South Shore & Brandon

Hooper: Good service is worth paying for

11/28/14 Human Interest By Ernest Hooper, Times Columnist
After wading through a mile-long line of traffic and conducting a parking space search that resembles the quest for the Holy Grail, we will wait for the tram for 20 minutes and then realize we're not at Disney, we didn't park in Ursula 98 — we're just at the mall.
Two holiday light displays rise in Dover

11/28/14 EventsTimes staff
DOVER — The population of this East Hillsborough community swells every holiday season as visitors from all around flock to two holiday light events: Christmas Lane and Nights of Shimmering Lights.
New program in Hillsborough works toward success for at-risk students

11/28/14 K12By Marlene Sokol, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA — Shaylia McRae, 37, runs the Hillsborough County School District's new success teams initiative, in which counselors, teachers and people formerly known as dropout prevention specialists (now success coaches) collaborate with 100 at-risk students in 52 middle and high schools. Recently she …
Holiday Hopes: Dedicated student seeks scholarship money

11/28/14 Human Interest By Elisabeth Parker, Times Correspondent
TEMPLE TERRACE
She was 12 days old when her father was kidnapped by the Taliban. It was 1996 and they were living in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was on his way home from work to his wife and four children, the oldest just 5.
Hyde Park pastor prepares message on troubles facing mankind

11/28/14 ReligionBy Sarah Whitman, Times Columnist
For the Rev. Roger Scholtz, interim pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, the meaning of the holidays stretches beyond live nativities and sparkling lights.
Sun City Center theater project finally comes to a vote

11/26/14 Human Interest By Monica Bennett, Times Correspondent
SUN CITY CENTER — After months of town hall meetings, debate and auspicious yard signs, the fate of a proposed new performing arts theater has come down to a vote among residents that will take place next week.
Can anyone contain Tampa Bay Tech's Deon Cain?

11/26/14 FootballprepsBy Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
TAMPA — Deon Cain is going to get the ball.
Martin Jewelers keeps ticking after 60 years

11/25/14 RetailTimes staff
BRANDON — A three-year promise to his father has turned into a lifelong passion for Freddie "Joe" Martin Jr., the oldest of Fred Martin's eight children.
Holiday Charity Ball to light up the Regent Dec. 11

11/25/14 Human Interest Times staff
Tatyana Frost took one look at the spacious floor at the Regent event center and exclaimed, "This is the place."
East Bay Fishing Report: Fish are dazed by changing temps

11/25/14 OutdoorsBy Mike Gore, Times Correspondent
Fish dazed. This has been the month of confusion for our fish. They are not sure what to do. It goes from 40 degrees to 80 degrees every couple of days. At least the snook have been able to make it to their winter hang outs without freezing to death. This weekend looks like it is shaping up to be pretty good for …