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  • New principal coming to Bardmoor Elementary

    Education articles blog on schools in Florida & Tampa Bay: the Gradebook | Tampa Bay Times
    ronmatus
    30 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm
    Pinellas Superintendent John Stewart is recommending that Leigh Owens, the assistant principal at Southern Oak Elementary since 2007, become the new principal at Bardmoor Elementary. We're not clear yet on when this recommendation - and the one for Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School - will go before the board for approval. We'll let you know when we find out.

  • Transportation chief says connector is 'envy' of nation

    www2.tbo.com - Breaking News
    28 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    The $394.4 million project is set for completion in fall 2013.

  • Returning home, man is robbed, shot twice

    Local News - Bay News 9
    28 Jan 2012 | 6:01 am
    Police said the suspect brandished a firearm, possibly a revolver, and demanded the victim’s belongings.

  • Does this picture capture a heated debate or disrespect?

    WTSP - Local News
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:58 pm
    An etiquette expert in St. Petersburg says the gesture is rude.

  • Greg Schiano Owes Rutgers $800000 After Move to NFL's Tampa Bay - BusinessWeek

    tampa bay news - Google News
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:49 pm
    The Star-Ledger - NJ.comGreg Schiano Owes Rutgers $800000 After Move to NFL's Tampa BayBusinessWeek28 (Bloomberg) -- Greg Schiano owes Rutgers University $800000 after the coach's decision to leave for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Schiano, who was head coach at the New Brunswick, New Jersey-based school for 11 seasons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, quarterback Josh Freeman have history Tampabay.comRutgers, Glassboro product Johnson reunited with Schiano in Tampa BayGloucester County Times - NJ.comBuccaneers introduce Rutgers' Greg Schiano as…
 
 
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    tampa bay news - Google News

  • Greg Schiano Owes Rutgers $800000 After Move to NFL's Tampa Bay - BusinessWeek

    27 Jan 2012 | 11:49 pm
    The Star-Ledger - NJ.comGreg Schiano Owes Rutgers $800000 After Move to NFL's Tampa BayBusinessWeek28 (Bloomberg) -- Greg Schiano owes Rutgers University $800000 after the coach's decision to leave for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Schiano, who was head coach at the New Brunswick, New Jersey-based school for 11 seasons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, quarterback Josh Freeman have history Tampabay.comRutgers, Glassboro product Johnson reunited with Schiano in Tampa BayGloucester County Times - NJ.comBuccaneers introduce Rutgers' Greg Schiano as…

  • It's a pirate's life for Matt Joyce, David Price and James Shields - Tampabay.com

    27 Jan 2012 | 11:30 pm
    It's a pirate's life for Matt Joyce, David Price and James ShieldsTampabay.comBy Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer They're proud and paid (rather well) to be Tampa Bay Rays, but for one day, Matt Joyce, David Price and James Shields are going to be pirates. The Rays' three 2011 All-Stars will share duties as grand marshals for and more »

  • Two on Bucs list wind up assisting - Tampabay.com

    27 Jan 2012 | 10:18 pm
    CBSSports.comTwo on Bucs list wind up assistingTampabay.comTwo coaches who were candidates for the Bucs' head coaching job — one of whom was thought to be the front-runner right up until Tampa Bay hired Greg Schiano — landed on their feet Friday as coordinators. Mike Sherman, 57, was named offensive Miami Dolphins Continue Pursuit of Mike Sherman; Tampa Bay Hires Greg SchianoThe PhinsiderDolphins Door Open For Mike ShermanPhinPhanaticMiami Dolphins talking to Mike Sherman for offensive coordinator jobSun-SentinelDallas Morning News (subscription) (blog) -Sacramento Beeall 338…

  • Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Stamkos ready to try new helmet for concussion ... - Tampabay.com

    27 Jan 2012 | 10:14 pm
    CBC.caTampa Bay Lightning's Steve Stamkos ready to try new helmet for concussion Tampabay.comOTTAWA — With concussions a big concern around the league, equipment company Bauer is introducing what it calls a first-of-its kind helmet that protects against direct and glancing blows that can cause the brain to rotate. Bauer unveiled its "Re-Akt" Players taking a more active interest in safetyUSA TODAYall 27 news articles »

  • Tampa Bay Rays sign utilityman Jeff Keppinger - Tampabay.com

    27 Jan 2012 | 5:27 pm
    Yahoo! Sports (blog)Tampa Bay Rays sign utilityman Jeff KeppingerTampabay.comHaving spent most of his career in the middle infield, Keppinger signed Friday — getting a one-year deal for $1.525 million plus incentives — to be the next product of the Tampa Bay superutilityman factory. Russ Canzler was designated for assignment Rays finalize one-year deal with versatile veteran infielderMLB.comRays get depth at infieldBay News 9Rays sign INF Jeff Keppinger to 1-year contractWashington PostYahoo! Sports (blog) -Fox News -Chicago Tribuneall 132 news articles »
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    Local News | WFTS

  • 150 teams compete at Lakeland Pigfest

    28 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am
    Over 150 competition barbecue teams are out at the 16th Annual Lakeland Pigfest for a weekend of good eating, good friends, and good tunes to benefit Lakeland-area charities.

  • Gasparilla Pirate Fest invades Tampa

    28 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am
    This Saturday, pirates are taking over Tampa once again for the annual Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest.

  • TK's Take: First impressions of Schiano

    Tom Korun
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:13 pm
    New Bucs head coach Greg Schiano spells out his philosophy and credos.  Tom Korun has his thoughts on the "Schiano" way.

  • I-Team: Not all state workers raise-less

    Francis Gilpin
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    State employee union leaders say their members have toiled without an across-the-board pay raise since 2006. But that doesn't mean all state workers are so deprived.     

  • Dirty Dining: Cici's Pizza

    Wendy Ryan
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:16 pm
    Cici's Pizza Restaurant in Kenneth City has been shut down twice by the state in less than two weeks for a roach infestation.
 
 
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    News: Local News

  • Legislators work to keep Riverview prison open

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    By Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 RIVERVIEW — As state officials walked past the prison's field, several dozen women in blue uniforms formed a circle in the distance.The women gather at the same time every day, and though Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, couldn't hear the words, he knew why they congregated:To pray that their prison be saved. To pray that even though the state has designated the women's faith- and character-based prison for closure, that someone finds a way."It's hope," Glorioso said. "Everybody has to have hope."On Friday, the…

  • Legislators work to keep Riverview prison open

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    By Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 RIVERVIEW — As state officials walked past the prison's field, several dozen women in blue uniforms formed a circle in the distance.The women gather at the same time every day, and though Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, couldn't hear the words, he knew why they congregated:To pray that their prison be saved. To pray that even though the state has designated the women's faith- and character-based prison for closure, that someone finds a way."It's hope," Glorioso said. "Everybody has to have hope."On Friday, the…

  • Tuesday election has local issues for three North Pinellas cities

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:08 pm
    By Mike Brassfield, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 Voters in Clearwater, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs who aren't Republicans may think they have no reason to go to the polls during Tuesday's Republican presidential primary.But Clearwater will elect a mayor on Tuesday, and Safety Harbor voters will choose two city commissioners. Also, Clearwater and Tarpon Springs both have referendums on the ballot.Registered voters of any party — or no party — in these three cities can vote in their respective elections.Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Besides Mitt…

  • Problems linger for Hernando County's new garbage hauler

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:30 pm
    By Barbara Behrendt, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 January has been a frustrating month for Spring Hill resident Helen Konewitch and her son, Mark, who lives next door on Freeport Drive.Since Republic Services took over garbage collection across Hernando County on Jan. 1, Mrs. Konewitch has gotten service just three times. On Thursday, her regular garbage collection day, it took a couple of phone calls, but finally someone came to get her trash about 9 p.m.Mrs. Konewitch, who is disabled and has arranged to have garbage attendants pick up her trash at the door, said she never…

  • Abandoned storage units yield unusual finds

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:19 pm
    By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 “It’s like Christmas. You don’t know what you’re going to get,” says Dan Heaton, 66, as he empties the contents of a 5- by 10-foot unit at A-AAAKEY Mini Storage, on which the owner stopped paying rent. He won the contents in an auction for $165. CLEARWATER — The green metal door to storage unit No. 597 swung open. Two dozen people lined up to size up the meager possessions inside.Four plump trash bags. Three duffel bags. Two suitcases. A laundry tote. A comforter. An empty litter box. A milk…
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    Tampa Business News - Local Tampa News | The Tampa Bay Business Journal

  • Clearwater celebrates Coast Guard distinction

    27 Jan 2012 | 4:36 pm
    The city of Clearwater has become one of 14 cities in the United States designated a “Coast Guard City.” The designation, endorsed by Congress and the Coast Guard, recognizes a community’s support to Coast Guard personnel and families. A public celebration of the designation is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue. Mayor Frank Hibbard will be the master of ceremonies. Clearwater participates in an annual Coast Guard Birthday Celebration, recognizes “Coast Guard Persons of the Year," provides “welcome aboard” packages to arriving…

  • CenterState Bank picks up failed First Guaranty Bank

    27 Jan 2012 | 4:30 pm
    The Florida Office of Financial Regulation closed First Guaranty Bank and Trust Co. in Jacksonville. CenterState Bank of Florida in Winter Haven assumed all the deposits and said it would purchase essentially all the assets of Guaranty Bank in an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which was appointed receiver. It is the second consecutive week that CenterState Bank of Florida, one of the largest banks in the Tampa Bay area, acquired a failed bank. CenterState struck a deal with the FDIC for Central Florida State Bank in Belleview when it failed Jan...

  • Former Wachovia loan officer Andrew Vulpis sentenced

    27 Jan 2012 | 4:23 pm
    Andrew Vulpis was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Vulpis was an officer of Wachovia Bank in Tampa when he played a role in 12 residential real estate transactions in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties that involved fraud, a written statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida said. U.S. District Jude Steven Merryday also entered a money judgment of $1.25 million against Vulpis, who forfeited a 2007 Volvo sedan as a substitute asset in partial satisfaction of the money judgment, the statement said...

  • Express Dental expands in Tampa

    27 Jan 2012 | 1:36 pm
    Facing increased national demand for its services, Express Dental Holdings Inc. has relocated to a larger headquarters. The company’s move strategically positions Express Dental for growth and expansion, and enables it to better respond to an increasing demand for dental and specialty referral management services nationwide, a written statement said. Express Dental is a national dental network addressing specific needs of the workers’ compensation, auto and liability insurance industries. The company was acquired by One Call Medical Inc...

  • Women make inroads in Tampa Bay banking

    27 Jan 2012 | 1:19 pm
    The appointment of Susan Blackburn as Tampa Bay regional executive for Sabadell United Bank marks another advance for women in a field that has not always been female-friendly. Blackburn — whose strategy for leading Sabadell is the focus of a news story in the Jan. 27 issue of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — is one of just a handful of prominent women bankers in the Bay area. The Los Angeles Times offered a glimpse of what’s been holding them back in this primer for women in banking published in 2010...
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    Tom Ufer's feed

  • Cigars and Stars event supports West Tampa Little League

    Tom Ufer, Tampa Cigar Examiner
    25 Jan 2012 | 6:46 pm
    If you are a cigar lover in Tampa, the place to be on Saturday, March 10th is on the rooftop of Element!From 7pm to 11pm, Cigar City Magazine will be hosting the Cigars and Stars event in downtown Tampa...

  • Cigar Journal opens US office

    Tom Ufer, Tampa Cigar Examiner
    25 Jan 2012 | 10:14 am
    Palm Bay, Florida & Vienna, Austria – January 24, 2012 Cigar Journal has expanded their US operations base by opening a new office in Palm Bay, Florida. The new US office is responsible for processing domestic subscriptions...

  • Gran Habano opens Miami factory

    Tom Ufer, Tampa Cigar Examiner
    23 Jan 2012 | 3:56 pm
    The Gran Habano - G.R. Tabacaleras Co. cigar factory located on "Calle Ocho", 8th street, in the Little Havana district of Miami is completed and ready to roll. Focusing on the highest standard for the cigar community...

  • Humo Jaguar - cigar review

    Tom Ufer, Tampa Cigar Examiner
    22 Jan 2012 | 9:05 pm
    Today, I am reviewing the award winning Humo Jaguar cigar. This cigar was created by Nestor Plasencia and is distributed by Miami Cigar Company. The cigar was chosen by a panel of over 200 people who are involved in the...

