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Abused children find comfort at ''Mary Lee's House''
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Feb 22, 2012 at 1:30 PM

TAMPA, Florida -- When Mary Lee's House opened four years ago, the toys made children feel welcome.

But stuffed animals, soft colors, and the life-size tree hanging over the lobby aren't just decorations. They're the tools to help children feel at ease as they prepare to tell their...more stories of severe trauma, abuse, or neglect.

Most of them are under the age of five.

"Domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, a lot of the things people don't like to think about that occur in our community," says Dr. Leslie Kille, who works in trauma recovery at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay inside Mary Lee's House.

Mary Lee's House on Armenia Avenue is where children go after they've been abused or neglected and referred either by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office or by Florida's Abuse Hotline. Here, they can receive medical exams, interviews from investigators, and counseling through art.

"The place was built with them in mind," says Trish
West Tampa

Columbus Drive Bridge closed for repairs
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Feb 21, 2012 at 5:11 PM

Tampa, Florida - Work began Tuesday to repair the Columbus Drive Bridge in West Tampa.

Originally called the Michigan Avenue Bridge, it was built in 1926 and the span over the Hillsborough River is just plain old.

"It's 86 years old," says Hillsborough County spokesman Steve...more Valdez. "The gears, the motors, the drivetrain of that swing-tail bridge are worn out. It has to be replaced."

While repairs take place, the historic bridge is completely closed to traffic.

About 20,000 cars a day typically used the bridge and while Columbus Drive near the bridge is still open to local traffic, small businesses along that stretch are likely to suffer.

At the Discount Food III grocery store, aisles on Tuesday were devoid of the usual customers picking up their usual items. "Snack, soda, candy... not today, today is nothing," says clerk Youcef Kihal.

It may be a long, slow three months for businesses. That's how long the bridge work is
West Tampa

National Geographic and Straz team up
Feb 21, 2012 at 8:41 AM

Tampa, Fla. -- The Straz Performing Arts Center and National Geographic are teaming up to present  the photography of Frans Lanting who is being called one of the most accomplished wildlife photographers of our time.
The event, National Geographic Live! Life: the Unfolding Story with Frans...more Lanting, photographer takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 NWC Macinnes Place in downtown Tampa.
According to the Straz Center, "Lanting is that rare artist whose images are able to make us both think and feel simultaneously. This glorious celebration of life inspires and informs by illustrating the spectrum of biodiversity from microscopic worlds to nature's greatest creatures, and by demonstrating the web of life on which our survival depends."
South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa

Stars and Pars Gala and Auction
Feb 21, 2012 at 6:16 AM

Tampa, Fla. – This is your chance to mingle with local and national celebrities as The Children’s Home kicks off their 30th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Tampa Bay History Center you will get a chance to enjoy an amazing evening with delicious food,...more complimentary cocktails, great entertainment and a live and silent auction.
Cost is $65 per person.
For more information visit http://www.childrenshome.org.
South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa, The Heights, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Crowd welcomes home injured Marine
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Feb 19, 2012 at 7:59 PM

TAMPA, Fla. -- Among the passengers, suitcases, and tickets at Tampa International Airport, a crowd full of flags and homemade signs and tears waited for a moment that was months in the making.

They crowded around the main terminal to welcome home Cpl. Michael Nicholson, a 22-year-old...more U.S. Marine from Tampa. Seven months ago in Afghanistan, he lost both legs and half of his left arm when a roadside bomb exploded.

Since then, he's been recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital. "He's been doing really well up there," said long-time friend Megan Jensen. "It's unbelievable. It's so inspiring."

YouTube videos and family friends will tell you that he's been determined to walk and has made amazing progress. On Sunday, he was set to come home.

"When he sees all of [these people], I think that's going to be my favorite memory," Jensen said. "Definitely."

