Final Four flashback: Playing on grandest of stages sticks with Kara Lawson

With Tampa set to host the women's Final Four, we offer a week's worth of vignettes on past tournaments: The enormous arenas.

Garth Brooks coming to Tampa

We've got some great news for Garth Brooks fans: The country music superstar has announced that his comeback tour is coming back to Tampa for the first time in more than 16 years.

Currently announced for two shows at Amalie Arena -- one each on June 5 and 6 -- Brooks has been known to expand the number of shows in a given city depending on demand.

"It's going to be an event," Elmer Straub, the arena's vice president of event booking, told the Tampa Bay Times. "This is the first time he's played here in over 16 years, and it's the only show in Florida. There's no Orlando play; there's no South Florida play. So we should be drawing from the whole state, which is pretty incredible."

Looks like fans outside of the Tampa Bay area should start planning their trips. Walk to the arena from a number of downtown hotels, including Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Tampa Marriott Waterside, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel and Aloft Tampa Downtown.

Tickets go on sale on April 10 at 10 a.m.

Indiana governor wants changes to religious-objections law

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the state's new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Indiana governor wants changes to religious-objections law

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the state's new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

No Rolling Stones, but Tampa books an even bigger prize: Garth Brooks

In the end, the dice didn't tumble Tampa's way for a concert by the Rolling Stones. But how's this for a make-up prize: two shows by Garth Brooks instead.

Tampa Bay gets cover of LGBT guide

Tampa Bay will represent Florida to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers in major cities across the U.S. for the next year when the statewide LGBT Getaway Guide is released on April 7.

On the cover of the magazine-style guide, a male couple walks hand-in-hand outside downtown’s historic Tampa Theatre as the marquee announces the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The guide will be carried by LGBT or weekly arts publications in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston as well as Washington, D.C., Charlotte, N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Columbus, Ohio. It will also run in Watermark, the publication serving Florida’s LGBT community.

Visit Tampa Bay's Conquer with Pride website outlines gay-friendly hotels and gay-themed events throughout the year.

Altogether, the guide will reach more than 225,000 LGBT readers, according to Madden Media, which produced the guide as part of VISIT FLORIDA’s co-op marketing program.

“We’re honored to be featured on the cover of this year’s Getaway Guide,” said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County’s non-profit tourism-marketing corporation. “Tampa Bay has a long history of diversity, tolerance and inclusion when it comes to the LGBT community. This year’s guide will remind LGBT travelers of the ways they, too, can unlock Tampa Bay.”

The Getaway Guide is the latest thing to raise Tampa Bay’s profile in the LGBT community:

• Tampa held its first LGBT Pride festival in more than a decade in Ybor City on March 28.
• A recent Gallup poll shows the Tampa Bay region has one of the state’s highest concentration of LGBT residents (second to Jacksonville and tied with Orlando) and is well ahead of the national average.
• Visit Tampa Bay created an ad inviting same-sex couples to choose Tampa Bay for their weddings and honeymoons. The campaign was tied to the legalization of same-sex marriage earlier this year.
• Tampa Bay ranked at the top of the Human Rights Campaign’s 2014 Municipal Equality Index both nationally and statewide. The average score nationally was 59 out of 100; statewide was 65 out of 100.
• Before same-sex marriage became legal, Tampa Bay was the first community in west Florida to let same-sex couples register as domestic partners, granting them protections in health care and child-rearing.
• Tampa Bay remains the home of GaYBOR, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce centered in historic Ybor City. The region also hosts Florida’s largest Pride parade each summer.

Tampa Fire Rescue personnel chief retires amid sexual harassment investigation

TAMPA — A Tampa Fire Rescue personnel chief retired with full benefits this month amid a sexual harassment investigation.

Steady stream of comet dust may have 'painted' Mercury black, research shows (w/video)

The mystery of Mercury's excessively dark surface may have just been solved.

Steady stream of comet dust may have 'painted' Mercury black, research shows (w/video)

The mystery of Mercury's excessively dark surface may have just been solved.

The condition cancer research is in

New York Times In a letter to colleagues announcing his departure as the director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Harold Varmus, 75, quoted Mae West. "I've been rich and I've been poor," he wrote, "and rich is better."

Tampa Bay lands cover of state's LGBT travel guide

Two men, hand in hand, walk down a nighttime street, their path illuminated by a bright movie marquee sign. This glossy shot is the cover of the state's new LGBT Getaway Guide, which will reach some 225,000 potential tourists across the United States.

Tampa-Cuba trade and tourism ties hindered by embargo, confusion

TAMPA — The bay area's appetite for tourism and trade with Cuba was stoked after the Obama administration relaxed some travel restrictions to the island nation in January.

Taste test: Dark chocolate-covered blueberries

Chocolate bunnies have nothing on some of the new chocolate-covered berries we hope to find in our Easter baskets this Sunday. We sampled six brands of dark chocolate-covered berry candies with pleasing results. While most were purchased on the candy aisles of local grocery stores, we definitely detected fruit in a couple of the options. Judges …

Taste test: Dark chocolate-covered blueberries

Chocolate bunnies have nothing on some of the new chocolate-covered berries we hope to find in our Easter baskets this Sunday. We sampled six brands of dark chocolate-covered berry candies with pleasing results. While most were purchased on the candy aisles of local grocery stores, we definitely detected fruit in a couple of the options. Judges …

Police: Three teens rescued from overturned boat in Tampa Bay

TAMPA — Three 15-year-olds were rescued from an overturned boat off Bayshore Boulevard late Sunday, according to the Tampa Police Department.

They were found clinging to the side of the boat about one mile south of MacDill Air Force Base, police said.

Authorities took them ashore safely without injuries about 6 p.m.

Notre Dame women beat Baylor, advance to fifth straight Final Four

OKLAHOMA CITY — Lindsay Allen scored 23 points to help top-seeded Notre Dame defeat Baylor 77-68 in the Oklahoma City region final Sunday night and reach its fifth consecutive Final Four.

FGCU marine science students cast off for class on the water

Florida Gulf Coast University marine science students get hands-on experience.

Denny Hamlin races to 25th Cup win, fifth at Martinsville

And it's his fifth win at Martinsville Speedway.

Tampa Bay hospitals deny gender pay gap for nurses

A study says men's salaries are higher, but Tampa Bay hospitals say it's not true here.

Kevin Durant Out For Foot Bone Graft

Graft for Kevin Durant? Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder is now out for the remainder of the season. It seems that the fracture he suffered early February has not healed sufficiently and is causing persistent soreness. Durant fractured a … Continue reading →

The post Kevin Durant Out For Foot Bone Graft appeared first on Advanced Podiatry.

Captain's Corner: Time to start hunting king mackerel

King mackerel will be a popular target for the next couple of months. The trick to finding the fish is to find the bait. The easiest way is to look for diving birds, especially white Arctic terns, which pick off baitfish on the surface. They make an erratic pattern of dives where bait is abundant.

Montoya wins Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — Juan Pablo Montoya led Team Penske's dominant day Sunday at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Indiana governor adamant new law 'not about discrimination' (w/video)

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence defended the new state law that's garnered widespread criticism over concerns it could foster discrimination against gays and lesbians and said Sunday it wasn't a mistake to have enacted it.

Montoya wins Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — Juan Pablo Montoya led Team Penske's dominant day Sunday at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

How to be the top banana of marketing

Banana Bunker banana cases bring out the joker in everyone, it seems. Groupon, in its pitch for the suggestive-looking contraption, claims the "hard plastic design protects the soft fruit from getting bruised or crushed in backpacks or purses, and a collapsible midsection expands and contracts to accommodate larger or smaller specimens." …

Tampa man arrested on molestation, burglary charges

TAMPA — Police arrested a man they say broke into a house and was found naked in bed with a 10-year-old boy early Sunday morning.

Tampa man arrested on molestation, burglary charges

TAMPA — Police arrested a man they say broke into a house and was found naked in bed with a 10-year-old boy early Sunday morning.

South Carolina tops FSU for spot in women's Final Four

Tiffany Mitchell scored 21 points to lead top-seeded South Carolina past Florida State 80-74 Sunday in the Greensboro Region of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

Police investigating homicide in Gulfport

Gulfport police say they are investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning.

Police investigating homicide in Gulfport

Gulfport police say they are investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning.

3 things that popped into Tom Jones' head

1. I don't want to hear about the NCAA's concerns about education for student-athletes when Wisconsin, Xavier and North Carolina had to go all the way to Los Angeles during the week to play in the NCAA Tournament.

A Florida father's fight to turn pool tragedy into legislation

TALLAHASSEE — On a warm day last April, exactly one week after his seventh birthday, Calder Sloan plunged into the pool behind his North Miami home.

