Democrat Al Franken edged ahead of Republican incumbent Norm Coleman on Friday for the first time in Minnesota's long-running U.S. Senate recount. ...more

December 19, 2008

At a Hillsborough County School District board meeting Dec. 9, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia announced that Ellyn Smith intends to step down from her post as principal at Alafia Elementary School in Valrico by the start of the new semester Jan. 6. ...more

December 17, 2008

In a case that resulted in a minor being charged with rape, a teenage girl leaving a book at the night depository at Bloomingdale Regional Public Library in April was attacked and left for dead. Now the Rough Riders, a Bay area civic organization, has chipped in to buy her a van outfitted to transport someone with medical needs. ...more

December 16, 2008

Lex Salisbury, president and CEO of Lowry Park Zoo, defended his tenure with the zoo against a critical city audit and said he will answer questions at a special zoo board meeting Thursday. ...more

December 15, 2008

The Tampa Bay Rays have emerged as a major draw to Pinellas County, attracting about 5 percent of the county's expected 5 million-plus overnight visitors in 2008, a consultant report released Wednesday shows. ...more

December 11, 2008

The Tampa Bay Rays have emerged as a major draw to Pinellas County, attracting about 5 percent of the county's expected 5 million-plus overnight visitors in 2008, a consultant report released today states. ...more

December 10, 2008

Since the first Highlands County teacher earned her National Board certification in 2001, a steady increase of educators has joined the prestigious ranks, which with 11 newly certified teachers this year now totals 57. ...more

December 10, 2008

The principal at Alafia Elementary School says she plans to leave her post by next semester, telling the district's superintendent that the division at the school has become "a major distraction." ...more

December 10, 2008

Alafia Elementary School principal Ellyn Smith says she plans to leave her post by next semester, telling the district's superintendent that the division at the school has become "a major distraction." ...more

December 9, 2008

Dozens of parents, students and faculty members at Rio Vista Elementary gathered for a Save Our School rally Monday morning, holding signs and chanting "Save Rio Vista." ...more

December 9, 2008