  • Dominican cigars receive official "designation of origin" status

    Tom Ufer, Tampa Cigar Examiner
    14 Jan 2012 | 12:28 pm
    Earlier last month, I read in the news that the Dominican Republic had received a “designation of origin” for cigars made in that country.Since I did not really understand what that would mean for the Dominican cigar...
 
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    Florida politics blog: The Buzz | Tampa Bay Times

  • Legislators work to keep Riverview prison open

    KatieSanders
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:52 pm
    RIVERVIEW -- As state officials walked past the prison's field, several dozen women in blue uniforms formed a circle in the distance. The women gather at the same time every day, and though Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, couldn't hear the words, he knew why they congregated: To pray that their prison be saved. To pray that even though the state has designated the women's faith- and character-based prison for closure, that someone finds a way. "It's hope," Glorioso said. "Everybody has to have hope." On Friday, the lawmaker, several political aides and Hillsborough…

  • Times/Herald/Bay News 9 poll: Bill Nelson 45, Connie Mack 42

    Alex Leary
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:32 pm
    Sen. Bill Nelson faces a tough re-election campaign in a year when Florida voters are dissatisfied with the economy, Congress and President Barack Obama, according to a new Times/HeraldBay News 9 poll. The survey, released Friday, shows Nelson with a three-point lead over Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, 45-42 percent. Mack is the leading contender in a five-man Republican primary field. Thirteen percent were undecided. "Nelson has a much tougher race than he's probably had in a long time," said Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, a nonpartisan, Jacksonville-based…

  • Post-debate glow still evident, Romney fires up Orlando crowd

    Alex Leary
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:27 pm
    ORLANDO -- "I had fun last night," Mitt Romney said to raucous applause at a manufacturing plant here tonight. Still exulting from his debate performance, Romney did not mention Newt Gingrich, maintaining focus on President Obama. He suggested Obama engaged in "crony capitalism" with deals like Solyndra and pledged America would not become a "European welfare state." Romney spent much time reciting lines from America The Beautiful. "I love America!" he exclaimed. "I love America from sea to shining sea." He was joined by Sen. John McCain and…

  • Super PAC ad slams Romney's 'blood money'

    Alex Leary
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:37 pm
    The pro-Gingrich super pac Winning Our Future says this hit piece is now up in Florida.

  • Jeb and dad visit the White House

    Alex Leary
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:08 pm
    President Barack Obama meets with former President George H.W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in the Oval Office on Friday. A White House official said, "The three men enjoyed a personal visit in the Oval Office - as they have done on previous occasions when President Bush is in Washington." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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    TV shows, TV news, media issues: The Feed | Tampa Bay Times

  • Baristas Coffee Company brings reality TV casting call and job search to Tampa location on Monday

    deggans
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:31 pm
    It is a jobs fair with a reality TV twist: Seattle-based Baristas Coffee Company is interviewing applicants Monday to work for a two-sided drive through location in Tampa,  featuring servers dressed in sexy constumes like a caffeinated version of Hooters. The company's owners also plan to cast for a reality TV show they are developing for production at their Seattle homebase, picking out four staffers who would be considered by the show's director for the cast of the program. But Baristas Coffee Company has also faced investigations by authorities in Washington State and federal…

  • Why are so many media critics white and male? Because media isn't trying hard enough to change

    deggans
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:53 am
    It was a question which seemed so obvious, I laughed when I read it in the headline. But then a half-dozen people forwarded me Shani Hilton's story for Washington City Paper asking "Where are the Women and Non-White Media Critics?" -- a commentary pegged to hiring of another white guy to monitor media, Andrew Beaujon at the Poynter Institute. There's a lot of backstory here for me. Poynter, which owns the newspaper where I work, the Tampa Bay Times, hired Beaujon as it was losing one of the biggest names in media reporting, Jim Romenesko, in what turned out to be a very…

  • Spartacus Vengeance/Xena star Lucy Lawless reveals a secret: "I never liked" action scenes

    deggans
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:27 pm
    Blood flying toward the camera in a spurting fountain. Swords slicing through flesh as men scream in horror. White hot brands sinking into human flesh as the unfortunate recipient of the mark howls in agony. These are just a few of the in-your-face action scenes powering Spartacus: Vengeance, the original series on Starz which plays like Gladiator for the small screen – complete with slow-motion, super-explicit sword fights in high definition images. Focused on the exploits of a band of gladiators who escape their brutal training school during the time of the ancient Roman Empire,…

  • CNN proves Newt Gingrich's claim of offering witnesses to ABC was not true

    deggans
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:50 am
    Hell hath no fury like a reporter punked in public. That's my conclusion after watching how hard CNN's John King has pursued Newt Gingrich's claim that he offered character witnesses to ABC News while they were developing their interview with his ex-wife Marianne Gingrich. The candidate accused ABC of the worst sort of journalism malpractice -- saying they essentially ignored people he offered who would disprove his ex-wife's claims that  the politician wanted an open marriage including his wife and his mistress.  The allegation drew a roar of support from the crowd Saturday at the…

  • Former Tampa area reporter Mario Diaz gets Connecticut mayor's "taco" remark on tape

    deggans
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:16 am
    Tampa Bay area TV viewers saw a familiar face asking East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo about allegations his police unfairly targeted Latinos, sparking a response that lit up the Internet. When a reporter wanted to know how he might reach out to area Latinos, Maturo replied "I just might have a taco at home tonight." And the guy asking the question was former WTSP-Ch. 10 anchor Mario Diaz, now a new reporter for WPIX-TV in New York. The last time local audiences heard about Diaz was back in 2008, when he left WTSP to work as a regional communications staffers for then GOP presidential…
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    Bay Buzz Feed

  • Chat with political editor Adam Smith on Monday

    Times Editor
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:46 pm
    Political editor Adam Smith has been on the campaign trail almost constantly since the fall, so he's ready to take your questions about the candidates, the Florida primary on Tuesday or any other election-related topics that are on your mind. Join him for a live chat from noon to 1 p.m. Monday over at The Buzz. Can't make it? Leave a question in advance in the "Comments'' area on that post, then check back afterward to replay the chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

  • Belated update: Merrill now lives in Hillsborough

    Bill Varian
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:30 pm
    Readers may recall that when Hillsborough County commissioners made Mike Merrill their administrator in December 2010, he was living in Pinellas County. That was a problem, since the county's charter requires that the administrator live inside Hillsborough County limits. At the same time, Merrill had only moved across the bay that same year. So commissioners gave him a year, until the end of this past December, to move back to Hillsborough. We checked in with the administrator recently to see if he made good. Merrill says he did indeed return, signing a lease for a Westchase…

  • Pat Frank still uncommitted on reelection bid for court clerk

    Bill Varian
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:43 pm
    Pat Frank appears to be one of the last potential Hillsborough County incumbent to file paperwork indicating she plans to run again. And it could be a couple of months yet before she makes a decision on whether to do so. Frank, 82, a Democrat completing her second term as Clerk of the Circuit Court, had open-heart surgery late last year at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a mitral valve. She's still recovering and works from home quite a bit. She says she may have to have a second procedure. Until that time, she said, she can't make a call on whether to run again.

  • Rice crosses petition threshold to make Pinellas ballot

    David DeCamp
    25 Jan 2012 | 2:53 pm
    Republican Everett Rice, seeking to return to power as sheriff, crossed theshold needed to qualify by petition, turning in 6,714 signatures to make the ballot. He needed 6,050. Rice is so far the only sheriff candidate to turn in enough petitions to make the ballot, based on a Jan. 18 list compiled by the Supervisor of Elections Office. He's running in a crowded, expensive primary campaign that includes recently minted Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who also is a Republican.  

  • Sharpe mulling viability of Congressional campaign

    Bill Varian
    24 Jan 2012 | 4:08 pm
    Whispers are growing louder that Republican Mark Sharpe may press the eject button on his challenge to Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, in the District 11 Congressional campaign. Sharpe said he's still firmly in the race. But he acknowledged that he's closely following the redistricting debate in Tallahassee to see how boundaries are redrawn. And signs so far point to the district, which takes in much of Tampa, but also Democrat-tilted parts of southern St. Petersburg and Manatee County, remaining much like it is now. Meaning heavily tilted in favor of Democrats. "Right now…
 
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    tampabay.com

  • Follow the fun of Gasparilla in real time!

    Times Editor
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pm
    What's a die-hard Gasparilla fan to do when they can't make it to the big party? Follow it on Twitter or Facebook, of course! We'll be pulling together the best tweets, pictures and videos as the Jose Gasparilla sails up the channel and pirates invade downtown Tampa on Saturday. Check back early and often. And get in on the action by including @TB_Times in your Twitter updates. We'll use the best in our live all-day coverage. [View the story "Gasparilla 2012 " on Storify]

  • Woman accused of throwing girlfriend's pet hamster 'Boobie' from third-floor balcony

    Times Editor
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:43 pm
    DELRAY BEACH -- A Boynton Beach woman was arrested on Wednesday after she got into a fight with her girlfriend in her Delray Beach home, and threw the woman's pet hamster from a third-floor balcony, the Miami Herald reports. Breana Shakari Smith, 19, is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of $3,000 bond. She is facing charges for battery and animal cruelty. Smith was arrested Wednesday morning shortly after a Delray Beach Police officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Auburn Avenue to reports of a domestic fight at 10:37 a.m. When the officer arrived, 19-year-old Krystina…

  • Assistant in 'Toxic Tush' case attacked on talk show

    Times Editor
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:38 pm
    South Florida’s “Toxic Tush” case took another bizarre turn Wednesday night when the person accused of helping inject concoctions of “Fix-a-Flat” and Super Glue into women’s derrieres was attacked during a taping of a talk show by an audience member. About 9:30 p.m., as Corey Eubank appeared on the Spanish-language television show hosted by Cristina Saralegui in the program’s Doral studio, he was attacked by the mother of one of the victims, Eubank told the Miami Herald afterward. Said Eubank’s defense lawyer, Jim Lewis, “The…

  • Cigarette craving, and stupidity, lands woman in jail

    Times Editor
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:39 pm
    An Osceola County woman, Joan Mayo, called emergency services six times and is still in jail for misusing 911. "What's going on there ma'am?" the 911 operator asked. "None of your business! Just send me a sergeant. It's none of your business! Why the hell are you so stupid?" Mayo replied. Each time Mayo got connected to the 911 center in St. Cloud on Tuesday, she screamed profanities at dispatchers and berated them, according to wftv.com. The police arrived on the scene, and determined she had no apparent reason to call the authorities; but her neighbors said there was a…

  • Bartow pastor is caught in sex sting, deputies say

    Times Editor
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:36 pm
    A Bartow pastor was among four men arrested Wednesday in a sex sting at Peace River Park, the Lakeland Ledger reports. The men solicited sex from undercover male detectives, and in some cases, exposed themselves in the park on State Road 640 near Bartow, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The suspects included Matthew Preston Clark, 33, of 1230 S. McAdoo Ave. in Bartow. Deputies said he told them he is married and serves as senior pastor of Blessed Assurance Temple in Bartow.
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    Tampa Bay business news blog: Venture | Tampa Bay Times

  • Don CeSar Hotel to BP: 'Show us the money' for lost business from oil spill

    Robert Trigaux
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:19 am
    Wake up and good morning. Looks like the landmark Loews Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete Beach is tired of waiting for BP to make good on a $5 million claim for lost business from the 2010 Gulf oil spill. So the Don CeSar's hired Houston attorney and pit bull in BP litigation Tony Buzbee (photo below) of The Buzbee Law Firm to press BP in court. ... Read more

  • Celebratory Jabil Circuit CEO Tim Main at annual meeting: 'We smoked the S&P'

    Robert Trigaux
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:07 pm
    The Tampa Bay Times visited a Jabil Circuit plant (above) in Panyu, China, in 2003, but the company now operates plants in nine other Chinese cities. Photo by David G. McIntyre. Very happy campers after two record years in a row, the (mostly) boys running Jabil Circuit looked relaxed and ready to kick butt this year, too, at the St. Petersburg electronics manufacturer's annual meeting this morning. Analysts peg Jabil's annual revenues this year at $17.5 billion, up from 2011's $16.5 billion. Jabil CEO Tim Main says he has no problem with the latest analyst prediction. ... Read more

  • Buckle up, Florida: As President, Gingrich sees next U.S. state on the moon

    Robert Trigaux
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:03 am
    Wake up and good morning. It was a stellar performance in pandering to regional voters. Newt Gingrich wandered into the Final Frontier Wednesday by telling a Brevard County/Space Coast audience that there will be a permanent U.S. base on the moon and a "continuous propulsion system" to allow travel to Mars by 2020 or, as he put it, by the "end of his second term" as president. Better hurry. Both China and Russia are talking moon colonies, too. (Photo: AP) (Heck, we can't even decide to build a nuclear power plant in Florida by 2020.) ... Read more

  • Rarest of creatures Lee Farkas, a convicted mortgage executive serving time, now seeks retrial

    Robert Trigaux
    25 Jan 2012 | 6:36 am
    Wake up and good morning. That rarest of events -- a successful federal prosection of a financial executive who allegedly scammed the mortgage industry -- is now under fresh attack. Lee Farkas, the Ocala ex-CEO of the Taylor, Bean & Whitaker mortgage corporation and -- I can't believe I'm saying this, the government’s biggest criminal conviction of the financial crisis -- wants a retrial. ... Read more

  • Florida's challenge: What happens as aging population depends solely on Social Security?