Some of those gathered at TIA, like 8-year-old Dominic Castellano, attended church with Cpl.
West Tampa

3 designated for induction into Hillsborough County Women’s Hall Of Fame
Feb 18, 2012 at 3:59 PM

 
The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) is pleased to announce the selection of three distinguished women, Phyllis Busansky, Gwendolyn Miller, and Jan Platt, for induction into the 2012 class of the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame.
These designees...more will be introduced at a Hillsborough County Commission meeting in March, followed by a formal induction ceremony in May.
Phyllis Busansky
Phyllis Busansky has served as Hillsborough County’s Director of Aging Services and Director of Human Resources, as Executive Director of Florida's Welfare-To-Work agency. Ms. Busansky served on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, and as the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections before her death in June, 2009.  Ms. Busansky was instrumental in ensuring improvement in the quality of life of Hillsborough County Residents.
Gwendolyn Miller
Gwendolyn Miller committed thirty five years to educating community children in
Brandon-Valrico-Seffner, Lithia-Fish Hawk, Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin, Carrollwood-Town N Country, New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Westchase-Citrus Park, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, Plant City, USF-Temple Terrace, West Tampa, The Heights, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Scoreboard fire reported at Raymond James Stadium
Feb 18, 2012 at 1:26 PM

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say firefighters have extinguished a fire at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Lt. William Ferguson of the Tampa Police Department said early Saturday that several motorists called 911 to report that the scoreboard at the stadium was on...more fire.

Ferguson says officers found that the speaker system above the stadium's north scoreboard was on fire. The Tampa Fire Department responded and put out the flames.

According to police, the blaze appeared to be an electrical fire.

Raymond James Stadium is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team.
West Tampa

La Cage Aux Folles comes to the Straz Center
Feb 18, 2012 at 8:42 AM

Tampa, Fla. – This may be the best show yet!  On Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., winner of three 2010 Tony Awards including the award for Best Musical Revival will illuminate the stage at the Straz Center in Tampa.
This hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the biggest hit of...more the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in awe and wanting more!
LA CAGE starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber tells the story of Georges (Hamilton), the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin (Sieber), who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza.
LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together and stay fabulous. This one-of-a-kind performance will captivate your heart and keep you motivated to stay true to yourself.
Regularly priced tickets start at $47.50.
For more information on where to get tickets call (813) 229-7827.
South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Hillsborough Budget Workshop canceled
Feb 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM

Tampa, Fla. -- If you were planning on attending a Hillsborough Commission Budget Workshop Thursday Feb. 23, scheduled at County Center in downtown Tampa, change you plans.

The Workshop has been postponed. At this point the workshop has not be rescheduled. Commissioners have to deal...more with a shortfall in excess of $14 million.

For more information contact Luann Finley at 272-5826.
Brandon-Valrico-Seffner, Lithia-Fish Hawk, Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin, Carrollwood-Town N Country, New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Westchase-Citrus Park, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, Plant City, USF-Temple Terrace, West Tampa, The Heights, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Local CEO on CBS' Undercover Boss tonight!
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Feb 17, 2012 at 10:28 AM

Tampa, Florida -- Another Tampa local is going to be featured on national tv!

This time, it's Rick Silva, CEO of Checkers Drive-In who you'll see on tonight's episode of Undercover Boss on CBS.

He sported a full head of hair and fake mustache, posing as a reality show...more contestant hoping to win money to start a business.  How much money he'd win depended on how well he performed in the restaurant.  The judges?  The Checker's staff.

If you ever thought flipping burgers was easy, think again.

"That's too much," an employee is heard telling Silva, as he spreads too much mayo on a sandwich.

"Keeping up with the pace and being friendly and being fast at the same time, it was a challenge," Silva told 10 News.

The CEO knew there'd be a learning curve, even after working years in the restaurant business, he just didn't realize how tight that curve would be.

"The most embarrassing moment for me was not being able to keep up," he
New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa

Sarasota plays host to Suncoast USSSA Baseball President's Cup
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Feb 17, 2012 at 7:16 AM