A Florida father's fight to turn pool tragedy into legislation

TALLAHASSEE — On a warm day last April, exactly one week after his seventh birthday, Calder Sloan plunged into the pool behind his North Miami home.

Run from Cuba, Americans cling to claims for seized property

OMAHA, Neb. — The smell of Cuban coffee drifts from the kitchen as Carolyn Chester digs through photos, faded with age, that fill four boxes spread across the dining table.

Run from Cuba, Americans cling to claims for seized property

OMAHA, Neb. — The smell of Cuban coffee drifts from the kitchen as Carolyn Chester digs through photos, faded with age, that fill four boxes spread across the dining table.

Pier's inverted pyramid could inspire another referendum battle

Advocates of the inverted pyramid could help trigger a referendum to prevent scrapping it.

Its supporters could trigger a referendum to prevent a possible move to scrap it.

New IndyCar aero kits present risks and rewards

ST. PETERSBURG — A track record that took IndyCar a decade to break lasted only 20 minutes Saturday.

Pole-sitter Will Power leads Penske 1-2-3-4 in St. Petersburg qualifying

ST. PETERSBURG — Even with new aero kits, Will Power remains the driver to beat at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Two-alarm fire damages mattress store east of Ybor City

TAMPA — A two-alarm fire damaged the Quisqueya Mattress II store on E Seventh Avenue in Ybor City early Saturday afternoon, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.

DeJesus Dilemma vexes Rays as season nears

Most of the Rays problems' this spring are related to filling holes created by injury/illness to INF Nick Franklin and starters Alex Cobb, Alex Colome and Drew Smyly.

New Port Richey man dies in crash on Rowan Road

NEW PORT RICHEY — A 55-year-old New Port Richey man died Friday night when he lost control of his car as he drove south on Rowan Road, north of Notre Dame Street.

Fire destroys abandoned mobile homes south of Plant City

Two abandoned mobile homes burned late Friday south of Plant City, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said.

St. Petersburg woman dies after colliding with bus

LEALMAN — A 54-year-old St. Petersburg woman was killed Friday when she drove into the back of a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

With a totally straight face, Vin Diesel says it's a shame 'Fast & Furious' won't win best picture

BEIJING — Vin Diesel said Friday that the latest Fast & Furious film deserves a best picture Oscar but has two strikes against it when it comes to the Academy — it's an action flick and it's a sequel.

Put me in: Craig T. Nelson returning as Coach Fox in sequel

LOS ANGELES — Craig T. Nelson is getting back in the coaching game for NBC.

Fifth person charged in Clearwater mobile home park slaying

CLEARWATER — The sister of one of four Hernandy County men accused of robbing and killing an 82-year-old man in his mobile home earlier this year was indicted in the same case, police said.

Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Sunday March 29

Jay Leno: A year after leaving the Tonight Show behind, the hardest-working retiree brings a wickedly funny evening of stand-up. 7:30 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

Sen. Harry Reid says he won't seek re-election

WASHINGTON — Sen. Harry Reid, the tough tactician who has led Senate Democrats since 2005, will not seek re-election next year, bringing an end to a three-decade congressional career that culminated with his push of President Barack Obama's ambitious agenda against fierce Republican resistance.

Friday morning brings showers, but expect storms by the afternoon — and cool temps this weekend

Showers over the gulf pushed onshore overnight bringing along with it some strong storms, heavy downpours and gusty winds Friday morning. That rain had moved through by 9 a.m., leaving the bay area with a mostly dry morning rush hour.

The latest: Germanwings co-pilot may have hid illness from employers

7:45 a.m.: German prosecutors say they have found evidence that the co-pilot of the Germanwings plan which crashed in the French Alps appears to have hidden evidence of an illness from his employers.

The latest: Germanwings co-pilot may have hid illness from employers

7:45 a.m.: German prosecutors say they have found evidence that the co-pilot of the Germanwings plan which crashed in the French Alps appears to have hidden evidence of an illness from his employers.

County explores stronger ties to medical tourism

Officials are exploring how to entice people to travel to the county for health care services.

Report: DEA agents had 'sex parties' with prostitutes hired by cartels

WASHINGTON — Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents allegedly had "sex parties" with prostitutes hired by local drug cartels overseas over a period of several years, according to a report released Thursday by the Justice Department's watchdog.

CentCom's Gen. Austin: Iran-backed Shiite militia not in Tikrit fight (w/video)

WASHINGTON — Iranian-backed Shiite militias have left the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, a key condition the U.S. demanded before it agreed to begin launching airstrikes Wednesday to support Iraqi forces and try to retake the city from the Islamic State group, the top U.S. general for the Middle East said Thursday.

Four children accused of arson at Tampa home

TAMPA — Fire officials have arrested four children ranging in age from 12 to 14 on charges they set fire to a north Tampa house that was being renovated.

Looking for bike, man gets ride to jail

CLEARWATER Man tries to steal impounded bike, police say

Tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Arkansas; 1 dead, several injured

TULSA, Okla. — The first batch of severe weather in this year's tornado season devastated an Oklahoma mobile home park, as storms across the area damaged buildings, tore off roofs and left debris strewn across roads. One person was killed and several were injured.

Tampa Bay's Bern's: Florida's James Beard finalist

The finalists have been decided and Bern’s Steak House is the only Florida restaurant in the running for a 2015 James Beard Award.

Bern’s is facing FIG and McCrady’s in Charleston, A16 in San Francisco and Spago in Beverly Hills for honors in the Outstanding Wine Program category.

"Two days a week (the wine team) goes over and spends time in the warehouse. It's the Home Depot of wine. There's so much in there that they are constantly discovering things. They have such intimate knowledge of our collection,” Bern’s public relations director Brooke Palmer told the Tampa Bay Times.

Greg Baker of Fodder and Shine and The Refinery was named as a semifinalist for the Best Chef: South category, but did not make the finalist cut.

This isn’t the first time Bern’s made it this far in the James Beard award process, in 1992 (the second year for the prestigious culinary award), Bern’s won in the Outstanding Wine Service category.

The iconic Tampa steak house was a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2014. Bern’s was recently named among the “Greatest Steaks of America” in a Travel Channel special.

Click here for the full list of James Beard Foundation award nominees. The winners will be announced at an awards gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 4.

Tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Arkansas; 1 dead, several injured

TULSA, Okla. — The first batch of severe weather in this year's tornado season devastated an Oklahoma mobile home park, as storms across the area damaged buildings, tore off roofs and left debris strewn across roads. One person was killed and several were injured.

French prosecutor: Co-pilot wanted to 'destroy' Germanwings jetliner

PARIS — As a frantic pilot pounded on the cockpit door and passengers screamed in panic, the Germanwings co-pilot "intentionally" sent Flight 9525 straight into the side of a mountain in the French Alps, a prosecutor said Thursday.

French prosecutor: Co-pilot wanted to 'destroy' Germanwings jetliner

PARIS — As a frantic pilot pounded on the cockpit door and passengers screamed in panic, the Germanwings co-pilot "intentionally" sent Flight 9525 straight into the side of a mountain in the French Alps, a prosecutor said Thursday.

Developers moving in on Florida mobile home parks

ZEPHYRHILLS — Not so long ago, Rainbow Court mobile home park was a peaceful, pleasant community of senior citizens.

Here's where to eat along the route of St. Petersburg's Grand Prix

With a full day at the Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, you'll need to refuel. Here are some restaurants and bars within walking distance of the track. 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-2400

New Tampa Riverwalk segment gets pop-up bar, family fun for weekend

Five Tampa mayors, a pop-up bar and a family fun zone will welcome the ribbon cutting for the Kennedy segment of Tampa's Riverwalk this weekend.

New Tampa Riverwalk segment gets pop-up bar, family fun for weekend

Five Tampa mayors, a pop-up bar and a family fun zone will welcome the ribbon cutting for the Kennedy segment of Tampa's Riverwalk this weekend.

Tampa restaurant is only James Beard Award finalist in Fla.

The finalists have been decided and Bern’s Steak House is the only Florida restaurant in the running for a 2015 James Beard Award.

Bern’s is facing FIG and McCrady’s in Charleston, A16 in San Francisco and Spago in Beverly Hills for honors in the Outstanding Wine Program category.

"Two days a week (the wine team) goes over and spends time in the warehouse. It's the Home Depot of wine. There's so much in there that they are constantly discovering things. They have such intimate knowledge of our collection,” Bern’s public relations director Brooke Palmer told the Tampa Bay Times.

Greg Baker of Fodder and Shine and The Refinery was named as a semifinalist for the Best Chef: South category, but did not make the finalist cut.

This isn’t the first time Bern’s made it this far in the James Beard award process, in 1992 (the second year for the prestigious culinary award), Bern’s won in the Outstanding Wine Service category.

The iconic Tampa steak house was a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2014. Bern’s was recently named among the “Greatest Steaks of America” in a Travel Channel special.