    Robert Trigaux
    24 Jan 2012 | 5:25 am
    Wake up and good morning. Some startling statistics follow with tough implications for Florida as Baby Boomers age...  A third of Florida's senior Social Security recipients survive on only their monthly government checks, according to an analysis by AARP, says a South Florida Sun-Sentinel story. Contrast that with the nation as a whole where only 25 percent of retirees 65 and older depend solely on Social Security, the senior advocacy group said. Advanced age has a lot to do with it, meaning Florida has plenty of aging people who simply outlive their other means of support. ... Read…
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    Education articles blog on schools in Florida & Tampa Bay: the Gradebook | Tampa Bay Times

  • New principal coming to Bardmoor Elementary

    ronmatus
    30 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm
    Pinellas Superintendent John Stewart is recommending that Leigh Owens, the assistant principal at Southern Oak Elementary since 2007, become the new principal at Bardmoor Elementary. We're not clear yet on when this recommendation - and the one for Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School - will go before the board for approval. We'll let you know when we find out.

  • Coming up:

    Jeff Solochek
    29 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm
    Jan. 30: Senate Education Pre-K-12, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31: House K-20 Competitiveness, 9 a.m. • House Pre-K-12 Appropriations, 12:30 p.m. • Senate Pre-K-12 Appropriations, 8 a.m. • Senate Higher Education Appropriations, 10 a.m. • Senate Higher Education, 3 p.m. Feb. 1: Office of Early Learning, 3:30 p.m., Tallahassee • Senate Pre-K-12 Appropriations, 10:15 p.m. • Senate Higher Education Appropriations, 11:30 a.m. Feb. 2: House Education, 8:30 a.m. • Senate Pre-K-12 Appropriations, 8 a.m. • Senate Higher Education Appropriations, 10 a.m. ... Read more

  • Sunlake High reading teacher Carla Nolan is Pasco County's teacher of the year

    Jeff Solochek
    28 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pm
    Carla Nolan, a reading teacher at Sunlake High School, is Pasco County 2012 teacher of the year. A National Board certified teacher, Nolan, 46, instructs three classes of intensive reading and two drama classes while also serving as her school’s interim literacy specialist. She wins accolades for her ability to differentiate instruction to individual student needs, helping the students use their own performance data to set goals and monitor their progress. “I know in my classroom students enjoy my charisma. They are focused by my vision for the year, and they are confident in my…

  • A weekend interview with state Rep. Richard Corcoran

    Jeff Solochek
    28 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Since its inception, Florida's corporate tax credit scholarship program has proven both controversial and increasingly popular. The program, which provides vouchers for the state's poorest students to attend private schools, has seen its waiting list grow alongside the line of corporations seeking to contribute. So each year, Republican lawmakers have sought to expand the contribution cap, which in turn allows more students to participate. An increasing number of Democrats, meanwhile, has come to embrace the program, which serves many of their constituents. This year, Pasco County Republican…

  • Parent survey time again in Pasco schools

    Jeff Solochek
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:47 pm
    Responses generally aren't high in the Pasco school district's annual parent satisfaction survey. That doesn't stop the schools from asking how they're doing, though. The district has launched its annual query as a way to help schools and their advisory councils determine what areas might need improvement moving forward. Questions include whether parents are treated with respect at school, whether students receive quality instruction and whether the school provides timely and adequate information about what's happening there. Officials are hoping to boost participation in the survey from past…
 
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    St. Petersburg Times Newspapers in Education: NIE Blogging Zone | Tampa Bay Times

  • To tax or not to tax

    Jodi Pushkin
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:48 am
    Teachers - today's Tampa Bay Times has a great debate topic for your classroom: "State weighs whether to tax Amazon's online sales or cut jobs deal".  Split your students into teams: pro and con. Have them come up with arguments and examples for this issue. Come back here and tell us how it worked out in your classroom.

  • Pasco magnet schools

    Jodi Pushkin
    19 Jan 2012 | 12:34 pm
    The Pasco school district is exploring the option of launching elementary magnet schools to meet growing demand for educational choices. You can read the story here. The school district is asking the public to participate in a survey to garner community feedback. Also, you can read "Should Pasco County start up magnet schools?" on the Gradebook blog. What are your thoughts about elementary magnet school programs? Do you think this would be a benefit to Pasco Schools, parents and students. Share your thoughts here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

  • STEM education comes at a high price

    Jodi Pushkin
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:25 am
         STEM education is being promoted by lawmakers and business people as "the key to future job creation and international competitiveness. In Florida, the pressure is on to push more kids into STEM. This session, lawmakers are considering a bill that would reward schools when students graduate with more math and science credits than currently required," write Tampa Bay Times staff writers Rebecca Catalanello, Jeffrey S. Solochek and Sherri Ackerman. "But as campuses move to aggressively bulk up their STEM programs, they are grappling with a…

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Jodi Pushkin
    16 Jan 2012 | 6:46 am
         As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is a good time to reflect on some of King’s principles. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” What are your thoughts about this message? Do you discuss Dr. King and his message in your classroom? Share your lesson plans focusing on King Day and your thoughts here on the NIE Blogging Zone.      Your Tampa Bay Times NIE program has free curriculum focusing on Dr. King. Go to the NIE website. Go to the Resources…

  • School prayer

    Jodi Pushkin
    12 Jan 2012 | 3:51 pm
    In today's Gradebook blog, Jeff Solochek writes,  "After years of inaction, school prayer legislation clears another hurdle in Florida Senate". Read "School prayer bill continues to move through Florida Legislature" - http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/school-prayer-bill-continues-move-through-florida-legislature and tell us your thoughts about the issue. What do you think about school prayer? How do you feel about incorporating prayer in your classroom?
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    '80s music, John Hughes movies, big hair: Stuck in the '80s | Tampa Bay Times

  • These are the voyages of the coffeetable Enterprise ...

    Steve Spears
    29 Jan 2012 | 6:33 am
    A Star Trek starship Enterprise coffee table? That's so logical that even Mr. Spock is giving the designer a Vulcan high-five. Sadly, it's not for sale. "This Star Trek table is made from ash, poplar and cherry wood," the genius said on Etsy.com. "It took me a month to build it and 2 tries to cut the 1/4" glass the way I wanted but it turned out nicely. The glass is cut to look as though its in motion and the base was designed to portray the ship in orbit over a planet. It has a beautiful rubbed poly finish coat for complete protection for many years to come. Its…

  • Cher not dead ... but movie career on live support

    Steve Spears
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pm
    Cher is dead. Or probably not dead. Damn you, Twitter. Why do we fall for your shenanigans every single time? The rumor started Thursday night when some numbskull tweeted "RT @CNN: American recording artist Cher dies at 65 years old. Found dead in Malibu home." Hollywoodgossip.com got Cher's buddy/jewelry designer Loree Rodkin to go on the record: "Whoever started that stupid rumor needs to have their face dragged across concrete. It’s a hoax. She’s fine. She's so NOT dead. She's just a busy girl." Well, she could be busier, but her hot streak in films hit…

  • Ferris Bueller lives again ... in Super Bowl ad for Honda

    Steve Spears
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:55 am
    Ferris Bueller is about to get another day off. And predictably, it's Super Bowl Sunday. Matthew Broderick is appearing in viral web teases to the commercial, and of course, everyone except my mom has e-mailed Stuck in the '80s about it. Well, les jeux sont faits. Translation? Here's the scoop: It's for a Honda commercial, according to Jalopnik.com. ... Read more

  • State Farm has itself a little Journey moment

    Steve Spears
    27 Jan 2012 | 3:35 am
    Absolutely ... LOVE ... this commercial. (Though not enough to change from Geico to State Farm. Maybe try Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys too.)

  • 'Princess Bride' bobbleheads? Inconceivable!

    Steve Spears
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:52 am
    Princess Bride headlines are easy to write. You either use "As you wish" or "Inconceivable" and you're pretty much set. Decide for yourself which wording belongs to these Princess Bride bobbleheads. There are actually THREE SETS of Princess Bride bobbleheads. This particular one goes for $54. Says the vendor: "The Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya, the scheming Sicilian Vizzini, or the one man brute squad  from Greenland, Fezzik. Each highly detailed polystone bobblehead comes packaged in a full color window box. Inconceivably, each bobble head is…
 
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    Deal Divas Feed

  • Total coat score at Macy's!

    Stephanie Hayes
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:42 am
    Even though it's 400 degrees this January in Florida, I needed a coat. I'm venturing to South Korea in February and March, as I've mentioned, and it's flipping cold there. Having been an official Deal Diva for several years now, I knew better than to buy cold weather items before Christmas, or even New Year's. I went to Macy's One Day Sale the first week of January with some hesitation, because I've learned the best discounts typically aren't on the advertised dates. All the coats were still around $50 at the lowest, and if you haven't gleaned, I'm a miser. I went to Macy's at Tyrone…

  • These shoes will brighten your day

    Kameel Stanley
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:37 am
    So lately, I've been obsessed with colorful pumps. I can't get them out of my mind. Whenever I pass them in a store I pause and ooh and ahhh.  My boyfriend is pretty sick of it. Just buy some already, he says.  But you know me. I've gotta have options. I need some opinions. I'm also picky when it comes to heels. If they're going to be sky-high, I demand at least a smigen of comfort. Is that too much to ask? At the top of my (current) list are these lemon-colored pumps frum Lulu's. $34 Don't you love the bow detail? The other day I was in Kohl's and spotted these Candie's platforms.

  • JCPenney ditches the 99-cent line

    Stephanie Hayes
    25 Jan 2012 | 3:28 pm
    Can we talk about JCPenney? Growing up in Ohio, I always associated JCPenney with two things -- my grandma, who got the catalog and loved to shop there, and all the rest of the women in my family, who got their hair done by a woman named Denise at the salon there (they looked lovely). But it was never a place to which I flocked for fine fashion. It was more garden clogs than tailored jacket, dig? But lately, things have changed. In recent years, JCPenney has adopted a Target-style position of stocking affordable designer lines. The MNG by Mango brand they carry is one of my favorite current…

  • On the hunt for non-dorky sneakers

    Kim Wilmath
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:33 am
    So, I got a dog. Her name is Peggy and she is perfect in every way. See her cameo in My Outfit Monday this week? She's sporting fur this season. (Har, har). As a result, I've been doing a lot of walking. And my normal running shoes are getting worn out wayyy too quickly. My girl Peggy doesn't like to scrimp on her workouts, ya'll. I decided I need some new sneaks -- something casual. Less hardcore than I'd wear to the gym, but not dorky. Shoes I can wear out walking the hood with the Pegster, but also perhaps out running errands without looking like I drive a minivan. I figured I'd start at…

  • Yay or nay? The casual winter turban

    Emily Nipps
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:22 am
    So at nearly 80 degrees, it's a liiiiittle warm in Florida to be talking winter hats.  But we would be remiss if we let the season fly by without discussing the most divine of cold-weather trends, and that is: The Joan Collins-style turban. The hip online fashion site Refinery29.com released a slideshow yesterday called 9 Winter Hats That Won't Make You Look Like A Dork, and it featured not one, but TWO knit turbans, that arguably will not make you look like a dork. And I do mean arguably. This is a tough one. On one hand, I wholeheartedly support any fashion trend…
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    Whoa Momma! Feed

  • Choosing kindergarten: where do you start?

