Hernando County is defying the averages - but not in a good way. The Tampa region has been drenched with rain compared to last year and has recorded above-normal precipitation in five of the last six months. ...more

July 3, 2008

RAINFALL AVERAGES HIGHER THAN NORMAL IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, SUMTER COUNTIES ...more

July 2, 2008

Michael Shea, commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, wants the city to improve what he calls deteriorating conditions at two of the busiest boat ramps on Tampa Bay. ...more

June 21, 2008

By the start of a new fiscal year on Oct. 1, boaters likely will begin paying $5 to launch a boat at Anclote River Park, Pasco's parks chief says. ...more

June 11, 2008

HOLIDAY -- Gasoline prices are up. Food prices are up. What's next? A boat launch fee is in the works at Pasco County's Anclote River Park. ...more

June 11, 2008

A bill to protect seagrasses by levying fines on boaters who carelessly run over the flats, House Bill 7059 is drawing fire from some environmental groups because Rep. Will Kendrick tacked on a provision that says developers may cut channels through some grass beds if they agree to "mitigate" the damage by restoring an equivalent amount of seagrass elsewhere. ...more

June 8, 2008

On Monday, the first quarter moon phase occurs at 3:47 a.m., and along with it starts the beginning of the best "safe-light bite" of the month. ...more

May 11, 2008

The Tampa Bay area offers an abundance of amenities to satisfy recreational interests. There are marinas and community boat ramps to access the water, fitness clubs to help you stay fit and spas to help you relax and rejuvenate. Plus, there are plenty of great restaurants. ...more

May 4, 2008

Since its creation, I've been an active participant in each of the Lake Denton Committee meetings. It's been my shared opinion with others, this issue revolves around overcrowding at the boat ramp by scuba divers seeking certification, a lack of parking space in the immediate neighborhood for them, and some of the illicit and/or illegal activities that too often occurs in secluded areas. Working together, committee members, county employees and several other concerned people have developed a short-term plan that will reopen Lake Denton to the public. I'm glad to say they've made a lot of progress and presented the proposals to the Board of County Commissioners. However, I am very much opposed to one particular aspect of the committee's recommendation. In order to pay for (or at least offset) the costs of improvements and needed personnel, a per diver fee of $25 per day was agreed upon. This amount, after much discussion by the divers present, was deemed to be reasonable and a customary cost incurred as part of their normal certification process. This fee would be waived for the instructors and "Dive Masters" present. ...more

January 6, 2008

It will cost about $1 million more for Sarasota County residents to use their county parks in the coming year. ...more

November 24, 2007