Click here for the full list of James Beard Foundation award nominees. The winners will be announced at an awards gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 4.

15 Reasons to Visit Tampa Bay in April

Caught your breath after two months of non-stop Gasparilla Season fun? Good. It's time to dive into April.

NCAA Women's Final Four (April 5-7)

Tampa Bay hosts the national championship of women's college basketball as part of a four-day extravaganza that will make hoops the region's new favorite sport. Buy your tickets for the semi-finals or the final game at Amalie Arena. Or bring the family out for any of the sports clinics, 4Kay 5k race, and other events on the agenda for the weekend.

Festa Italiana (April 9 - 12)

Generations of Italian immigrants, many of them from Sicily, helped make Tampa Bay one of the most diverse communities in Florida. Join them as they celebrate their history and culture during the annual festival in the streets of historic Ybor City. It's more than spaghetti and pizza.

Best of Tampa Bay (April 11)

Tampa Bay's Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts its 30th Best of Tampa Bay festival showcasing the region's top food, craft brews and music. Pick up your tickets for the day-long party along the Straz's section of the Tampa Riverwalk.

TECO Manatee Center closes (April 15)

Even a Florida winter can be chilly if your a manatee. But now that winter has given way to spring, Florida's state marine mammals will leave Tampa Bay's inland springs and creeks and return to the balmy climes of the Gulf of Mexico. This will be your last chance until the fall to see manatees gathered at TECO's Big Bend power plant in Apollo Beach. It's free and an easy ride south of downtown.

The Who 50th Anniversary concert (April 15)

Five decades later, they're still talking about their generation. The Who kicks off their 50th anniversary tour -- "The Who Hits 50!" -- with a show at Tampa Bay's Amalie Arena. Pete, Roger and the rest of the band will play take the audience on a guided tour of their decades in rock, including tunes from "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia." They'll be joined in their tour by that self-proclaimed lover of rock-n-roll Joan Jett.

Bern's Wine Fest (April 17-20)

Tampa Bay's landmark steakhouse launches its 18th wine fest with the help of its growing South Tampa empire. The world's largest wine cellar will be the inspiration for events spread among Bern's, Haven, the Epicurean Hotel and Chocolate Pi confectionery. Book a room at the Epicurean and spend five days learning all you can from Bern's chefs, sommeliers, and other experts. There will be elaborate dinners, wine, a cocktail party, wine, tastings, and wine.

Fiddler on the Roof (April 17-25)

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts transports you to Russia and the tiny Jewish schtetl of Anatevka during the time of the Tsar. There, poor dairyman Tevye and the rest of his village will try to teach his five daughters the value of Tradition! in a time of change.

MOSI Festival of Chocolate (April 18-19)

Chocolate lovers unite! MOSI, Tampa Bay’s Museum of Science and Industry, has you in mind when it hosts this year’s Festival of Chocolate. Learn all you can about your favorite sweet. Watch master chocolatiers construct incredible, edible creations from cocoa. Play games with the kids and try your own hand a building a confectionery construction – a chocolate chip cookie tower. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

Mythbusters -- Jamie & Adam Unleashed! (April 23)

From your TV set to the stage at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage bring their penchant for puncturing prevarications to Tampa Bay for an evening. Come see what they’ve got in store for their poor crash-test dummies (and you)! Morsani Hall might never be the same.

Asia Fest (April 25)

Celebrate the diversity and beauty of Asian cultures during Asia Fest at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park on Tampa Bay’s waterfront. Sample food, fashion and dance at the festival, along with the annual dragon boat races. This year’s festival coincides with Zoominations: A Chinese Lantern Festival running through the end of May at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Dragon Boat Festival (April 24-25)

Tampa Bay’s glittering waterfront hosts a day-long series of races between dragon boat teams from across the world. The rules are simple: get your human-powered dragon boat from one end of Garrison Channel to the other the fastest. The key to success is coordination among the 22 crew members and sheer strength of will. Which dragon boat will win this year? Come out to Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park and find out!

Ybor Aficionado Days (April 25)

Celebrate Tampa Bay's legacy as the one-time Cigar Capital of the World with a visit to Ybor Aficionado Days. Stroll Ybor's streets and sample the offerings of its restaurants and see the city's remain cigar rollers practice their craft by hand.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival (through April 25)

Busch Gardens Tampa continues its food and wine festival on weekends through April. The festival is included in your park pass, but you'll have to pay for samples of food and drinks spread throughout the park. The concert line-up includes KC & The Sunshine Band, Josh Turner, and Daughtry.

American Chronicles: The Art of Normal Rockwell (through May 31)

The Tampa Museum of Art hosts the traveling showcase offering some classic works by the premier painter of Americana. "Saturday Evening Post" covers made Norman Rockwell famous, but his Great Depression-era Four Freedoms paintings make him an American icon. See them for yourself.

Zoominations: A Chinese Lantern Festival (through May 31)

Celebrate the Year of the Goat with a Sechuan-style Chinese Lantern Festival at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Zoominations fills the zoo’s plazas and pathways with lighted sculptures hand-crafted by an army of artisans directly from Sechuan, the home of lantern festivals for 2,000 years. Visitors to the evening show can walk among dragons, elephants, dinosaurs, and other beasts captured in steel, silk and light. A replica of the Beijing Temple of Heaven is breath-taking, as is the Porcelain Pagoda, towering sculptures made of tea cups, saucers and spoons. Buy a separate ticket for the show or a combo ticket if you want to spend the daylight hours at the zoo.

'Stand by Me,' 'Lovin' Feelin'' among 25 records being preserved by Library of Congress

WASHINGTON — One of the most broadcast songs of the 20th century, Ben E. King's Stand by Me, has been selected for preservation at the Library of Congress, along with recordings from Joan Baez, The Righteous Brothers, Steve Martin and the darker sounds of the band Radiohead.

Shooting in Apollo Beach leaves one man dead

APOLLO BEACH — A man shot during an argument at an apartment complex late Tuesday is dead, Hillsborough deputies reported Wednesday morning.

Are slaves catching the fish you buy? (w/video)

Editor's note: The Associated Press notified the International Organization for Migration about men in this story, who were then moved out of Benjina by police for their safety. Hundreds of slaves remain on the island, and five other men were in the cage this week.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner 'baffled' by reports Israel spied on Iran talks

WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday that he's "baffled" by reports that Israel spied on negotiators in the closed-door talks over Iran's nuclear program — espionage that Israeli officials denied.

4 places you didn’t know you could get married in Tampa

1. A yacht

Don’t just get married on the water, get married ON the water. Dance the night away with anywhere from 50-600 of your closest friends with unparalleled views of downtown Tampa. Yacht Starship has three vessels to choose from for your special day. With several nearby hotels, your guests can take a quick 8-minute walk to the Yacht Starship dock from the Marriott Tampa Waterside.

2. A bank

Once home to the Exchange National Bank, The Vault is now a unique venue in downtown Tampa with access to an honest-to-goodness walk-in money vault. Built in 1923, The Vault’s floor-to-ceiling windows are another great spot to take in the beautiful skyline. The Hilton Tampa Downtown is just four blocks from The Vault for your convenience.

3. A theater

Break a leg and get hitched on the stage. The Straz Center offers multiple venues for your wedding, including the Ferguson Stage. Guests can stroll down Tampa’s newly completed Riverwalk from the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel to the Straz Center.

4. An aquarium

Not only can you say “I do” in front of the Florida Aquarium’s 500,000 gallon coral reef tank, but you can have penguins at your wedding. Not stuffed penguins, but real, live penguins to delight you and your guests. Use Tampa’s streetcar to get from the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown to the aquarium.

New police video shows Secret Service SUV nudge barrier (w/video)

WASHINGTON — Police surveillance video shown publicly for the first time Tuesday shows Secret Service agents in their government vehicle driving through the secured area and nudging a temporary barrier at low speed as it drove toward a checkpoint. The incident occurred as on-duty officers and agents investigated a suspicious item thrown …

Analytics help new Rays reliever Kevin Jepsen to career year

PORT CHARLOTTE — Reliever Kevin Jepsen attributes the best season of his career to a change that sounds remarkably simple. He started entering games with a plan.

Things Kids Said Around the Web

Kids say the funniest, and sometimes the most strange, things. Here are some of the hilarious and silly things that parents from around the web have …

The post Things Kids Said Around the Web appeared first on Tampa Bay Parenting.

Deputies seek information on Liquor store armed robbery suspect

TAMPA — Hillsborough sheriff's deputies are looking for a male armed robbery suspect who they say took money from a liquor store Monday night.

Polls open in City Council runoff that shows how Tampa politics have changed

TAMPA — Polls are open in one of Tampa's most bitterly contested City Council races in memory.