    Sharon Wynne
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:04 pm
    I thought choosing a day care was tough. I wanted the best -- safety, creative and caring teachers, stimulating environment. But I also had to be able to afford it. Finding a place that satisfied all of the above took a lot of research, visits, interviews and pro-and-con lists. Now I’d like to just hide out there forever. Kindergarten? Huh? Did someone say something? It’s the time of year that parents start scouting out the perfect fit for kindergarten class. Hillsborough County just posted its kindergarten round-up schedule, the dates and times next month where you can visit a…

  • Free and cheap things to do with the kids

    Sharon Wynne
    25 Jan 2012 | 4:54 pm
    There's some great family-friendly diversions to choose from this week if you want to avoid the crowds of Gasparilla, from the folksy Kumquat Festival to free movies on the beach to a park filled with all manner of trucks and even a tank for kids to climb on. Read on for more: It’s shark mania at this week’s free Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels to plop on Clearwater Beach and watch free movies. Friday features the PG-rated film Shark Tale with the voice of Will Smith and Saturday features the PG-rated film about a shark…

  • Kids can see pirate ballet for $10

    Sharon Wynne
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:39 am
    A new $10 ticket price for children 12 and under is available for Gaspar: A Pirate Fantasy, the swashbuckling ballet on stage Sunday at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts. "It's a family friendly event and the $10 ticket price is designed for kids to enjoy the Gaspar Ballet," said Sharon Sanchez, Gaspar executive producer. The swashbuckling ballet features beautiful ballerinas, handsome pirates, daredevil swordfighters,  acrobats and romance. It tells the tale of Jose Gaspar, Tampa's most famous pirate. Principal dancers from Philadelphia will perform lead roles…

  • Moms and sons get a "Date Knight"

    Sharon Wynne
    23 Jan 2012 | 12:29 pm
    After whining that all the daddy-daughter dances and father-son campouts leave out us moms with boys, it's only fair that I report the  news that Chick-fil-A has heard our complaint and on Feb. 4, Tampa Bay area eateries are hosting a mother-son "Date Knight." Click here to sign up and make a reservation. They have spots at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at multiple locations. It's free for the fun, which includes games, music, and special appearances by a certain cow, but the food bill is up to you. Back in October I vented a bit about the many daddy-daughter date nights, father-son…

  • Babies learn to talk by reading lips

    Sharon Wynne
    23 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am
    Think your baby is listening to you in order to learn how to talk? It's more like lip reading, scientists say. There's a fascinating study out that you can read about here that says quality face-time with your baby is more important than you might think for speech development. Scientists discovered that starting around age 6 months, babies begin shifting from the intent eye gaze of early infancy to studying mouths when people talk to them. "The baby in order to imitate you has to figure out how to shape their lips to make that particular sound they're hearing," said developmental…
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    Visit Tampa Bay

  • Audio Recorder is Needed for A Film Shoot...

    Tampa Bay Film
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:32 am
    Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some more film news… A New York based production team is looking for an audio recorder for a one day documentary style shoot taking place in Tampa Bay. This shoot is on Friday, January 27, 2012 at some indoor and outdoor secured location. If you are interested, you will need to provide your own mixer, boom and gear. Please email Eric directly at eric@wearef360.com. Production Company: F360 Director: Eric Tu Executive Producer: Peter Friedman Check back often for more Tampa Bay Film news.

  • Mac and Cheese Burger at the 2012 Florida State Fair ... Yes Please!!!

    jeremy fairley
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:29 am
    Hello folks! Jerm here and back with one of the tastiest updates I can remember having posted in a long time! It seems like only yesterday our friends over at the Florida State Fair, and the gang over at Carousel foods had us stuffing our faces with fair creations like that juicy, bacon stuffed, ice cream cheeseburgers! Well everyone, it's almost that time of year again and Dennis and Cheryl Reas owners of Carousel foods, and inventors of the donut burger, have released their 2012 creations for the Florida State Fair.  Some of the creations that they have come up with this year are…

  • 2012 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest Will Be Providing Festivities Before and After ...

    Tampa Bay & Company
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:54 am
    Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to share with you the stage talent for the 2012 Seminole Hardrock Gasparilla Street Festival in downtown Tampa. I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the pirates arrival in Tampa Bay, but what you may not know is the festivities begin before the pirates invade and capture the City – and they’ll continue until long after the last pirate has paraded through the streets! The 2012 Pirate Fest Street Festival features stages with live entertainment, food and fun. Admission to Tampa’s Gasparilla festivities, including all Pirate Fest concerts…

  • Casting Call for Local Shoppers!

    Tampa Bay & Company
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:15 am
    Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here with a great opportunity for any women in the area who love to shop.A casting call is taking place this Wednesday for a commercial that is promoting a nationwide retailer. They are seeking real women shoppers of all ethnicities who are between their late 20s and early 50s.They are looking for positive women from the Tampa Bay area who love to bargain shop! If this describes you, make sure to audition on January 25th.The audition will consist of a brief interview. No experience necessary!If you would like to be considered please email AubreyV247cast@gmail.com…

  • The Special Event Comes to Tampa...

    Convention Sales
    20 Jan 2012 | 4:57 pm
    Julia here with some exciting Convention Sales News. Next week The Special Event (TSE) Conference and Trade Show takes place in Tampa from January 24-27, 2012.  TSE is the leading conference devoted to special event professionals and this year's theme is "Event 3.0: Evolve, Flourish, Prosper".  The Special Event will offer it's attendees education sessions, exhibits and showcasing events.  Thousands of event professionals representing millions of dollars in buying power will gather in downtown Tampa to get the latest on an everchanging industry.  For more…
 
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    Bucs Nation

  • TBA: Trust, Belief and Accountability - Greg Schiano talks

    Sander
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pm
    "There is going to be a Buccaneer Way, there are going to be Buccaneer Men." Greg Schiano made an impression in his first press conference as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coach. He was clear, collected, and had a presence to him. He looked like, for lack of a better term, a football coach. One thing was abundantly clear: this was not Raheem Morris, and things are about to change around One Buc Place. Schiano wants to build this team around three things: Trust, Belief and Accountability. TBA. Schiano wants to build this team around a "humble, unselfish attitude of sacrifice". That Trust,…

  • Sports Illustrated 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Morris Claiborne

    Sander
    27 Jan 2012 | 12:51 pm
    Morris Claiborne, Trent Richardson. Morris Claiborne, Trent Richardson. Morris Claiborne, Trent Richardson. Mock drafts are getting a little one-sided for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No tackles, no pass rushers, Justin Blackmon doesn't even pop in regularly. I need some diversity in my mock drafts, guys, this is boring. But hey, Don Banks of Sports Illustrated just released his first mock draft of the year. He has the Bucs picking, of course, cornerback Morris Claiborne out of LSU. The pick makes sense: with Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib likely leaving this offseason, the Bucs need cornerbacks. A…

  • Greg Schiano signed a five-year, $15 million contract per report

    Sander
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:14 am
    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed brand new head coach Greg Schiano to a five-year deal worth slightly more than $15 million, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. While that represents a small raise from his $2.3 million per year deal at Rutgers, it doesn't come close to the $6 million per year reportedly offered to Chip Kelly. While this isn't a bottom-dwelling head coaching deal, it's not exactly rich, either. That's to be expected when hiring someone with as low a profile as Schiano has. Spending a relatively low amount on a head coach could give the Bucs a chance to spend big on…

  • Daily Bucs Links 1/27/12 - Everything on Greg Schiano

    Sander
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:04 am
    Who is Greg Schiano? - NFC South Blog - ESPNThe Bucs' next head coach. The scouting report on Greg Schiano - NFC South Blog - ESPNMore info. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Plan to Hire Greg Schiano of Rutgers [UPDATE: Schiano Has Been Hired] | The Big LeadHe's in. Bucs to hire Schiano as next head coach - NFL - Yahoo! SportsWill he succeed? Schiano has a lot to offer -- but not to Buccaneers - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy AdviceHarsh, bro. Greg Schiano big on structure, discipline - NFC South Blog - ESPNWell, that's good. Greg Schiano agrees to 5-year deal with Tampa Bay…

  • "I've had several opportunities over the years and none of them felt right. This time, this one...

    Sander
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:50 am
    "I've had several opportunities over the years and none of them felt right. This time, this one felt right." Greg Schiano to Newark Star-Ledger via ESPN
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    Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog: Bucs Beat | tampabay.com & Tampa Bay Times

  • Greg Schiano will have final call on assistant coach hires

    Stephen Holder
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:37 pm
    Greg Schiano's first order of business after the conclusion of his press conference was to begin intense work on building his coaching staff. It's something he and general manager Mark Dominik talked about in theory during their second meeting earlier this week, but more in-depth work and decisions lay ahead. And when they come, the ultimate decisions will be made by Schiano. "Again, this is Coach Schiano’s staff," Dominik said after today's press conference. "He’s going to have final say on his staff. It’s very important that people understand this is his…

  • Video: Bucs introduce Schiano as head coach

    Stephen Holder
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:20 pm
    Greg Schiano was formally introduced Friday as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are his first comments after taking the podium and laying out his plans for making a transition from college football to the NFL.

  • Schiano says to expect accountability, physical play

    fpastor
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:24 pm
    For most of a month, the letters TBA were a constant reminder of the slow pace of the Tampa Bay Buccaners' head coaching search. Friday at One Buc Place, Greg Schiano gave them new meaning. Trust, belief and accountability form the crux of the message the Bucs' new staff will teach, Schiano said during his introductory news conference. "Our team will be built around a humble, unselfish attitude of sacrifice,'' the former Rutgers coach said. "It's hard to find that in today's world, but that's how it will be.'' Schiano, 45, was chosen to replace Raheem Morris, who was fired after…

  • Weather delays Greg Schiano's press conference

    Times Editor
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:54 am
    Today’s press conference with new Bucs head coach Greg Schiano has been pushed back to 2 p.m. due to inclement weather in the Northeast. The press conference is scheduled to be broadcast live on BHSN.

  • Reaction to Greg Schiano's move to Bucs

    Stephen Holder
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:56 pm
    We spent the day talking to various people about Greg Schiano, and we've come up with several takes on Schiano the man and the coach. Here's a sampling of what we heard. Jeremy Zuttah, former Rutgers lineman, current Bucs guard On Schiano's coaching style: “He really stresses doing things the right way, all the time. Not just when your coach is watching. He’s just a great coach. “I think with the attention to detail and doing things the right way, players know he’s tough. But you know he cares, too.” On Schiano recruiting him (Zuttah had an offer from Ohio State,…
 
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    Buccaneers Gab

  • 5-Round Tampa Bay Mock

    Chris Bach
    28 Jan 2012 | 12:33 am
    Draft objectives: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help on every level, in every facet, except maybe running back. They may need a back-up QB as well. Round 1, Pick 5: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. I believe that if they think Dre Kirkpatrick is better, they’ll take him, even with the mild off-the-field issue. Round 2, Pick 37: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia *. Jeremy Zuttah is a free agent, and possibly makes a better center than guard. If Glenn isn’t here (and I could see that being the case), they will look to DT, WR, or possibly another corner if Ronde Barber doesn’t come back. Round…

  • Video – King: Bucs Surprise with Hire of Schiano

    Matt Loede
    28 Jan 2012 | 12:05 am
    SI.com’s Peter King reacts to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ hiring of Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.

