to food and gas to keep things running until things are repaired and moving back to normal. ...more

September 19, 2008