Gateway One Lending to create up to 115 Tampa jobs

Gateway One Lending & Finance, a subsidiary of TCF National Bank, has opened a new auto lending service center in Tampa that will create up to 115 new jobs.

Plant City police investigate two separate fatal crashes

PLANT CITY — Police were investigating two separate fatal crashes Monday in Plant City.

Review: Food catching up to spectacular setting at Tarpon Turtle Grill & Marina

New owners bring a new menu and a new look to a longtime waterside playground on Lake Tarpon.

Review: Food catching up to spectacular setting at Tarpon Turtle Grill & Marina

New owners bring a new menu and a new look to a longtime waterside playground on Lake Tarpon.

Techie Toddlers

The amount of time that our kids spend on screens is astounding. Unlike the children of yester-year, they are inundated with technology and mobile devices at …

The post Techie Toddlers appeared first on Tampa Bay Parenting.

Stop overcomplicating job interviews; just be yourself

Job interviews, critical though they may be, are probably the most over-thought moments in our careers.

Finally, public will get good look at Busch Gardens' cheetah and gorilla babies (w/video)

Busch Gardens has had a bit of a baby boom lately and while this gives us a chance here at the Times to rerun pictures of adorable baby cheetahs and gorillas, the better news is park visitors this week and next will have a chance to be among the first to see these endangered species during special interactions and keeper talks in the …

Tampa a Top Spot for Sports Travel

Think Chicago is the best sports town in America? Think again. The folks at Seat Geek and Hotels.com have crunched the numbers to determine the best American cities for Sports Travel and Chicago barely made the top 10. Tampa, however, landed the No. 4 spot thanks to the city's desirable location and affordable ticket prices for sporting events.

The study put the average price of a hotel room and a ticket to an event in Tampa at $166.

This video breaks down how list was determined.

Crash closes westbound lanes of Causeway

TAMPA — A crash that Tampa police are describing as serious has closed all westbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The crash Sunday night involved three vehicles and caused serious injuries, police said.

Westbound traffic was being turned around and redirected back into Tampa at the boat ramp, officials said.

USF, Tampa library building on once-exotic 3-D printing technology

Interest in once-exotic 3-D printing builds at USF and a Tampa library's tech center.

Lightning beats Bruins for first time since 2012

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Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa makes custom wheelchairs

Expert tinkering at Shriners gives youngsters the wheels they need.

Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa makes custom wheelchairs

Expert tinkering at Shriners gives youngsters the wheels they need.

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz to launch presidential bid on Monday

WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz will announce Monday his plans to run for president, becoming the first high-profile Republican formally to enter the 2016 presidential contest.

In video, Obama appeals to Iranian youth on deal (w/video)

WASHINGTON — Two weeks after Senate Republicans issued a letter to the Iranian leadership warning that any nuclear agreement Iran signs with the administration may be temporary, President Barack Obama has issued a missive of his own: A video directed at Iran's young people, urging them to pressure their leaders to accept the deal on the …

Seminole Tribe says no progress on compact as Legislature 'postures'

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Seminole Tribe is on the defensive.

Virginia governor calls for investigation into student's arrest (w/video)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — About 1,000 students gathered at the University of Virginia campus Wednesday night to demand justice for a student who was injured during an arrest and appears in a photo with a bloody face as he is being held down by an officer.

Tampa = Top Spot for Sports Travel

Think Chicago is the best sports town in America? Think again. The folks at Seat Geek and Hotels.com have crunched the numbers to determine the best American cities for Sports Travel and Chicago barely made the top 10. Tampa, however, landed the No. 4 spot thanks to the city's desirable location and affordable ticket prices for sporting events.

The study put the average price of a hotel room and a ticket to an event in Tampa at $166.

This video breaks down how list was determined.

Will Tampa get satisfaction of Rolling Stones tour annoucement today?

You can't always get what you want, the Rolling Stones advised us almost 50 years ago, but Tampa fans just want to know if the band's #SatisfactionThursday hashtag and cryptic billboards mean a tour announcement is coming today.

Ticket window: Dierks Bentley, Mamma Mia, Slightly Stoopid, more

Tickets for the following events go on sale this week:

Former Rays pitcher Seth McClung arrested

Former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher and current Keswick Christian baseball coach Seth McClung was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge.

Clearwater's Tech Data Corp. sells operations in Chile and Peru

Clearwater-based Tech Data Corp. announced today that it has sold its operations in Chile and Peru and intends to do the same in Uruguay.

Police: One shot in possible domestic violence incident in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — Police were investigating a shooting Wednesday at 6265 Second Ave. N.

Hernando School Board decides to take a larger, later look at rezoning issues

SPRING HILL —The Hernando County School Board this week scrapped additional redistricting options it had requested, pleasing parents who didn't want their children to move to new schools and frustrating staffers at crowded Winding Waters K-8.

Kraft recalls mac & cheese, says some boxes may contain metal pieces

Kraft Foods is recalling about 242,000 cases of its macaroni & cheese after eight consumers complained about possible pieces of metal in the well-known blue boxes.

One dead, one badly injured in three-vehicle Zephyrhills wreck

ZEPHYRHILLS — Pasco Fire Rescue workers were at the scene of a three-vehicle accident Wednesday morning that killed one person and left another in a nearby trauma center in critical condition.

Top things to do in Tampa Bay for March 18

Anything Goes: The revival of the three-time Tony Award winning Cole Porter classic features hits including I Get A Kick Out of You, You're the Top and, of course, Anything Goes. 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. $35-$100. (727) 791-7400; rutheckerdhall.com.

Restaurant review: Nabruzzi brings winning Italian tradition to Lutz

Nabruzzi Trattoria brings a winning Italian tradition to Lutz, dishing up some familiar favorites with just the right touches.

Police search for missing 91-year-old woman in North Tampa

TAMPA — Authorities are searching the north Tampa area for a missing 91-year-old woman.

Police: $2,000 of perfume stolen from Clearwater beauty supply store

CLEARWATER — Authorities are looking for three women they say teamed up to steal thousands of dollars worth of perfume from Ulta Beauty on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Clearwater police said.

Dunedin hotel evacuated after delivery of suspicious package

DUNEDIN — Authorities are investigating a hazardous materials incident at the Best Western hotel at 150 Marina Plaza, fire rescue said.

'Pay what you will' to see Tampa Museum of Art Norman Rockwell exhibit Saturday

It's normally $15 to visit the Tampa Museum of Art to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit, but for Saturday's Family Day it will be "pay as you will" admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be live music, cafe tastings and docent-led drop-in tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. The Rockwell exhibit, which runs through May 31, features many of the …

#CookClub bonus recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad with Tahini

It's convenient that grocery stores are selling butternut squash already peeled and cubed. However, resist reaching for the easy way out for Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad with Tahini because it's likely the cubes will be too small.

#CookClub bonus recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad with Tahini

It's convenient that grocery stores are selling butternut squash already peeled and cubed. However, resist reaching for the easy way out for Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad with Tahini because it's likely the cubes will be too small.

5 Way to Unlock Tampa Bay

No matter where you dig for things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend, you'll find gems galore!

Cuban Sandwich Festival (Friday - Sunday)

The humble Cuban sandwich has spread far and wide, but we never forget it started here in Tampa Bay. The combination of pork, ham, salami and pickles reflects the diversity among Tampa Bay's immigrant community century ago. The cigar rollers in Ybor City and West Tampa who made Tampa Bay the Cigar Capital of the World were fueled by Cuban sandwiches. Come out to this year's festival honoring Tampa Bay's signature food as we try to build the world longest Cuban sandwich (at 105 feet) with bread from Tampa Bay's La Segunda Central Bakery, which supplies bread for Cuban sandwiches all over the Southeast. There'll be plenty of music and family-friendly activities on the streets of Ybor City. Sunday's City2City competition will aim to settle the question of which city has the best Cuban sandwich -- Tampa or Miami. We know the answer, of course. But we're happy to let chefs from across Florida try to convince us otherwise.

Gasparilla Criterium (Saturday)

The streets of downtown turn into a race course when hundreds of professional cyclists pit themselves against the clock and each other during the Gasparilla Criterium & Cycling Festival, one of the many weekend events of Tampa Bay's two-month Gasparilla Season. Cheer on the racers from the sidelines or -- if you've really got chain grease in your blood -- join in the Corporate Relay, 3K Beer Dash or Kids' Crit. Tampa Bay is busting out with bicycling options, so come celebrate our love of pedal power at the Criterium.

