From a challenge to the new sprinkler ordinance by a nationwide homebuilder to an investigation of payroll discrepancies in the police department, the cost of safeguarding this city from legal action has nearly doubled in the past year. ...more

August 28, 2008

Tampa City Council members congratulated themselves last week for fashioning a "compromise" in the salary dispute with the city's firefighters. ...more

August 27, 2008

It turned a ragged section of U.S. 19, flanked by pawnshops, strip malls and derelict properties, into a corridor of lantana, palm trees and other flora. ...more

August 23, 2008

Police Chief Russell Barnes resigned Tuesday, a day after an internal investigation concluded he had falsified payroll records. Barnes, 55, submitted his letter of resignation less than an hour before city council members were to consider firing him, as recommended by City Manager Steve Spina. ...more

August 20, 2008

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and five other public officials released an open letter to the community this morning asking for peace after the shooting death of 17-year-old Javon Dawson and urging any witnesses to come forward. ...more

August 11, 2008

AVON PARK - Four of the five city council members heard enough as it voted 4-1 Monday evening to increase the fines the police can issue for those making too much noise with their stereos. Although Al Joe Hinson complained that the ordinance should have also required officers to first issue written warnings for the first offense before giving the lone dissenting vote, George Hall countered after the vote that the police could give verbal warnings if they felt that would be appropriate. ...more

July 28, 2008

Hundreds of auto accidents happen here every year, and city officials say most of them are caused by motorists from somewhere else. ...more

July 26, 2008

To what extent should alcohol be available in city parks and community centers? ...more

July 25, 2008

It has been a major source of municipal revenue for nearly a half-century. ...more

July 24, 2008

City officials on Wednesday discussed how to deal with the sudden collapse this week of the former Gary Adult School, a vintage landmark in the once rural Gary community near Ybor City. ...more

July 24, 2008