  • Schiano Introduced as the “Right Man” for the Job

    Matt Loede
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:38 pm
    Greg Schiano couldn’t resist the challenge of trying to transform the Bucs into winners. The 45-year-old architect of a stunning college football turnaround at Rutgers was formally introduced Friday as the “right man” to the lead the NFL’s youngest team to playoff contention — and beyond. “I don’t believe in doing anything except to be the best,” Schiano told a packed auditorium inside the team’s posh headquarters and training facility. “We’re going to try to be the best starting today. How long that’s going to take, I…

  • The Reasons Behind Greg Schiano and What He Brings To the Buccaneers

    Chris Bach
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:07 pm
    Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will be the next head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is why he was selected: 1. The Buccaneers needed order and discipline. Davin Joseph recently spoke out concerning this, that some players were allowed to do what they want under Raheem Morris. Schiano’s strong leadership style has brought praise from Bill Belichick. 2. The Buccaneers are rebuilding. Schiano had to face an uphill battle going to a Rutgers football team in 2001 that had not had a winning season since 2002 and had never won a bowl game (appearing only once in 1978, defeated by…

  • Buccaneers Wrapping Up a Deal with Greg Schiano to be New Head Coach

    Matt Loede
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:43 am
    The Buccaneers are close to finally getting a head coach, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the team is trying to wrap up a deal with Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. Schiano’s hiring would be a surprise, as his name hasn’t been mentioned at all with any other openings, and the last time he was mentioned for a job was after the 2006 season when Rutgers went 11-2 and Michigan was believed to be interested. The 45-year-old Schiano has spent the 11 seasons at Rutgers, compiling a 68-67 record that includes a 5-1 mark in bowl games. Over the last seven seasons, the Scarlet…
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    Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL News - Buccaneers Football Blog

  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hire Greg Schiano as their new head coach

    admin
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:31 am
    The Buccaneers have hired 45-year old Greg Schiano to be their new head coach.  Schiano rebuilt a Rutgers’ football program that was in the dumps when he took over.  He compiled a 68-67 (50.4%) record during the regular season in his 11 years at Rutgers.  He was also a very impressive 5-1 (83.3%) in bowl games at Rutgers.  Schiano was a defensive assistant coach for the Bears from 1996-98, so he does have some experience in coaching in the NFL, but, it was a long time ago.  College coaches usually have a lot of trouble in the NFL as they can’t make their own schedule and they…

  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a decent 2011 draft

    admin
    16 Jan 2012 | 3:56 pm
    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tried to load up on D in the 2011 NFL Draft and they found some keepers.  Here is a look at how the rookies did in their first taste of NFL action in 2011: 23-year old DE Adrian Clayborn was picked in the first round by the Bucs.  He was by far the best player the Bucs picked.  Clayborn played in all 16 games for the Bucs in 2011 and he had 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and 3 forced fumbles.  He has a huge upside. 21-year old DE Da’Quan Bowers was a second round pick for the Bucs last April.  He played in all 16 games for the Bucs last year…

  • Josh Freeman took a big step back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011

    admin
    6 Jan 2012 | 11:39 am
    23-year old QB Josh Freeman took a big step back in 2011.  The Bucs were only 4-11 (26.7%) when Freeman started at QB in 2011.  He played in 15 games (all starts) for the Buccaneers last year and he completed 346 of 551 passes (62.8%) for 3,592 yards with 16 TD passes and 22 INTs (74.6 QB Rating).  He also carried the ball 55 times for 238 yards (4.3 ypc) with 4 TD runs last year.  Freeman has now played in 41 games (40 starts) in his first three years with the Bucs and he has completed 795 of 1,315 passes (60.5%) for 8,898 yards with 51 TD passes and 46 INTs (79.0 QB Rating).  He has…

  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired Raheem Morris

    admin
    3 Jan 2012 | 3:42 pm
    The Buccaneers have fired 35-year old head coach Raheem Morris and his whole coaching staff.  The Buccaneers finished 4-12 on the season and they are currently on a 10-game losing streak.  The Buccaneers averaged 17.9 points per game this year and they gave up a pathetic 30.9 points per game.  Morris was also the defensive co-ordinator for the Bucs this year!  The Buccaneers were 17-31 (35.4%) in Morris’ three years in charge.  The Buccaneers got outcoached almost every week over the last three years, so Morris had to go.

  • Atlanta Falcons 45, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24

    admin
    3 Jan 2012 | 8:49 am
    The Buccaneers were down 42-0 in this game with 6:49 left in the second quarter!  The Falcons then took the foot off the gas pedal and the Bucs scored a few points.  Josh Freeman was not too good in this game.  He completed 31 of 45 passes for 274 yards with 2 TD passes and 3 INTs (one of which was returned 26 yards for a TD by LB Curtis Lofton of the Falcons).  He also carried the ball 3 times for 14 yards (4.7 ypc) in this game.  LeGarrette Blount only rushed for 12 yards on 6 carries (2.0 ypc) and he also caught 3 passes for 14 yards.  Kregg Lumpkin carried the ball 2 times for 0…
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    Yardbarker: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • "We're going to do it in free agency," Mark Dominik

    28 Jan 2012 | 3:35 am
    " I don't want people to be worried we're not going to spend in free agency..."There you have it; in Black and White! Mark Dominik, General Manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has said so in front of the press in those exact words; "We're going to do it in free agency, I dont want people to be worried we're not going to spend in free agency."Look, you cant blame Dominik, Raheem Morris, the Glazers, and heck even us the fans, for getting caught up in a 10-6 season based on youth. The problem was we didnt see the contributions Barrett Ruud made, or Cadillac Williams, in the lockerroom. Their…

  • Bucs Coach Greg Schiano Owes Rutgers $800,000

    27 Jan 2012 | 8:20 pm
    Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano owes his former employer, Rutgers University, $800,000 for jumping ship. Schiano was introduced as the Bucs new head coach on Friday. Rutgers athletic department spokesman Jason Baum told Bloomberg that Schiano is obligated to pay a $500,000 buyout plus $300,000 that remains on a home loan.  

  • Buccaneers Introduce New Coach, Greg Schiano

    27 Jan 2012 | 2:54 pm
    TAMPA, Fla. -- Greg Schiano relishes the challenge of trying to turn around the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The 45-year-old Schiano was formally introduced Friday as the ninth coach in franchise history, inheriting a team that allowed the most points in the NFL this season."We're beginning a new chapter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer said, adding that they're very excited for that new chapter to begin."Glazer said Schiano "has a vision for what he wants to do."Schiano transformed Rutgers from a struggling college football program into a Big East contender…

  • Notes From Greg Schiano Press Conference as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach

    27 Jan 2012 | 1:34 pm
    Greg Schiano took to the podium today and was formally introduced as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9th head coach. Wearing a red tie and black suit, the strong jawed Schiano gave us a little insight into his plans for the Buccaneers. Given a 5 year deal, Schiano will have every opportunity to build and deliver on his goals. Here are some key statements. Joel Glazer: “In the end after talking to a lot of people, a lot of different perspectives, it was clear (Schiano) was the right person for the job.” “He has a vision, a vision of what he wants to do.” “He really took us back the more we…

  • Greg Schiano Hiring Must Force NCAA To Push Back National Signing Day

    27 Jan 2012 | 9:29 am
    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired former Rutgets Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano on Thursday. The Bucs had every right to hire Schiano as their next head coach, and Schiano had every right to leave the college football world in favor of the National Football League. I want to make it crystal clear that I blame neither Tampa Bay nor Schiano for reaching an agreement. They did absolutely nothing wrong. But that does not mean that everything is right. In terms of college football recruiting, the biggest day of the entire year is just five days away. February 1 is National Signing Day for…
 
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    Sports: Tampa Bay Bucs

  • Coach Greg Schiano's move to Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches recruit offguard

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:08 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 TAMPA — Count Gainesville High linebacker and USF recruit Tashon Whitehurst among the surprised to hear Greg Schiano left Rutgers to become the Bucs' coach.Whitehurst made an official visit to Rutgers, among his finalists with USF and Syracuse, last weekend. "I was at (Schiano's) house," Whitehurst said Friday. "We watched the NFL game, Patriots and Ravens." Rutgers assistants Chris Hewitt and Robb Smith were at Gainesville High on Thursday when the news broke. Whitehurst said he was taking a test when they arrived and by the…

  • Five impressions of Greg Schiano's introductory news conference as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' new coach

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:37 pm
    By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 TAMPA — Lousing up an opening news conference is hard to do. Unless new Bucs coach Greg Schiano came out Friday dressed in fishnet stockings and called Pol Pot his hero, his Tampa Bay inauguration likely was going to go down in the win column. After all, in opening news conferences, you don't have to explain how that fourth-quarter lead got away or defend some lamebrain fake punt call.Opening news conferences are about the hopeful future, not the disappointing past. They're about all the things you are going to do right because…

  • Greg Schiano will have final call on assistant coach hires

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:37 pm
    Greg Schiano's first order of business after the conclusion of his press conference was to begin intense work on building his coaching staff. It's something he and general manager Mark Dominik talked about in theory during their second meeting earlier this week, but more in-depth work and decisions lay ahead. And when they come, the ultimate decisions will be made by Schiano. "Again, this is Coach Schiano’s staff," Dominik said after today's press conference. "He’s going to have final say on his staff. It’s very important that people understand this is his…

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, quarterback Josh Freeman have history together

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:46 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 TAMPA — New Bucs coach Greg Schiano and his new quarterback have a history together. They met five years ago at, perhaps, Schiano's highest point at Rutgers — and a turning point for Josh Freeman in his development at Kansas State.Schiano's No. 16-ranked Scarlet Knights dominated Freeman and the Wildcats 37-10 in the December 2006 Texas Bowl to cap an 11-win season. The Wildcats scored their only touchdown on special teams. And Freeman threw for only 129 yards with one of his two interceptions returned for a touchdown. "He…

  • Video: Bucs introduce Schiano as head coach

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:20 pm
    Greg Schiano was formally introduced Friday as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are his first comments after taking the podium and laying out his plans for making a transition from college football to the NFL.
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    Tampabay.com: Sports

  • Sports on TV/radio

    27 Jan 2012 | 11:31 pm
    Times staff Saturday, January 28, 2012 TODAY Action sports Winter X Games, 2 p.m., ESPN2 Winter X Games, 4 p.m., Ch. 28 Winter X Games, 9 p.m., ESPN Autos Rolex Sports Car Series: Rolex 24 at Daytona, 3:30 p.m., Speed College basketball Ball State at Ohio, 11 a.m., ESPNU St. John's at Duke, noon, ESPN Marquette at Villanova, noon, ESPN2 Wake Forest at Clemson, noon, Ch. 44 Women: Notre Dame at St. John's , noon, BHSN Women: Kansas State at Oklahoma State, 12:30 p.m., FSN West Virginia at Syracuse, 1 p.m., ESPNU Texas at Baylor, 1 p.m., Ch. 10 Women: St. Bonaventure at La Salle, 1 p.m., CBSSN…

  • Two on Bucs' list wind up assisting

    27 Jan 2012 | 10:14 pm
    Times wires Friday, January 27, 2012 Two coaches who were candidates for the Bucs' coaching job landed on their feet Friday.Mike Sherman, 57, was named Dolphins offensive coordinator by coach Joe Philbin, who also was a Bucs candidate. Sherman was interviewed twice by the Bucs and was considered the favorite until Greg Schiano's hiring Thursday.Sherman and Philbin have a relationship that goes back decades. Sherman was Philbin's high school English teacher, and Sherman gave Philbin his first NFL coaching job, with the Packers.The Dolphins also named Kevin Coyle, 56, as defensive coordinator.

  • Coach Greg Schiano's move to Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches recruit offguard

    27 Jan 2012 | 10:08 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 TAMPA — Count Gainesville High linebacker and USF recruit Tashon Whitehurst among the surprised to hear Greg Schiano left Rutgers to become the Bucs' coach.Whitehurst made an official visit to Rutgers, among his finalists with USF and Syracuse, last weekend. "I was at (Schiano's) house," Whitehurst said Friday. "We watched the NFL game, Patriots and Ravens." Rutgers assistants Chris Hewitt and Robb Smith were at Gainesville High on Thursday when the news broke. Whitehurst said he was taking a test when they arrived and by the…

  • Cremins out for year

    27 Jan 2012 | 10:04 pm
    Friday, January 27, 2012 CHARLESTON, S.C. — Bobby Cremins' assistant says the veteran basketball coach hasn't looked well the past few weeks and Friday evening the College of Charleston announced Cremins will miss the rest of the season because of a medical problem. Mark Byington, who will take over as coach, was still surprised when Cremins, 64, called him Friday morning with the news. "The despair in his voice … I knew something was wrong," Byington said. The college did not specify Cremins' medical condition or put a time frame on his return.Athletic director Joe Hull did say…

  • Rutgers working on Schiano void

    27 Jan 2012 | 9:59 pm
    Times wires Friday, January 27, 2012 Greg Schiano, the new Bucs coach, leaves Rutgers in better shape than when he was hired in 2000, and the school is working to keep its recruiting class and find its next coach.The New Jersey native had six winning seasons in the past seven years and guided the Scarlet Knights to a 5-1 record in bowl games. Rutgers is coming off a 9-4 season and has most of its key players back. "This program is not a rebuild," athletic director Tim Pernetti said. "This program is priced to move in every way." Pernetti said he will reach out to recruits. He could not…
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    Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Evan Longoria: The Heater | Tampa Bay Times

  • Joyce to host Sweet Swing camp Sunday

    Marc Topkin
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:24 pm
    Rays OF Matt Joyce is returning to his roots, hosting the Sweet Swing Baseball Camp 9-3 Sunday at the North Brandon Little League (2915 Kings Highway, Seffner). Ex-Ray Grant Balfour and other pros are expected. Cost is $100, with no pre-registration required.