Zoominations (daily)

Step into a fantasy world at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, the only spot in the Southeast to host Zoominations: A Chinese Lantern Festival. Dozens of workers from Sechuan, China, home to lantern festivals for 2,000 years, spent weeks creating Tampa Bay's lantern display along the paths and gathering places within the zoo. At night, the silk-and-steel structures glow from within. Pass beneath the enormous red gate, and you'll find elephants, pandas, lions and dragons inside. Pause to admire the reproduction of the Beijing Temple of Heaven, then wonder how they built the Porcelain Pagoda, towers assembled from tea cups and plates. Zoominations opens at 6 p.m. each day. A combo pass gives visitors access to the zoo during the day and Zoominations that same evening.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival (Saturday & Sunday)

Busch Gardens Tampa's first food and wine festival turns the park into a foodie's dream. Nosh your way through dozens of different flavors and wash it all down the local craft beer or selected wines. The festival comes with your ticket, but you'll have to pay as you go for your sampling of the culinary delights. Stick around for the evenings concerts: Kenny Rogers on Saturday and Pentatonix on Sunday. Shows start at 6 p.m.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center (daily)

Tampa Bay is a winter time haven for Florida's State Marine Mammal. When the Gulf of Mexico gets too cold, manatees shelter in the warm waters produced by the Big Bend power station in Apollo Beach. TECO, Tampa Bay's electric company, operates its nature center free to visitors. A large wooden deck gives visitors plenty of space to watch the manatees (and lets the manatees watch them, too). Inside, the nature center offers exhibits on the lives and biology of manatees along with some background on where electricity comes from. Over the next few years, the center will expand to include a paddling trail and more exhibits on Florida's ecology. The center closes in mid-April, the time when most manatees move back out to sea.

Behind the Scenes March Cover Kid Photo Shoot

Did you love our March cover? Check out this behind-the-scenes look as our cover kid search winner Gavin McDarby joined Elmo at Sesame Street Safari of …

The post Behind the Scenes March Cover Kid Photo Shoot appeared first on Tampa Bay Parenting.

Former Tampa police informer pleads guilty in tax fraud case

TAMPA — Longtime Tampa police informer Rita Girven pleaded guilty Monday to two federal charges relating to $33,002 in stolen identity tax refund fraud.

Review: Show-stopping numbers and more in Show Palace's 'King and I'

The musical The King and I may be the only show ever written for the benefit of one person: singer/actor Gertrude Lawrence.

Win your pool: Some tips on filling out your bracket

President Barack Obama fills one out. So does just about everyone you know.

Clearwater to consider a big welcome sign like St. Petersburg's

CLEARWATER — At the western end of the Howard Frankland Bridge, St. Petersburg has a huge welcome sign, a 75-foot-tall copper-capped tower. (Local businessman Bill Edwards paid for it.)

Jordan Spieth's No. 1 dream isn't crazy

PALM HARBOR — He graduated in 2011. High school, that is.

NCAA Tournament East Region preview

Team to beat: Villanova Thirty years after Rollie Massimino's Wildcats stunned Georgetown and the rest of the nation in the title game, could Villanova be poised for a sequel?

Maine teacher wins $1 million Global Teacher Prize

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — An English teacher from rural Maine won the first-ever $1 million Global Teacher Prize on Sunday after 42 years of work as an innovator and pioneer in teaching literature.

100-year-old Phillies history on display in Clearwater

The Philadelphia Phillies trained in St. Petersburg 100 years ago before winning their first National League pennant in 1915. Memorabilia from that season will be on display at Bright House Field in Clearwater today and Tuesday.

Hooper: Jeff Vink's downtown plans 'are for real'

Bob Abberger says more than one person has queried him about Jeff Vinik's grand vision for the 40-acre plan surrounding the Amalie Arena, asking, "Are You For Real?"

Two killed in Pasco crash on U.S. 19

Two people were killed after a car struck their motorcycle on U.S. 19 in Pasco County late Saturday, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Two killed in Pasco crash on U.S. 19

Two people were killed after a car struck their motorcycle on U.S. 19 in Pasco County late Saturday, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Syria remains bleak after four years of fighting

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Government helicopters rained barrel bombs on villages across Syria last week, killing civilians and demolishing homes. Hundreds of combatants died in battles that failed to move the front lines. And activists spread videos of hungry, war-weary Syrians through social media.

Two separate shootings claim lives of two 16-year-old boys in Tampa

Tampa police investigated separate shootings Saturday night that claimed the lives of two 16-year-old boys in Sulphur Springs and Tampa Heights.

Walker's plan to take on Rubio, Bush

MANCHESTER, N.H. — We sat down Friday with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is making his first New Hampshire campaign swing as a likely presidential candidate this weekend along with Jeb Bush. Naturally we asked him how he can compete against Bush, who appears to be raising immense sums of money, and about Marco …

Rays' John Jaso takes long path back from concussions

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$500,000 bail set for Clearwater High teacher charged with ex-husband's death

The Clearwater High School teacher accused by authorities of fatally shooting her ex-husband made her first appearance in Pinellas County court Saturday morning.

Operator of city of Brooksville golf course evicted, sued

BROOKSVILLE — Knee-high thistles and clumps of low-lying weeds cover the greens. The flags are long gone, as are the course's trademark stone tee markers.

Operator of city of Brooksville golf course evicted, sued

BROOKSVILLE — Knee-high thistles and clumps of low-lying weeds cover the greens. The flags are long gone, as are the course's trademark stone tee markers.

As Rubio nears presidential bid, experience question looms

Marco Rubio is the young, first-term senator eyeing the presidency this time. He hopes his version of change outweighs all those questions about his lack of experience.

Pride and politics, yet again

Doling out those happy "proclamations" at public meetings has to be one of the least controversial things elected officials do. Or it should be, anyway.

Downtown Tampa hip, just not like you thought, study shows

TAMPA — Downtown Tampa might not be the youthful, trendy city it wants to be, but it is diverse.

Jones: John Madden doesn't like Will Ferrell's act

On Thursday, actor Will Ferrell suited up for 10 major-league teams and played all nine positions. However, former NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden had a big problem with it.

Ex-wife arrested in shooting death of former St. Petersburg police sergeant

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH — Authorities have arrested the ex-wife of a former St. Petersburg police sergeant in his shooting death last weekend.

Review: Adam Sandler stitches together a winning performance in 'The Cobbler'

The Cobbler (PG-13) (99 min.) — Adam Sandler stars in a watchable movie so, yes, there's a miracle involved. Sandler tamps down the moron act to play Max Simkin, a Bronx cobbler with a magical stitching machine that enables him to transform into his customers by slipping on their shoes. Stick with me here.

Florida law could help rich investors force condo owners from their homes

TAMPA — For Doreen Rosselli, Carrollwood's Grande Oasis condominium has provided a lushly landscaped refuge from the cacophony of urban life.

Jim Abernathy rides high with honors at Derby Lane

ST. PETERSBURG — When Jim Abernathy sold his greyhound farm more than 10 years ago in Guide Rock, Neb., it was time to start over.

Florida law could help rich investors force condo owners from their homes

TAMPA — For Doreen Rosselli, Carrollwood's Grande Oasis condominium has provided a lushly landscaped refuge from the cacophony of urban life.

Whale slams boat in Mexico, killing Canadian tourist

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico — A 35-year-old Canadian woman died and two other tourists suffered "considerable" injuries when a surfacing whale crashed into the side of their boat, Mexican authorities said Thursday.

2015 gives Pi Day a once-a-century boost; here's where to celebrate

March 14, or Pi Day (get it? 3/14!), is the annual salute to our favorite irrational number, and 2015 means the squiggly Greek letter's special day is especially geek-tastic: For the first time in a century, you can take it out five places.

Florida Gators earn another shot at Kentucky Wildcats

Dorian Finney-Smith scored 23 to lead the Florida Gators to a 69-61 SEC tournament victory Thursday over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Nashville.

The Gators (16-16) advance to play top-ranked Kentucky at 1 p.m. Friday.

Levi Randolph and Jimmie Taylor each scored 15 for Alabama (18-14).

Charter Communications eyeing deal for Bright House's cable business

Charter Communications Inc., the fourth-largest cable service provider in the nation, tried but failed to buy Time Warner Cable Inc. last year.

Morton Plant Hospital breaks ground on new medical tower for women and orthopedics

CLEARWATER — The two years inscribed on the cornerstone were 1916 and 2016.

Florida school districts that require uniforms could get extra money from state

TALLAHASSEE — Florida school districts could earn extra money if they require students to wear uniforms.

Teacher, student emerge as winners for Manatee Festival of the Arts

A teacher and a student design T-shirts for the manatee festival.

TIA: spring break traffic up this year

Tampa International Airport, Tampa Bay's gateway to the world, expects a 4.4 percent bump in airline passengers during its spring break period -- Feb. 27 and through Easter Sunday, April 5.

That amounts to an extra 97,148 passengers traveling into and out of TIA compared to last year’s spring break period, bringing the total for this year's spring break to 2.3 million passengers -- at a time when the airport is undergoing a $1 billion expansion.

