In The News

Smart Cans Among Innovations For Tampa's Recycling Program

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, January 08, 2013

New giant green recylcing bins on wheels, "smart'' cans that can measure how much you recycle and new fuel-efficient trucks that run on natural gas are among the green updates taking place in the trash hauling business for the city of Tampa.

Tonja Brickhouse, chief of the city's trash hauling department, is implementing newer equipment and processes designed to generate more revenue while encouraging recycling.

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Hillsborough Fireman Designs Homes For Veterans

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, January 08, 2013

A Hillsborough County firefighter who always wanted to be an architect and once studied to design homes is now acting as a volunteer in designing homes for disabled veterans returning home from war duty.

Kelly Hallman gets joy and satisfaction for his efforts. The veterans get drawings that can be converted into homes.

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Moving To Florida: More In Than Out In 2012

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, January 08, 2013

The numbers are adding up to show a return to the traditional trend of more people moving to Florida than out of the "Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams.''

Despite a slowdown during the recession, population growth in Florida continues. The U.S. Census projects the population of Florida soon will surpass New York state, meaning only California and Texas have more people.

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Four New Hotels Planned In Downtown Tampa

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Plans call for one brand new hotel and three renovations of stately architecturally significant buildings into boutique hotels in downtown Tampa.

Demand is driving the interest in more hotel beds as conventions book and tourism increases.

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Sierra Club: Pinellas Transit Plan Tops In Nation

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Sierra Club lauds Pinellas County for one of the best transportation plans in the nation.

The plan calls for the expansion of the county's bus system and new light rail with 16 stations connecting Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

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Florida's Kids Read, Test Best In World

The Miami Herald Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Florida's fourth- and eighth-graders read and compehend as well as any kids in the world, according to the latest global test scores.

Only Hong Kong kids scored slightly better, but the difference is statistically insignificant.

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Ringling Circus Moves To Ellenton, Manatee

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is moving its winter home from the Florida State Fairgrounds east of Tampa to a new 47-acre site near Ellenton, best known for discount shopping east of Bradenton in Manatee County.

The move will allow better access to rail transportation and larger rehearsal space.

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Editorial: Time For Transit Merger, Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Hillsborough and Pinellas taxpayers and transit users stand to gain by combining public transportation systems in both west central Florida counties.

The Tampa Times editorializes for a merger.

Read the complete editorial.

Beef "O'' Brady's Opens Restaurant In China

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Tampa-based restaurant chain Beef "O'' Brady's, a favorite among Little League and other youth sports teams, is opening its first restaurant in China.

The new restaurant will be in Mongolia and offer much of the same fare, including hamburgers and chicken wings.

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Plant City Bed And Breakfast Thrives On Guests

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Like bed and breakfast owners elsewhere, Brenda and Guy Ford are finding the lineup of guests visiting their abode make the work of having them worthwhile.

The Fords opened the Strawberry House three years ago in the historic district of Plant City and now host guests from all over the globe.

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Manatee Proves No-Kill Animal Policy Works

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Hillsborough and other Florida counties are looking to model animal shelter programs after Manatee County's successful Save 90, a program that matches abandoned pets -- mostly dogs and cats -- with human families for adoption.

The program is approaching a 90 percent rate in adoptions with only 10 percent of those deemed not adoptable by disease or behavior.

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New Express Buses Between TIA, Downtown Tampa?

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Why not create an express bus service connecting Tampa International Airport with downtown Tampa?

That's the question posed by TIA Executive Director Joe Lopano to HART's board recently.

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TIA Looks To Expand, Add Global Airside

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Another airside and additional space would be built out at Tampa International Airport to meet growing demand, particularly as international flights are added, under the new master plan.

TIA, or TPA to travelers, is already considerd one of the most accessible, most convenient in the world.

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Moving To Tampa Bay: Top Choice To Live, Work, Play

Forbes Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Only Dallas, Miami and Austin top Tampa Bay as the top destination for people on the move.

A Forbes report tracks where Americans are moving for jobs and opportunities.

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Tampa Bay Lightning, MOSI Talk Science Behind Ice

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, December 04, 2012

PNC Financial Services, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Museum of Science & Industry Tampa have teamed up to create a new exhibit featuring the science of ice and all that surrounds it.

The exhibit is designed to attract children and families to learning about STEM subjects science, technology, engineering and math.

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