  • Keppinger deal official; Canzler designated

    Marc Topkin
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:17 pm
    UPDATE, 4:14: Keppinger, a Miami native, said the chance to return to Florida and play for a winning team were key parts of his decision, but primarily it was the opportunity to play - at a number of positions - that led to him signing with the Rays. And though most of his time has been at second base and shortstop, and though the Giants made made a point of saying his defense at shortstop wasn't good enough, he said that he can handle whatever the Rays have in mind. ... Read more

  • Lou Piniella's mother passed away this week

    Marc Topkin
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:55 pm
    Margaret Piniella, the mother of former Rays manager Lou Piniella, died this week in Tampa. She was 92. Margaret Piniella was considered the athlete of the family, credited with playing a key role in developing Lou's interest in sports, as well as his temper. She famously once ran onto the court during one of Lou's Jesuit High basketball games to argue with the referee. "Everyone says Lou takes after his mom," family friend Carmine Iavarone told ESPN in 2010. Margaret Piniella had been in failing health for several years; Lou left the Cubs in August 2010 to come home and help…

  • Four spring games set for TV on Sun Sports

    Marc Topkin
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:58 am
    Four Rays spring games are set to be televised by Sun Sports: March 15, vs. Phillies, 1 p.m. March 18, vs. Red Sox, 1 p.m. March 25, vs. Marlins, 1 p.m. March 31, vs. Red Sox, 1 p.m. A number of games will be carried on radio; that schedule has not been released.

  • BA Prospect Handbook: Moore No. 1, Lee 2, Archer 3

    Marc Topkin
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:54 am
    It's always a good day when Baseball America's Prospect Handbook comes in the mail, as they share their rankings of each system and offer in-depth scouting reports and analysis. Overall, the experts at BA have the Rays ranked 11th in organizational talent (the Nats, Rangers and Royals are 1-2-3) and compiled an interesting list of prospects that, after LHP Matt Moore at the top, has SS Hak-Ju Lee second, RHP Chris Archer third, 2011 top draft pick Taylor Guerrieri fourth and does not include 2010 top pick OF Josh Sale among the 31 listed. ... Read more
 
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    DRaysBay

  • TBO_Rays @TBO_Rays #Rays DFA OF Russ Canzler to clear room on the 40-man for Keppinger.

    rglass44
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pm
    TBO_Rays  @TBO_Rays #Rays DFA OF Russ Canzler to clear room on the 40-man for Keppinger. Well there goes any talk of him being on the opening day roster.

  • The Keppinger signing is official, the Twitter account was not.

    John Gregg
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:20 pm
    The Keppinger signing is official, the Twitter account was not. It's O-fficial. FYI--the @jeffkeppinger account was a fake. RT @rayspressbox: RAYS SIGN JEFF KEPPINGER TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT— Jonathan Gantt (@Jonathan_Gantt) January 27, 2012

  • Why Do We Care About Batting Average?

    PGP
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:41 am
    I've come up with a new, extremely complex statistic that I think will revolutionize baseball. Let me go over how to calculate this statistic. Bear with me for a moment folks because it gets a little messy. First, you look at all the times a hitter comes up to bat. Give the hitter one point for every time they get on base by hitting the ball, except if the scorer feels like the fielder *probably* should've made the play (they get a point if the fielder is too lazy or inept to make it to the ball on time though). That's right, this statistic gives equal credit for home runs and singles, even…

  • The Rays Tank: Fernando Rodney Blows A Save; More #KeppTalk

    Steve Slowinski
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:35 am
    Rays Talk First up, I'm late getting to this story, but the Florida legislature has uncovered an old law that requires publicly-financed sports stadiums to serve as homeless shelters while not in use. They're attempting to push a measure through that would enforce said law while also tacking on some extra provisions -- one of which includes fines a team for blackouts. If the bill passed, any stadium that hasn't been operating a homeless shelter while receiving public money would have to pay back millions of dollars. I doubt anything comes of this, as it seems like a lot of grandstanding. But…

  • Baseball America's Rays Top 30 Prospect List

    Steve Slowinski
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:48 am
    Thanks to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) for tweeting out the full list. You can find this list in the Baseball America Prospect Handbook: Moore Lee Archer Guerreri Colome Torres Beckham Romero Vettleson Mahtook Guyer Hager Dietrich Brett Bailey Markel Suarez Goeddel Bush Snell Lara Vogt W. Rodriguez Linsky Martin Carter O'Conner Rivero Bortnick Thompson Malm Lobstein So Josh Sale and Robinson Chirinos both didn't make the list. Any other notable omissions or odd rankings that you notice?
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    Sports: Tampa Bay Rays

  • It's a pirate's life for Matt Joyce, David Price and James Shields

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:57 pm
    By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 They're proud and paid (rather well) to be Tampa Bay Rays, but for one day, Matt Joyce, David Price and James Shields are going to be pirates.That's Gasparilla pirates, with a lowercase p.The Rays' three 2011 All-Stars will share duties as grand marshals for Saturday's parade through Tampa. While they're cool, calm and collected performing in front of tens of thousands (or sometimes at the Trop, 10,000), the Rays mates aren't quite sure what to expect for this outing, but are excited by the prospects."This is pretty cool,'' Shields…

  • Joyce to host Sweet Swing camp Sunday

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:24 pm
    Rays OF Matt Joyce is returning to his roots, hosting the Sweet Swing Baseball Camp 9-3 Sunday at the North Brandon Little League (2915 Kings Highway, Seffner). Ex-Ray Grant Balfour and other pros are expected. Cost is $100, with no pre-registration required.

  • Tampa Bay Rays sign utilityman Jeff Keppinger

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm
    By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 ST. PETERSBURG — Jeff Keppinger not only knows what he's getting into with the Rays, he likes the sound of it.Having spent most of his career in the middle infield, Keppinger signed Friday — getting a one-year deal for $1.525 million plus incentives — to be the next product of the Tampa Bay superutilityman factory. Russ Canzler was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster."I'm up for anything," Keppinger said. "I like that prospect rather than a team just limiting me to be a backup at one…

  • Keppinger deal official; Canzler designated

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:17 pm
    UPDATE, 4:14: Keppinger, a Miami native, said the chance to return to Florida and play for a winning team were key parts of his decision, but primarily it was the opportunity to play - at a number of positions - that led to him signing with the Rays. And though most of his time has been at second base and shortstop, and though the Giants made made a point of saying his defense at shortstop wasn't good enough, he said that he can handle whatever the Rays have in mind. "I'm up for anything,'' Keppinger said. "I know there's a lot of talk that people tell me I'm limited at…

  • Lou Piniella's mother passed away this week

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:55 pm
    Margaret Piniella, the mother of former Rays manager Lou Piniella, died this week in Tampa. She was 92. Margaret Piniella was considered the athlete of the family, credited with playing a key role in developing Lou's interest in sports, as well as his temper. She famously once ran onto the court during one of Lou's Jesuit High basketball games to argue with the referee. "Everyone says Lou takes after his mom," family friend Carmine Iavarone told ESPN in 2010. Margaret Piniella had been in failing health for several years; Lou left the Cubs in August 2010 to come home and help…
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    Lightning Strikes Feed

  • Reminder: Damian Cristodero chat, Friday at 12:30

    fpastor
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:17 pm
    A quick reminder that Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero will be chatting live Friday, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Damian Cristodero chat (January 2012)

  • ThunderBug performer fired

    Times Editor
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:43 pm
    A woman performing as ThunderBug was fired, just one week after an incident in which she sprayed Silly String on a Bruins fan during a game. Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett said the woman, who hasn't been identified, wasn't a full-time employee, but an event-to-event contract peformer the past two years. Others wear the mascot's outfit, and Thunderbug was in the stands for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets. ThunderBug struck a chord with the crowd during last week's game with the Bruins, when a YouTube video shot from the stands showed the mascot spraying Silly String on a…

  • Tampa Bay Lightning gets good news on D Hedman but braces for bad news on RW Tyrell

    Damian Cristodero
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:55 pm
    Defenseman Victor Hedman, who tonight will miss his 13th game because of a concussion, skated at the the Tampa Bay Lightning's morning skate on Tuesday, though with a red no-contact jersey, and said he is aiming for a Jan. 31 return against the Capitals. Coach Guy Boucher said it is "a possibility" Hedman will play in that game. That's was the good news for the Lightning. The bad news is that right wing Dana Tyrell could be out for a significant amount of time with what is believed a right knee injury. Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman is expected to give a…

  • Friday: Chat live with Damian Cristodero

    fpastor
    23 Jan 2012 | 2:13 pm
    Join Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero for a live chat Friday, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Damian Cristodero chat (January 2012)

  • Video: Tampa Bay Lightning RW Teddy Purcell talks about the Lightning's 2-1 win over the Stars

    Damian Cristodero
    20 Jan 2012 | 11:19 pm
 
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    Sports: Tampa Bay Lightning

  • Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Stamkos ready to try new helmet for concussion protection

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:14 pm
    Times wires Friday, January 27, 2012 OTTAWA — With concussions a big concern around the league, equipment company Bauer is introducing what it calls a first-of-its kind helmet that protects against direct and glancing blows that can cause the brain to rotate. Bauer unveiled its "Re-Akt" helmet at the All-Star weekend festivities Friday, saying the design features a free-floating stretchable liner that moves independently from the rest of the helmet. By floating, the liner is capable of better protecting the brain from rotational forces that can lead to concussions, it said. Though…

  • Reminder: Damian Cristodero chat, Friday at 12:30

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:17 pm
    A quick reminder that Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero will be chatting live Friday, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Damian Cristodero chat (January 2012)

  • NHL continues to struggle with concussion issue

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:20 pm
    By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer Thursday, January 26, 2012 When it comes to concussions, Lightning center Steven Stamkos said the NHL might be facing a problem without a satisfying solution."There is no cure," he said, "unless we all play in a bubble."Like any other physical sport, injuries are going to happen. Whether you're colliding with a teammate or an opponent going full speed, concussions are going to happen."But a spike in the past few months — 25 players currently are sidelined with the injury, including Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby, who has missed 82 games since…

  • Pierre-Cedric Labrie savors stint with Tampa Bay Lightning

    Times Staff
    25 Jan 2012 | 3:23 pm
    By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, January 25, 2012 TAMPA — The thought of Pierre-Cedric Labrie sniffing the NHL seemed like a pipe dream eight years ago.Labrie was a 17-year-old undrafted wing cut by the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He toiled on the midnight shift at a convenience store five nights a week while trying to catch on with another junior team. Sometimes he'd nod off on boxes in the back trying to catch up on sleep between his games at night and morning practices.After a couple of months, Labrie returned home to Baie-Comeau, Quebec,…

  • Tampa Bay Lightning mascot ThunderBug performer fired

    Times Staff
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:51 pm
    By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, January 25, 2012 TAMPA — In a case of viral video and cloak-and-dagger intrigue, ThunderBug has been fired.The final offense? Inappropriate use of Silly String.The Tampa Bay Lightning mascot sprayed a Boston Bruins fan at a Jan. 17 hockey game. The fan took offense and pushed ThunderBug down. Thousands saw it on YouTube.The team did not condone ThunderBug's actions.Kelly Frank, the woman in the ThunderBug suit, was let go. She wasn't a full-time employee of the team but was the primary performer as ThunderBug the past few seasons. The…
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    University of South Florida Bulls blog: USF Sports Bulletin | Tampa Bay Times

