Gang activity in Florida has grown to more than 1,500 active criminal gangs with over 65,000 gang members. In the Tampa Bay area, there are approximately 120 gangs with more than 3,200 members operating within the region. As violent crime associated with gangs has increased, gang members are being recruited younger and younger. A comprehensive plan and coordinated action is essential to halt, and ultimately reverse, the growth of gangs in our state. ...more

September 15, 2008

With gangs statewide gaining a toehold in a wide range of criminal enterprises, state and Bay officials put their heads together today to address the problem. ...more

September 9, 2008

The local Boys & Girls Clubs are abuzz with happy children after school each day, something which, on the surface, belies the pinch the sour economy is putting on the nonprofit organization. ...more

September 3, 2008

For West Virginia University senior wide receiver Tito Gonzales, a former Blake High standout, this season represents a major opportunity. ...more

August 16, 2008

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, widely considered one of Tampa Bay's premier visitor attractions, has had roots in Tampa for nearly 50 years, but those roots are being upended a bit as the ownership of the park comes into question with the purchase of its parent, beer giant Anheuser-Busch Cos. ...more

July 18, 2008

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, widely considered one of Tampa Bay's premier visitor attractions, has had roots in Tampa for nearly 50 years, but those roots are being upended a bit as the ownership of the park comes into question with the purchase of its parent, beer giant Anheuser-Busch Cos. ...more

July 15, 2008

About 40 residents voiced fears about planned cuts to after-school and summer-school programs and staffing during a town hall meeting Thursday at the Westchase Recreation Center. ...more

July 2, 2008

More than 1,200 people, including scores of teenagers from across the state, are in downtown Tampa for the 23rd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community. ...more

June 21, 2008

More than 1,200 people, including scores of teenagers from across the state, are in downtown Tampa for the 23rd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community. ...more

June 20, 2008

SEBRING — The city of Sebring will have to make do with $1.7 million less in revenues, but the city nevertheless has budgeted donations to the Children's Museum, Safe House, the Historical Preservation Commission, the Boys and Girls Clubs and the July 4 fireworks celebration. But about those fireworks. City Councilor Margie Rhoades isn't pleased that the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency has donated $5,000, and she wants the council to withdraw its planned $5,000 gift. "Instead of spending $10,000 on fireworks, I think we should spend more on the Children's Museum and the Boys and Girls Club," said Rhoades, in a budget hearing Wednesday. Another hearing is scheduled June 17. The city is planning to contribute $10,000 to the Children's Museum and $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club. ...more

June 13, 2008