“This is a busy year for Tampa International Airport, not only with increased passenger traffic but with multiple construction projects going at the same time,” said John Tiliacos, vice president of operations and customer service. “Even as we’re undergoing the largest construction program in airport history, we remain as committed to customer service as ever to ensure all of our guests and tourists have a positive experience.”

Check here to keep up to date about departing and arriving flights, parking, and construction updates.

Expedia recently ranked the Tampa Bay area among the top 10 spring break destinations. If you're coming to conquer Tampa Bay for spring break, try this list of deals available at local attractions, restaurants and hotels.

To keep up with the spring break surge, Tampa International Airport has put a strong focus on maintaining efficient flow at security checkpoints and curbside pickup and drop-off areas, keeping the restrooms and facilities clean and other key areas.

Overall, 2015 has already seen a greater number of passengers compared to 2014. January traffic was up 8.5 percent – or 116,251 passengers – year-over-year. A rise in both domestic and international travel through TPA played a role in the numbers boost.

“It’s no surprise that with more domestic and international flights coming in and out of Tampa International Airport, we’re expecting a much greater number of visitors this year,” Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. “Our increased spring break numbers mimic the trend we’ve been seeing over the last few years, particularly with the more than 50 percent increase in international passengers since 2010.”

Airport officials have a few suggestions for making your trip through Tampa International Airport during this busy times as stress-free as possible:

• Whenever possible, use the Cell Phone Lot when picking up passengers.
• When passing through the first checkpoint to board shuttles leading to the airside terminals, only show your boarding pass, not your ID or passport.
• Always double-check with your airline prior to coming to the airport to make sure your flight is departing on time.
• Allow yourself at least 90 minutes before boarding time to park, check baggage and pass through security checkpoints.

It's a brand new season as Pasco restarts study of sports tourism fields

Pasco seeks advice on how best to spend millions on a tourist attraction at Wiregrass.

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Seminole Heights bars, restaurants create vibrant drinking scene

Remember when Seminole Heights didn't have many choices for the discerning drinker? I don't, because I only started visiting when cocktail-friendly restaurants and beer bars starting coming in. But there was a time when neighborhood residents went elsewhere for their beverages. With the opening of several new spots and the continued popularity …

At least 4 dead in collapse of cement factory in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh -- A fire official and media reports say the roof of a five-story cement factory being constructed in Bangladesh has collapsed, killing at least four people and trapping many others.

St. Louis county police: 2 officers shot in Ferguson

FERGUSON, Mo. — Two officers were shot in front of the Ferguson Police Department early Thursday, authorities said, as demonstrators gathered after the resignation of the city's police chief in the wake of a scathing Justice Department report alleging bias in the police department and court.

'The Addams Family' visits Largo Cultural Center

The theater aims for its musical to stay true to beloved characters.

Hernando Government Meetings for March 13

Government meetings Here is a listing of public meetings scheduled for this week: Monday

2015 American Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament

When/where: Thursday-Sunday; XL Center, Hartford, Conn.

Disenchanged by civilian life, U.S. vets volunteer to fight ISIS

AUSTIN, Texas — Last fall, Patrick Maxwell, a 29-year-old Iraq War veteran now selling real estate in this bustling city, saw something in news footage of Islamic fighters in Iraq that he never saw as an infantry Marine there: the enemy.

Nearing presidential run, Jeb Bush severs ties with equity firm

WASHINGTON — In a final move to clear the way for a 2016 presidential campaign, Jeb Bush has sold his stake in a private equity firm and transferred ownership in a consulting business to one of his sons.

Interview: Elvis Costello's aim is still true

Nearly four decades into an eclectic career, Elvis Costello finds ways to surprise his audiences — and himself.

Surveillance footage shows missing Wesley Chapel man getting gas in Tampa before disappearance

TAMPA — A Pasco man who went missing Sunday morning after a shift driving for Uber was last recorded on video at a gas station on East Sligh Avenue, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

Come to Conquer: RenFest 2015

Things have gotten medieval at MOSI, Tampa Bay’s Museum of Science and Industry. The Bay Area Renaissance Festival has transformed the wooded acres just west of the museum into a medieval village, complete with King Henry and his courtiers, jousting knights and bawdy players. Should you, perchance, happen upon this bit of fantasy before it vanishes at the close of day March 29, here are few things to keep in mind:

PARKING

It’s free. There are lots of spaces off East Fowler Avenue and North 46th Street. Go where the parking attendant indicates.

PURCHASING

The entrance booth is pretty much the last place on the property you’ll find a credit-card reader. Food vendors, craftsmen and ride operators all take cash. So few take cards, you risk being declared a witch just for asking. Bring cash.

PERFORMANCES

The village has multiple stages that host a revolving list of performers, often in 30-minute increments. If you like gypsy music, they’ve got it. Escape artists? Yep. A guy chatting up the crowd from the outside of his slowly rotating “Wheel of Death?” For sooth. For the most part, the shows are rated PG, which can still be a little bawdy for gentle ears. Performers will pass the hat afterward. Please pony up.

PORTIONS

Henry VIII isn’t the only guy who gets to gnaw on a giant turkey leg in this village. You’ll find them on the menu at the food vendors, along with seafood, chicken and shepherd’s pie. It’s not your usually chicken fingers-and-French fries fare. Dig in!

PARTICIPATE

RenFest gives adults a reason to play dress up. So put on your best princess dress. Pull together a wizard’s outfit with a graduation robe and walking stick. Even tattered pant and a quick roll in the mud will get you in the spirit. Why should the RefFest regulars get to have all the fun? You can buy elf ears once you’re in festival. Or stop just inside the entrance pavilion to rent your way into the spirit of the event. Don’t be surprised if your fellow RenFest patrons push the boundaries of RenFest attire: steampunk, Star Trek, and Doctor Who wannabes can all show up on any given weekend. Be yourself.

POTTERS (and glass blowers)

Artisans of all sorts line the pathways of the RenFest village. You’ll find people making jewelry right in front of you that you can buy when they’re done. You’ll find craftsmen selling wooden swords and shields. And, yes, even potters offering their finest crockery. Bring something home.

Straz plans Riverwalk expansion

Tampa Bay's Straz Center for the Performing Arts announced plans this week to expand its outdoor reception area to include a restaurant adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk and a floating performance pavilion and amphitheatre.

The expansion would take advantage of traffic on the finished Tampa Riverwalk, which will open its last major section at the end of March.

The pavilion would be connected to the Riverwalk by a walkway running over the surface of the river.

Straz CEO Judith Lisi tells the Tampa Bay Business Journal the project is still a work in progress.

"It's a dream right now," Straz CEO Judith Lisi told reporters. "You're looking at a dream."

The dream will extend the Straz's performance venues, food and beverage options and make it a more integral part of the city's waterfront. The 2.4-mile Tampa Riverwalk runs between the Straz and the Hillsborough River. The theater complex -- the largest performing arts center in the Southeast -- uses its portion of the Riverwalk already for outdoor activities.

The Tampa Riverwalk runs from the Florida Aquarium north along the riverfront past downtown and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to Tampa Heights and Water Works Park. It offers an unbroken pathway for running, walking and cycling with water views and without interference from automotive traffic.

Buckhorn likely to name Tampa's next police chief in April

TAMPA — Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he plans to name the city's next police chief after his April 1 inauguration to a second term. The choice, however, is still uncertain.

Come to Conquer: St. Patrick's Day

We're painting the town green this weekend for St. Patrick's Day. If you're planning to get your Irish on, here are a few ways to do it.

Mayor's River O'Green Festival (11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday)

The luck of the Irish takes over downtown with a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day festival in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. There'll be local Irish dancing, kids activities and local food vendors. The beer will be green. So will the Hillsborough River. In the spirit of St. Patrick, the city will collect food to help the Salvation Army carry out its mission of helping the needy. A tent at the park will be set aside for food donations.

Paddyfest (Saturday - Tuesday)

Irish 31 Pub & Eatery will hold its third St. Patrick's Day celebration at locations in Hyde Park, Westchase and Channelside. The party will run from March 14 through March 17, so pace yourself. This year, Irish 31 will team up with newly opened Ferg's LIVE across from the Amalie Arena to celebrate with a Kids Zone from Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and a Cornhole tournament starting at 1 p.m. You can sweat out Saturday's overindulgence during the Blarney Bike Ride between Irish 31 and Ferg's LIVE at 1 p.m. Sunday. Riders get a free ticket to the March 17 St. Patrick's Day bash at Ferg's LIVE. Stop by Irish 31 in Hyde Park or Westchase before Friday for a Paddyfest 2015 stick-on tattoo and a chance to win four tickets to Paddyfest and $200.

Gaspar's Grotto (8 p.m. Saturday)

Ybor City's notorious pirate bar holds its Funniest Irish Costume or T-shirt contest. Winner will find an ounce of real gold under their rainbow. 8 p.m. Saturday.