  • Recruit watched NFL game Sunday with Schiano

    Greg Auman
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:36 pm
    Count Gainesville linebacker recruit Tashon Whitehurst among those surprised this week to hear that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was leaving to become the Bucs' head coach. Just this past weekend, Whitehurst was on an official campus visit at Rutgers, which he has in his final three schools along with Syracuse and USF. "I was at his house -- we watched the NFL game, Patriots and Ravens," said Whitehurst, who had two Rutgers assistants at his high school Thursday when news broke that Schiano was leaving for the Bucs. Whitehurst said Rutgers assistants Chris Hewitt and Robb…

  • Juco RB Tiger Powell visiting USF this weekend

    Greg Auman
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:42 pm
    One more name to keep an eye on this weekend as USF wraps up its 2012 recruiting class -- former Bulls signee Tiger Powell, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back from Lake City, is coming in Friday for an official campus visit, giving Skip Holtz one more option if he chooses to sign a running back. Powell was technically part of Holtz's first recruiting class --he committed to USF under Jim Leavitt in March 2009, though by the time he signed with the Bulls in February 2010, it was understood he would be heading to junior college. He's played the last two seasons at Jones County Community…

  • Holtz 'excited' to have Schiano as Bucs coach

    Greg Auman
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:53 pm
    Skip Holtz has sat in Big East coaches' meetings for two years with Greg Schiano and has split two down-to-the-wire meetings with his Rutgers teams, and now Holtz is excited to be sharing Raymond James Stadium with Schiano in his new job as the Bucs' head coach. "I'm excited for him," Holtz said by phone Thursday night amid a busy schedule of meeting with recruits. "Greg's a good football coach. He has the NFL in his background, he's been there and gets it and it'll be a great opportunity for him. Obviously it's a great organization in a great town with a great fanbase. I…

  • Bulls fans (well, some) try to embrace Schiano

    Greg Auman
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:34 pm
    TAMPA -- Until Thursday, the very mention of the name Greg Schiano brought a rare level of venom from some USF football fans all too familiar with the sideline antics of the Rutgers coach, not to mention his success against the Bulls with five wins in the last six seasons. So for the large portion of Bulls fans who are also Bucs fans, the news that Schiano had been hired as Tampa Bay's new head coach created an uneasy question: How fully can you embrace your college nemesis as the coach of your favorite pro team? It was Schiano, after all, who led Rutgers to an upset of then-No. 2 USF in…

  • Top scorer from Botswana visiting USF soccer

    Greg Auman
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:18 pm
    It's rare we get to delve into soccer recruiting, but as USF men's soccer looks for scoring punch to help offset the early departure of Dom Dwyer to the MLS ranks, coach George Kiefer will play host to another top junior college scorer this weekend. The Bulls get an official campus visit from Edwin Moalosi, a player originally from Botswana in southern Africa who scored 21 goals this season for Lincoln College. Moalosi had three games in which he scored four goals, and there's a solid connection to the Bulls through Stiven Salinas, who played with him at Lincoln in 2010 and signed with USF…
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    Sports: University of South Florida

  • College women's basketball preview capsule: USF Bulls at No. 3 UConn Huskies, 1 p.m. Saturday

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:46 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 USF women at No. 3 UConnWhen/where: 1 p.m. today; XL Center, Hartford, Conn.Radio: 1010-AMRecords: USF 12-9, 4-3 Big East; UConn 18-2, 7-1Notable: The Bulls are 0-10 all time against the Huskies, though coach Jose Fernandez can remind his players about December 2004, when USF took UConn to overtime in Storrs before falling 75-65. The closest they've come since is 14 points, including a 26-point loss in Tampa last year. … The Bulls beat Seton Hall on Wednesday, rallying from a 12-point deficit despite going 1-for-14 on…

  • Ex-Winter Haven standout Tiffany Hayes, UConn's lone senior, works to uphold Huskies' lofty status

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 Even in the context of the ridiculous success of the Connecticut women's basketball program, Tiffany Hayes has a high standard for what constitutes a memorable season.The former Winter Haven standout had collected two national championships and 90 victories with the Huskies before she endured her first loss, at Stanford last season. Now she is the lone senior on a team that has, well, struggled to an 18-2 record and a No. 3 ranking, taking losses at No. 1 Baylor and now-No. 2 Notre Dame.If there were ever fears of a UConn dropoff,…

  • Recruit watched NFL game Sunday with Schiano

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:36 pm
    Count Gainesville linebacker recruit Tashon Whitehurst among those surprised this week to hear that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was leaving to become the Bucs' head coach. Just this past weekend, Whitehurst was on an official campus visit at Rutgers, which he has in his final three schools along with Syracuse and USF. "I was at his house -- we watched the NFL game, Patriots and Ravens," said Whitehurst, who had two Rutgers assistants at his high school Thursday when news broke that Schiano was leaving for the Bucs. Whitehurst said Rutgers assistants Chris Hewitt and Robb…

  • Juco RB Tiger Powell visiting USF this weekend

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:42 pm
    One more name to keep an eye on this weekend as USF wraps up its 2012 recruiting class -- former Bulls signee Tiger Powell, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back from Lake City, is coming in Friday for an official campus visit, giving Skip Holtz one more option if he chooses to sign a running back. Powell was technically part of Holtz's first recruiting class --he committed to USF under Jim Leavitt in March 2009, though by the time he signed with the Bulls in February 2010, it was understood he would be heading to junior college. He's played the last two seasons at Jones County Community…

  • USF Bulls fans sort feelings of college tormentor Greg Schiano becoming coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:19 pm
    By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer Thursday, January 26, 2012 TAMPA — Until Thursday, the very mention of the name Greg Schiano brought a rare level of venom from some USF football fans all too familiar with the sideline antics of the Rutgers coach, not to mention his success against the Bulls with five wins in the past six seasons.So for the large portion of Bulls fans who are also Bucs fans, the news that Schiano had been hired as Tampa Bay's new coach created an uneasy question:How fully can you embrace your college nemesis as the coach of your favorite pro team?It was Schiano, after…
 
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    Florida Gators football & basketball blog: Gator Report | Tampa Bay Times

  • Florida's No. 5 lacrosse team to play England National Team in exhibition

    Antonya English
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    The fifth-ranked Florida lacrosse team will play an exhibition game Thursday night against the England National Team at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Tonight's game is the first international competition for the Gators. Although Florida has never played a national team before, all three of the Gators’ coaches have faced England as members of the U.S. National Team. Assistant coaches Erica LaGrow and Caitlyn McFadden played against England in the 2009 FIL World Cup, winning 20-3 in the semifinals en route to a U.S. gold medal. Florida oach Amanda O’Leary played against…

  • Gators' No. 1 women's tennis team opens season today

    Antonya English
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:28 am
    Florida will kick off the 40th year of women's tennis today with a 3 p.m. match against Troy. The defending national champion Gators have won 21 consecutive matches entering the 2012 dual match season, tied for the 10th-longest streak in program history. The Gators are 36-3 all-time in season-opening dual matches and have won 27 consecutive season-openers, with the last loss a 7-2 match at Miami on Feb. 1, 1985. The Gators are coming off one of their strongest fall seasons in years, highlighted by three appearances in finals of the two collegiate grand slam events. Allie Will…

  • Gator baseball team ranked preseason No. 1

    Antonya English
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pm
    The Florida baseball team will open the season as the nation's No. 1 team. The Gators were picked No. 1 in Baseball America's preseason Top 25 rankings released on Tuesday for the second year in a row and the second time in school history. Florida, which finished as the national runner-up a year ago, returns the majority of its everyday lineup, its entire weekend rotation and several key players in the bullpen. With that top ranking will come big challenges. The Gators have 28 of their 56 games during the regular season against teams also ranked in the…

  • Florida women get break from competition at just the right time, coach Amanda Butler says

    Antonya English
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:25 am
    The Florida women's basketball team has a bye this week and it couldn't have come at a better time, coach Amanda Butler said. The Gators (13-7, 3-4 SEC) are in the midst of a frustrating stretch. Florida has had nine games this season decided by 10 points or less - including six of its 7 SEC contests which have been decided by six points or fewer. The close losses, and the amount of physical effort the Gators are having to expend trying to battle and close out these close games, has begun  take a toll, which is why Butler said the bye is just what the Gators need right now. Hear…

  • Gators' Billy Donovan makes appeal for more fairness in league scheduling

    Antonya English
    23 Jan 2012 | 5:13 pm
    Add Florida coach Billy Donovan to the growing list of SEC coaches who want league officials to take a serious look at how conference schedules are devised. The SEC’s lucrative television package with ESPN means more exposure than ever for basketball, but at what cost? Some league coaches believe there must be a better balance when scheduling teams now that the SEC consistently plays Thursday-Saturday-Tuesday matchups. Donovan said SEC coaches agreed some sacrifices were necessary by all of the league teams in terms of scheduling to help facilitate the new TV deal, but now teams are…
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    Sports: University of Florida

  • College men's basketball preview: No. 14 Florida Gators vs. No. 18 Mississippi State Bulldogs

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:26 pm
    By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 No. 14 Florida vs. No. 18 Mississippi St.When/where: 1:30 p.m. today; O'Connell Center, GainesvilleTV/radio: Ch. 38; 620-AMRecords: Florida 16-4, 4-1 SEC; Mississippi State 17-4, 4-2Notable: The Gators return home less than 48 hours after rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat Mississippi. … This is the first of a three-game UF homestand, the Gators' longest of the season, and it is the first home game against a ranked opponent this season. … Mississippi State has won four of its past five. … UF has all five…

  • Putting arrest behind him, forward Erik Murphy becomes key part of Florida Gators basketball team

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pm
    By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 GAINESVILLE — Erik Murphy's life was rolling along rather nicely until one "moment of stupidity" changed everything.Murphy and Florida teammate Cody Larson were arrested in April, accused of attempting to break into a car in a St. Augustine bar parking lot. Murphy was suspended from the team for five months, embroiled in legal issues and forced to face that he didn't appreciate enough what he had."All that stuff made me grow up really quick and look at things from a different perspective," said Murphy, 21. "I've got a…

  • Florida Gators look beyond state lines to snag football recruits

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:44 pm
    By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer Friday, January 27, 2012 GAINESVILLE — In a perfect world, Florida coach Will Muschamp and his staff would spend the majority of their time roaming the state in search of the top-level high school football players that have made Florida a recruiting hotbed for decades.But when you're coming off a 7-6 season and your roster has around 60 players, you go wherever necessary. Follow the talent to fill the holes. Such is the case for the Gators this season.While Muschamp has landed his share of instate recruits, half of Florida's 2012 class is from…

  • Florida Gators rally for 64-60 basketball win at Mississippi Rebels

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:14 pm
    Times wires Thursday, January 26, 2012 OXFORD, Miss. — Florida's Kenny Boynton had read his scouting report on Mississippi. The synopsis: The Rebels play defense but can't shoot. That proved true — eventually. The 14th-ranked Gators clawed back from a double-digit first-half deficit to beat Mississippi 64-60 on Thursday night. Patric Young scored 15 and Boynton added 12 as Florida won for the sixth time in seven games. "The best thing for us was we never panicked," Boynton said. "We were playing defense, but they hit tough shots and were just killing it. In the second half we…

  • Florida's No. 5 lacrosse team to play England National Team in exhibition

    Times Staff
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    The fifth-ranked Florida lacrosse team will play an exhibition game Thursday night against the England National Team at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Tonight's game is the first international competition for the Gators. Although Florida has never played a national team before, all three of the Gators’ coaches have faced England as members of the U.S. National Team. Assistant coaches Erica LaGrow and Caitlyn McFadden played against England in the 2009 FIL World Cup, winning 20-3 in the semifinals en route to a U.S. gold medal. Florida oach Amanda O’Leary played against…
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    Sports: Florida State University

  • No. 23 Florida State Seminoles win fifth in a row, 75-52 over Wake Forest Demon Deacons

    Times Staff
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:53 pm
    Times wires Wednesday, January 25, 2012 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Leonard Hamilton wanted No. 23 Florida State to pound the ball to its big men, and that was before he knew Wake Forest's top shot-blocker was lost to injury. The Seminoles then had little trouble remaining perfect against the Tobacco Road schools and staying atop the ACC.FSU pulled away in the second half to rout Wake Forest 75-52 Wednesday night behind 18 points from Michael Snaer and a determined effort to put the ball in the hands of its post players.That task was much less daunting after 7-foot Demon Deacons center Ty…