Sarasota, FL -- This weekend Suncoast USSSA Baseball will play host to 44 youth travel baseball teams from Idaho, Georgia, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Naples, Ft. Myers, Tampa, Clearwater, Plantation, Sebring, and Lakeland, who will battle against local teams from...more Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte County in the USSSA President’s Cup. This means big business for the county as 37 of the 48 teams are scheduled to stay in Sarasota hotels for this holiday weekend, several for three and four nights.
Suncoast USSSA Baseball also has partnered with the Baltimore Orioles to bring something really special to Sarasota.  For this tournament, two All-Girls 13U and 14U baseball teams will be playing against the boys in their age divisions at Ed Smith Stadium.  These two "Dream Teams" are comprised of the very best female baseball players in the United States and have players from 11 different states on their teams. 
On Saturday Feb. 18, the 14U Girls “Dream Team”
Carrollwood-Town N Country, New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Westchase-Citrus Park, Sebring-Avon Park-Wauchula, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, Sarasota, USF-Temple Terrace, Lakeland, West Tampa, Venice-North Port, Clearwater Beach, Bradenton-Anna Maria Island, Clearwater, Sarasota Beaches, The Heights, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Bucs gear up for cheerleading tryouts
Feb 17, 2012 at 11:37 AM

Tampa, FL -- It's that time of year again... the Bucs are on the hunt for the area's best cheerleaders!

The search is on for dynamic candidates to be a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2012-13 cheerleading squad. Up to 34 cheerleaders will ultimately be selected for the team. Duties...more include entertaining fans during all Bucs home games and appearances at community and corporate events.

Optional pre-audition dance and technique classes are taking place each Tuesday and Thursday through March 15 at various Lifestyle Family Fitness and YMCA locations in Tampa.

Candidates can also attend a pre-audition seminar that will cover all the "need-to-know" tips for an NFL cheerleader audition. There will also be a question and answer session with the Buccaneers' Cheerleading Department and alumni cheerleaders.  All levels of dance/cheer experience are encouraged to attend the pre-audition classes, seminar, and preliminary auditions.

Candidates must be 18
South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa

Restaurants ''getting fresh'' with local farmers
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Feb 17, 2012 at 6:15 AM

Tampa, Florida -- The farm to plate movement may be nothing new, but we are seeing more restaurants across Tampa Bay moving away from produce and livestock farmed outside the area and getting back to the local farm.

"It tastes so much better," said John Matthews, "If you haven't had...more fresh broccoli before, you have no idea what you're missing."

To say Matthews is passionate about locally grown food is an understatement.

His life revolves around it.

He created the Suncoast Food Alliance about four years ago after noticing the struggle for restaurants to get locally grown food on their menus.

While there's no shortage of farms in our area, there is a problem with convenience.

So, he became a "middle man", picking up the harvest from local farms and bringing them directly to the restaurants.

"It's not the easiest way to do things, but it's the best way," said Matthews, "If you're going to put the best quality food out,
New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, West Tampa, Bradenton-Anna Maria Island

Patel Conservatory Arts enrichment partnership applications available Feb. 20
Feb 17, 2012 at 8:12 AM

Attention members of our community! Would your non-profit organization – like so many others in town - benefit by engaging in high-quality performing arts experiences?
Partners of the Patel Conservatory, such as schools, Tampa Bay area agencies and community organizations, receive...more individualized performing arts programming and/or tickets to shows at the Straz Center. Arts programs may include workshops, master classes or performing arts classes.
Applications for the Patel Conservatory’s 2012-2013 Community Partnership Program will be available starting Feb. 20.
The Tampa Metro YMCA Learning Center at Sulphur Springs Elementary is a current partner, and Program Director Jason C. Grooms recognizes tremendous benefits from the partnership.
“We have seen remarkable changes in the children over the last year, primarily as a result of arts enrichment exposure…after the first year, we realized that more arts programming is critical as the students responded extremely
Carrollwood-Town N Country, New Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Westchase-Citrus Park, South Tampa, Downtown Tampa-Ybor City, USF-Temple Terrace, West Tampa, The Heights, Fairgrounds-East Lake-Orient Park

Columbus Avenue closure for water main repair
Feb 16, 2012 at 12:16 PM

 Tampa, FL -- The City of Tampa Water Department has closed the outside westbound lane of Columbus Avenue, between Lincoln and Glen avenues, while Tampa Water Department crews repair an 8-inch water main.  The inside westbound lane remains open. Work is expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m....more Thursday with normal traffic patterns resuming by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, depending on weather conditions. Barricades and signs will be located in the area to assist with traffic flow. Drivers should seek alternate routes during this period. Please use caution when traveling in the area.
West Tampa