St. Practice Day Pub Crawl (8 p.m. Saturday)

MacDinton's, SoHo's landmark Irish pub, joins its neighbors in a St. Patrick's Day pub crawl three days before the official holiday.Tickets get you into SoHo Tavern, MacDinton's, The Lodge and The Drynk. While you're recovering on Sunday, have a little hair of the dog with your own dog at MacDinton's St. Puppies Day party. Yappy Hour starts at 4 p.m. and benefits the effort to build a South Tampa dog park.

Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade (8 p.m. Saturday)

After spending the afternoon at the Mayor's River O' Green, join the crowds on Seventh Avenue in Ybor City for the annual Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day parade. Teddy Roosevelt slept here on his way to San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War, and Tampa's Rough Riders community group keeps the memory of TR alive through its good works. Those who want to get a jump on St. Paddy's Day, can join the Rough Riders on their Trolley Hop restaurant crawl through Ybor City from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday.

Former Padres first-round pick hopes to break into majors with Rays

PORT CHARLOTTE — Allan Dykstra learned about the dog days of summer long before he started taking long minor-league bus trips.

AP reports Hillary Clinton expected to take questions on emails (w/video)

NEW YORK — Hillary Rodham Clinton was expected to take questions from reporters Tuesday afternoon to address her email practices at the State Department, following a week of scrutiny over her use of a private email account as secretary of state.

Pentagon hopes to learn from patient who got face transplant after chimp attack (w/video)

BOSTON — Charla Nash never served in the military. She was horribly disfigured, not in combat, but in a 2009 attack by a rampaging chimpanzee. The Pentagon, though, is watching her recovery closely.

Deputies searching for man suspected of trying to pick up boy at Zephyrhills bus stop

Authorities say a middle-aged man attempted to kidnap a young boy Monday after school, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

St. Petersburg pier survey results released

ST. PETERSBURG — The city's residents have had their say on the new pier proposals.

Environmental group wants to stop people from swimming with the manatees

An environmental group wants to stop all the "swim with the manatees" businesses that for the past 40 years have been the foundation of Citrus County's tourism industry.

Shooting death of former St. Petersburg police sergeant still under investigation

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH — Detectives on Monday continued to investigate the fatal shooting of a former St. Petersburg police sergeant.

Double shooting at Tampa bar likely drug-related

TAMPA — The shooting at a Tampa bar Saturday night that left one man dead and another in critical condition was likely drug-related, Tampa police said Monday.

Double shooting at Tampa bar likely drug-related

TAMPA — The shooting at a Tampa bar Saturday night that left one man dead and another in critical condition was likely drug-related, Tampa police said Monday.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a creamy vanilla-mint milkshake

I'm ashamed to admit this, for I am no fan of fast food, but I've always had a soft spot for McDonald's shakes.

2 charged, 3 jailed after murder of opposition leader

Russia 2 charged, 3 jailed after murder of opposition leader

Three hospitalized in Tampa after shooting at Robles Park

TAMPA — Three people were taken to the hospital Sunday night after a shooting at Robles Park, according to Tampa police.

Thousands crowd Selma bridge to remember 'Bloody Sunday'

SELMA, Ala. — Thousands of people crowded an Alabama bridge on Sunday, many jammed shoulder to shoulder, many unable to move, to commemorate a bloody confrontation 50 years ago between police and peaceful protesters that helped bring about the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Rays: Jared, Ryne Sandberg enjoy meeting from opposite dugouts

Family affair Jared Sandberg had been in the stands to watch Hall of Fame uncle Ryne Sandberg play and manage the Phillies. But Sunday's exhibition was different when Jared (above left), now the Rays' Triple-A manager, was across the field. "Being in the opposing dugout was really cool," Jared said. "Really cool for …

What kind of smartphone do you need?

You are probably buying more phone than you need. And soon you will be tempted to do it all over again.

Four Tampa Bay students overcome odds to become Barnes scholars

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Four Tampa Bay students overcome odds to become Barnes scholars

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PolitiFact: Fact-checking Chuck Schumer's defense of Hillary Clinton's private email

People defending Hillary Clinton on Sunday over revelations that she used a private email account as secretary of state offered a novel piece of evidence to bolster their argument.

Captain's Corner: Sheepshead, mango snapper action is strong

Sheepshead and mangrove snapper can provide non-stop action this time of year and the edges of the ships channel inside the Skyway are producing. On recent trips, though we've let a bunch of undersized ones go, many of the sheepies have been the largest we've caught so far and the keeper ratio has much improved. The size of the mangos has been …

MH370 report: Battery for underwater locator beacon expired in 2012 (w/video)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The first comprehensive report into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 revealed Sunday that the battery of the locator beacon for the plane's data recorder had expired more than a year before the jet vanished on March 8, 2014.

MH370 report: Battery for underwater locator beacon expired in 2012 (w/video)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The first comprehensive report into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 revealed Sunday that the battery of the locator beacon for the plane's data recorder had expired more than a year before the jet vanished on March 8, 2014.

Five myths about daylight saving time

Daylight saving time struck again Sunday, at least for every state outside Hawaii and Arizona. Though DST has been a part of life in the United States since World War I, its origin and effects remain misunderstood. Here are some common myths.

Florida Rep. Alan Grayson to argue that estranged wife committed bigmay

ORLANDO — An outspoken liberal congressman from Florida will argue in court Monday that his 24-year marriage should be annulled because his estranged wife committed bigamy, the opening salvo in an acrimonious divorce case a judge likened to an episode of the TV series House of Cards.

Florida Rep. Alan Grayson to argue that estranged wife committed bigmay

ORLANDO — An outspoken liberal congressman from Florida will argue in court Monday that his 24-year marriage should be annulled because his estranged wife committed bigamy, the opening salvo in an acrimonious divorce case a judge likened to an episode of the TV series House of Cards.

Online voter registration gains momentum in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — Florida would become the 25th state to allow people to register to vote online under one of a series of voting proposals awaiting consideration by the Legislature.

Man in critical condition after St. Pete nightclub stabbing

A man is in critical condition after a stabbing at a St. Petersburg nightclub, authorities said.

Clearwater's Keith Thurman powers to win on NBC

Boxing wasn't saved Saturday night, but the sport's first prime-time event on NBC in 30 years was, thanks to an action-packed performance by Clearwater's Keith Thurman.

USF loses to Tulane in regular-season finale

TAMPA — In the wake of Wednesday night's romp of UCF and a gritty second-half rally Saturday afternoon against Tulane, USF appeared poised to enter this week's American Athletic Conference tournament with momentum. It'll have to take mettle instead.

Coast Guard rescues boaters, stops regatta

The Coast Guard rescued more than eleven people from the water on Saturday near Englewood during the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge small-craft regatta.

Captain's Corner: Spring fishing feast begins

If it lives in our waters, it's eating right now. Baitfish are rolling in and with them, everything that arrives in spring. Like a rebirth every year, the water warmed 10 degrees and every species is responding positively. Use medium outfits with 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, moving to 40 pound if you target Spanish mackerel. The jig is the …

Conservative solar proponents decry attack on ballot initiative as 'campaign of deception'

Conservative solar proponents on Saturday accused Americans For Prosperity of launching a "campaign of deception" against a ballot petition that would allow those in Florida who generate electricity from the sun to sell that power directly to others.

Man dies in Temple Terrace shoot-out

TEMPLE TERRACE — A man was killed in a shoot-out Saturday morning with the boyfriend of a woman he formerly dated, Temple Terrace officials reported.

Man dies in Temple Terrace shoot-out

TEMPLE TERRACE — A man was killed in a shoot-out Saturday morning with the boyfriend of a woman he formerly dated, Temple Terrace officials reported.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival kicks off with high expectations

TAMPA — The Spirit of Spring stands serene and immense in Bird Gardens, but her forearms are a little patchy. Jim Dean, president of Busch Gardens, squinted at the majestic topiary, not quite sure it would be 100 percent on Saturday for the opening of the inaugural Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival.

Tampa police close Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. after crash

TAMPA — A crash involving multiple vehicles but no major injuries temporarily closed E Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard in both directions between N 26th Street and N 27th Street Saturday morning, according to Tampa police.

The road was expected to be reopened by about 10 a.m.

No other details have been released by police.

Pinellas deputies find car possibly linked to Friday's fatal hit and run crash in Madeira Beach

MADEIRA BEACH — Pinellas County sheriff's deputies may have located a vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run crash in which a 92-year-old man was killed, sheriff's officials said.

Tampa Bay legislator pushes overhaul of growth management laws

A Pasco County state senator is proposing the biggest changes to growth management since the Legislature eliminated most state oversight of development in 2011.

Tampa Bay Rays sign brief in support of gay marriage

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays have signed onto an amicus brief in support of same-sex marriage, becoming one of only three sports teams to do so.

Come to Conquer: Spring Break

Expedia has ranked the Tampa Bay area as one of the most popular Spring Break destinations. Whether your Spring Break is from college, high school or pre-school, Tampa Bay has a horde of deals to unlock.

HOTELS

GRAND HYATT TAMPA BAY: “Stay More Save More” plan offers a discount that grows the longer you stay: 10 percent off the first two nights, 15 percent off for three nights, and 20 percent off for four or more nights.

RAMADA WESTSHORE TAMPA AIRPORT: Discounts are 10 percent on one night, 15 percent on two nights and 20 percent on three nights.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

TEQUILAS: $2 martinis, sangria, and sangaritas until 7p.m.; $9.95 all-you-can-eat steak and chicken fajitas until 7p.m. everyday; $3 Mexican drafts from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays. Live music everyday

YACHT STARSHIP: March 14 is the Island Fever Party, featuring Caribbean and other music by the band Impulse. The cruise includes food and drink available for purchase on board. The 2 ½-hour cruise boards at 8:30 p.m. and leaves Channelside Bay Plaza at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID.

TAMPA BAY BEER WEEK: Tampa Bay’s craft brewers will be on display all week at venues across the region during Beer Week. A $10 passport (available at specific locations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) provide special deals at the 30 breweries, restaurants and stores participating in Beer Week this year.

BLIND TIGER CAFÉ: Ybor City’s newest coffee shop and clothing store offers 10% off to any Spring Breakers, college or high school.

THE GETAWAY: Specials all month at its tiki bar.

ATTRACTIONS

TAMPA BAY CITY PASS: For a single discounted price, Tampa Bay City Pass gives users access to four of the Tampa Bay area’s most popular attractions: Busch Gardens Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and MOSI, the Museum of Science and Industry. Passes are $99 for adults, $84 for children 3-11. That’s a 49% discount on the combined ticket price for all four attractions. City Pass is good for nine days from the time of purchase.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA: Spring Break visitors can buy an Eat Free All Day package that gets them admission to the park for up to 14 days, free parking, and an all-day dining deal. A Kids FREE package gets a child into the park free with a paying adult or child and includes free parking and all day dining. Children 3 and under are free at Busch Gardens. Busch Garden’s Food & Wine festival will be happening on weekends through the end of April.

TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO: Visitors who are members of the zoo or aquarium back home get a 10% discount on tickets to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo during the day. Find out if your zoo or aquarium qualifies. Zoominations, the zoo’s night time Chinese lantern festival exhibit, is available with a discounted combo pass ($39.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids 3-11) that saves $10 on admission to both the zoo and Zoominations.

MOSI, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: Visitors get $3 off general admission when they check in at MOSI on Facebook. You must show the check in to the ticket agency. Offer is valid for exhibits and a single ticket to the Florida Hospital IMAX Dome theatre. It excludes special exhibits and events, as well as the ropes course and zipline.

DINOSAUR WORLD: Buy an Excavation Pass and get a free Dinosaur World key chain with admission to the park. An Excavation Pass includes: the Lucky Strike bag at the Dino Gem Mine panning for gems at the water sluice, a Fossil Dig ticket for children 3 to 12 and a bag of fish food, also for children 3 to 12. Excavation Passes are $23.27 for adults, $19.21 for children.

TECO MANATEE VIEWING CENTER: No Spring Break special here, actually. It's just a great place to see and learn about Florida's most popular wild residents. And it's free. Just like Spring Break, their time is limited: they'll be heading back out to the coast in the next month or so as the water warms back up.

AIRHEADS: Tampa Bay’s indoor trampoline center offers an unlimited week-long pass during Spring Break for $25.95, less than the cost of two days at the regular price. There’s also a $5 discount on unlimited jumping through Airheads’ Facebook page.

GOLFER’S GRAIL: Tampa Bay’s only indoor golf venue has lunch specials and discounts during Spring Break: 33% on golf and 20% off on driving range balls.

URBAN KAI: Take to the water on a beautiful Spring Break day without going all the way to the beach. Urban Kai offers paddleboarding on the Hillsborough River – a great way to explore the city and get a serious core workout at the same time. During Spring Break, Urban Kai will rent one board a half-price when you rent one for full price.

Q-ZAR LASER TAG: The center will open at noon every day during Spring Break. $23 a person buys four hours of unlimited laser tag.

New blood emerges in 120-pound weight class

There are years when great rivalries emerge in wrestling, driving the athletes to new heights as they test and forge their skills against each other in the run up to the state tournament.

Murder investigation under way in death of retired UF professor

GAINESVILLE — Police have apprehended a suspect in the death of a retired University of Florida professor who was initially believed to have died in a house fire before autopsy results showed he had been bludgeoned to death before the blaze.

For traffic between Selmon Expressway and Gandy Bridge, no solution in sight

TAMPA -- The mile-long stretch of Gandy Boulevard between the Selmon Expressway and the bridge has been a commuting nightmare for years, raising the question: When is it going to be fixed? The answer: No time soon.

Clearwater's Keith Thurman carries boxing's prime-time spotlight

Keith Thurman won't be cashing in this weekend by headlining a lucrative pay-per-view bout on cable television, but he hopes to be part of something even bigger: a boxing revival.

Come to Conquer: Gasparilla Music Festival

Tampa Bay's Gasparilla Season hits its stride this weekend when the Gasparilla Music Festival rolls into downtown's Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens.

If you planning to go or still thinking about it, here's what you need to know:

Tickets

First, the Bad News: Saturday's event, headlined by Seattle-based Modest Mouse, is sold out for both general admission and VIP tickets.

Now, the Good News: You can still get two-day passes that will cover both Saturday and Sunday, VIP and general admission for Sunday. Get them before they're all gone.

Your ticket will get you a wrist band when you first enter the festival that lets you come and go as you please over the course of each day. If you're got a two-day pass, plan on sleeping with that wrist band.

Parking

There'll be no shuttle system from Tampa Heights as there was last year. This year, plan on taking advantage of the city's existing parking.

Lucky for you, downtown is chock-a-block with parking. The city's Poe garage is just steps from the festival gates, but it's also very popular with the families that visit the Glazer Children's Museum and anyone hitting the opening day of the Tampa Museum of Art's Normal Rockwell exhibit. So you might want to try the Fort Brooke garage, which is a short walk, or the Twiggs garage, which is about five blocks away. There's also metered on-street parking -- if you're going to be around for less than two hours (and why would you do that?) -- and private lots scattered throughout downtown. Just don't forget where you left your car.

Better yet, avoid parking altogether and take a water taxi up the Hillsborough River to the festival.

Venue

The festival has four stages spread across two parks. The main Soulshine stage stands in the southwest corner of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the minarets of the University of Tampa's Plant Hall as a backdrop. The secondary stage, the Channelside Bay Plaza stage, stands in the southwest corner of Kiley Gardens in the shadow of Rivergate Tower. When those stages are between shows, look for performances at the Kiley Gardens amphitheatre and Tibbet's Corner in the northeast corner of Kiley Gardens.

There are general admission entrances at on the Ashley Drive sides of both Kiley Gardens and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

VIP entrance is between Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children's Museum.

Disabled visitors will have a drop-off in Gasparilla Plaza behind the museums. Parking is available in the Poe garage. Anyone needing help should contact festival organizers.

Food & Drink

Tampa Bay's local foodie scene will hit its groove at the music festival. From downtown's Holy Hog BBQ to Seminole Heights' Refinery to Ybor City's Carmine's and South Tampa's Pipo's Cafe, Tampa Bay's good eats will be with easy reach. Even the guy who runs the Hot Donut Cart outside City Hall will get in on the music festival action. You'll find loads of Tampa Flavors as well -- Cuban sandwiches, grouper sandwiches and stinky bunz to name but a few. Check out the roster of restaurants.

The same goes for adult beverages, with Cigar City Brewing Co. leading the list of beer and spirits vendors.

GMF Kids Fest

Gasparilla Music Festival welcomes families of all types. Kiley Gardens will host musical acts that will have the kiddies up and dancing during the day on Saturday and Sunday. The Kids Interactive Zone in Kiley Gardens will keep them busy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They'll be asleep before you get home.

The Lineup

The list is impressive and way too long to list here. There's something for everyone: gospel, rock, funk, Latin, even something called Yoga Rhythm Lounge on Sunday morning. So pace yourself.

Chances are, you either know what you're coming for already or will stick around for everything anyway. The short version: Modest Mouse headlines on Saturday, taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. Sunday's headliner is Gogol Bordello, which takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. Special for Sunday is Laritza Ballacao y Su Grupo, who have come from Havana, Cuba, to play this year's festival. They'll be on the Channelside Bay Plaza stage at 4:45 p.m.