  • College basketball preview: No. 23 FSU Seminoles at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

    Times Staff
    24 Jan 2012 | 5:43 pm
    Times staff Tuesday, January 24, 2012 TONIGHTNo. 23 FSU at Wake ForestWhen/where: 7; Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, N.C.TV/radio: FSN; 1040-AMRecords: FSU 13-6, 4-1 ACC; Wake Forest 11-8, 2-3Notable: After re-entering the poll on the back of a four-game winning streak that includes upsets of North Carolina and Duke, the Seminoles can't afford to slip against a Demon Deacons team they have beaten three straight times. … Wake is coming off a 71-56 road victory over Boston College. … Junior captain C.J. Harris leads the Deacons with 17.3 ppg. Forward Travis…

  • Clearwater's Luke Loucks keys Florida State Seminoles' basketball turnaround

    Times Staff
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:43 pm
    Times wires Monday, January 23, 2012 TALLAHASSEE — Florida State's midseason turnaround can directly be tied to former Clearwater standout Luke Loucks' emergence at point guard. The Seminoles went halfway through the season before beating a ranked team. Then they knocked off two in a week — North Carolina and Duke, no less — and on Monday moved back into the rankings at No. 23.Coach Leonard Hamilton is counting on his veteran team to handle a bit of prosperity better this time around. "We've been here (poll) before and didn't handle it correctly," Hamilton said Monday. "I'm…

  • 3-pointer at buzzer gives Florida State Seminoles 76-73 victory at No. 4 Duke Blue Devils

    Times Staff
    21 Jan 2012 | 9:18 pm
    Times wires Saturday, January 21, 2012 DURHAM, N.C. — Michael Snaer acknowledged that he never felt comfortable playing in one of college basketball's most hostile environments, from the rowdy fans perched on the sideline to the way Duke tried to pressure the Seminoles out of their offense. One shot changed everything, and ended Duke's long reign on its famed homecourt.Snaer hit a 3-pointer as time expired and Florida State beat the fourth-ranked Blue Devils 76-73 Saturday, snapping Duke's 45-game home winning streak. With the score tied, former Clearwater High standout Luke Loucks…

  • 2012 Florida State Seminoles football recruiting update

    Times Staff
    21 Jan 2012 | 8:10 pm
    By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer Saturday, January 21, 2012 Florida StateKey losses: LB Nigel Bradham, OT Andrew Datko, CB Mike Harris, RB Ty Jones, S Terrance Parks, P Shawn Powell, WR Bert Reed, OT Zebrie Sanders, OL David Spurlock, RB Jermaine ThomasOral commitments (13)PLAYER POSHT/WTSCHOOLRoberto AguayoK6-0/183Groveland South LakeMarvin BracyWR5-10/162Orlando BooneChris CasherDE6-4/225Mobile (Ala.) DavidsonMario EdwardsDE6-4/275Denton (Texas) RyanUkeme EligweLB6-3/210Stone Mountain (Ga.)Dante Fowler Jr.DE6-3/232LakewoodChristo KourtzidisTE6-4/230Orange (Calif.) LutheranRicardo…
 
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    Sports: High School Sports

  • Hillsborough live roundup: Friday's highlights

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:26 pm
    Region girls soccer 4A, Seminole 2, Plant City 1 (OT): Throughout the playoffs, the Warhawks have battled through injuries and survived close games. Seminole did it again Friday, advancing to the region final for the fifth straight season. Jordyn Turner scored both goals for the Warhawks, including the winner in overtime. 3A, Osceola 1, Robinson 0:  In a year that saw several firsts for the Knights program — first district title, first win in the region tournament — they ultimately met their match in Osceola. Four Robinson players — Caroline King, Sam Ishee, Laura…

  • Soccer: Palm Harbor University sent reeling in boys and girls matchups

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:23 pm
    PALM HARBOR — To reach the region final for the first time since 2008, and to fill in the blank on its glittering postseason run, East Lake knew it would have to vanquish its greatest tormenter, Palm Harbor University. The Eagles had not beaten the Hurricanes in more than three seasons. It appeared East Lake would fall short again Friday when PHU’s Kelly Phipps scored three minutes into regulation. But the Eagles did not panic, tying the score in the second half on a goal by Karina White. Then in the final two minutes, East Lake went ahead when White hit a shot from 30 yards away…

  • North Suncoast live roundup: Friday's highlights

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:54 pm
    Girls region soccer River Ridge 2, Mitchell 1 (OT): River Ridge is headed to the Class 3A region championship. Finally. After failing in five previous second-round matchups, including each of the past three seasons, the Royal Knights broke through by defeating its nemesis. Junior Kendra Secrest took a pass from Kelsey Leach and got behind the Mitchell defense before putting away the winner from 12 yards out in the second overtime. “This is a big deal to get past (the second round),’’ coach Skip Glover said. “We try not to pay attention that (the previous lack of…

  • Pinellas live roundup: Friday's highlights

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:46 pm
    Boys district soccer A-7, Indian Rocks Christian 1, Tampa Prep 0: Indian Rocks Christian made history with a win over Tampa Prep in the district final. It was the first time the Golden Eagles defeated Tampa Prep. IRC scored just before the 20-minute water break in the first half on a goal by Rhett Hammil. For the rest of the game, IRC (17-3-1) kept up the pressure and fought off a late Tampa Prep charge. “The last 10 minutes took forever,” IRC coach Ben Futoran said. “Tampa Prep put three forward, then four, then five. When the whistle sounded we went nuts. Every player out…

  • Girls region soccer: Steinbrenner puts up fight vs. nationally ranked foe

    Times Staff
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:42 pm
    LAKELAND — Despite the flip throws, the 40-yard throw-ins launched with pinpoint accuracy and the 10-1 shot disadvantage, Steinbrenner held Lakeland George Jenkins — the No. 3 team in the country according to ESPN — scoreless for 56 minutes Friday. But after several near misses that clinked off the crossbar and left post, the Eagles converted. And then 40 seconds later they did it again, taking a 2-0 lead that they did not relinquish. The chase left several Warriors gasping for air, with hands clasped on top of their heads. And when the final whistle blew, the deep breaths…
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    Sports talk, sports trivia, TV sports: Two Cents with Tom Jones | Tampa Bay Times

  • Someone doesn't like the Bucs hire

    Tom Jones
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:20 am
    Sports Illustrated's Michael Rosenberg isn't crazy about the Bucs hiring Greg Schiano as coach. Actually, you could go a step farther. He hates it. Among Rosenberg's thoughts: How do you go from Tony Dungy to Jon Gruden to Raheem Morris to Greg Schiano? Does that seem like progress to anybody on this planet? If Schiano fails (did I say "if?) then whom will the Bucs hire? The nearest high school coach? And ... Schiano is a lousy game coach. And if he was a lousy game coach in college, where the schemes (generally) are not as sophisticated, how can he outfox guys like Sean Payton, Jeff…

  • Nike founder Phil Knight defends Joe Paterno

    Tom Jones
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:24 pm
     Here's video of Nike founder and chairman Phil Knight speaking at the memorial service of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno. Knight defends Paterno over the Jerry Sandusky alleged abuse case, and criticizes the university's board of trustees, as well as the investigation.  

  • Shooting from the lip/Jan. 23rd edition

    Tom Jones
    22 Jan 2012 | 10:37 pm
    Looking back at a weekend of televised sports ... Best coverage ESPN takes a lot of criticism from sports fans for a variety of reasons, but there's no doubt that it is the destination station whenever there is breaking sports news. Case in point: ESPN's Sunday coverage of the death of Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno. ... Read more

  • Bruins fan can't take ThunderBug's joke

    Tom Jones
    19 Jan 2012 | 10:14 am
    This video is from Tuesday night's Lightning-Bruins game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. ThunderBug, the Lightning's mascot, has a little fun by spraying a guy in a Bruins shirt with Silly String. The Bruins fan apparently has no sense of humor. He goes bonkers and tackles the mascot. Then security escorts the fan from the section. Later, however, the Lightning did allow the fan to return to his section. Maybe the fan wishes they hadn't. He had to stick around and watch the Lightning beat the Bruins, 5-3.

  • Bucs coaching options with a familiar look

    Tom Jones
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:32 am
    As the Bucs' coaching search continues, here's a look back at, arguably, the best coaching hires over the past 10 years. Along with those names, our thoughts on the equivalents on the Bucs’ radar to replace Raheem Morris. Mike Tomlin, Steelers Tomlin was 35 with five years as a defensive backs coach and one as Vikings defensive coordinator when he was hired in 2007. He stepped into a stable franchise two years removed from a Super Bowl. So no surprise that he has had success in his five seasons: a 55-25 record, four postseason berths, two trips to the Super Bowl and a title. Equivalent:…
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    The Pewter Plank

  • Buccaneers Introduce Greg Schiano [Quotes]

    Patrik Nohe
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:04 pm
    The Bucs introduced Greg Schiano as their new head coach today. (Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE) The Greg Schiano press conference has just wrapped and Schiano has just spent about 20 minutes making remarks and answering questions. You can’t help but like Schiano a little bit more after watching him address media for the first time, he’s a very frank, very passionate guy and you get the sense he’s going to leave it all on the table in Tampa. I’ll give you the highlights here and then I’ll update with some direct quotes after the jump. For starters the courtship only…

  • Coaching Search: The Morning After…

    Patrik Nohe
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:37 am
    It's time to come down from the rollercoaster that was the Buccaneers' coaching search.(Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE)visit site to read more] Coaching Search: The Morning After… - The Pewter Plank - The Pewter Plank - A Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

  • Video: Schiano Off the Field

    Patrik Nohe
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:42 am
    I stumbled across this video early this morning of a Rutgers BBQ at Greg Schiano’s house back in June of last year. I always think it’s interesting to see a guy away from the field and see how he interacts with his players. Schiano has a very solid … [visit site to read more] Video: Schiano Off the Field - The Pewter Plank - The Pewter Plank - A Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
 
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    United Way Tampa Bay Blog

  • FROM DIANA’S DESK

    uwtb
    4 Jan 2012 | 4:15 pm
    John Legend at the piano after sharing his passion for education. “As I sat on stage at my high school graduation, the crowd around me looked smaller than it had freshman year. Somewhere between freshman orientation and graduation, many of my peers had found a reason to give up on school and drop out. Whatever the cause, they took a path that would forever limit their life prospects just as I was entering a world of opportunity.” So said John Legend at Mahaffey Theater in December. In town for a benefit for United Way of Tampa Bay, the man with the golden voice shared his passion for…

  • FROM DIANA’S DESK

    uwtb
    6 Dec 2011 | 12:16 pm
    Our partnership with the Buccaneers drew volunteers to Hometown Huddle. As we head into the hectic holiday season, I’d like you to take a minute to reflect on the good you’ve done this year. Good comes in many shapes and sizes. If you headed into work on a beautiful Monday morning or got up and searched for work; if you helped a friend move or had a neighbor over for dinner; if you visited someone in the hospital or read to a child; if you let someone in in traffic or called a long-distance relative; if you comforted someone at a funeral or celebrated at a baby shower; you did good this…

  • FROM DIANA’S DESK

    uwtb
    10 Nov 2011 | 2:45 pm
    Betty Tribble and I shoveled mulch during the volunteer day at Bay Pines. How much work can 2,000 volunteers do in one day? A lot, if you ask social service agencies and schools who participated in United Way’s Day of Caring in October. The volunteers were from companies such as Mosaic and Tech Data, Publix and Allstate, cities in both counties and from the Tampa Bay Rays. They completed 125 projects that ranged from painting and mulching to computer rehab and mock job interviews. How much is it worth? $341,760.00, using the estimated dollar value of volunteer time from…

  • FROM DIANA’S DESK

    uwtb
    7 Oct 2011 | 1:58 pm
      Our campaign included time at the Boys and Girls Club in Clearwater’s North Greenwood neighborhood. A disturbing report was released last month. According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. poverty rate spiked to 15.1 percent in 2010, the highest level since 1993. The rate in Florida was 16 percent.  In 2010, poverty was defined as an annual income of $22,314 for a family of four and $11,139 for a single person.   The news was even worse for our nation’s children, whose poverty rate was 22%. That means that almost one in four children in our country lives in poverty. As I think about the…

  • IT TAKES A VILLAGE

    uwtb
    24 Sep 2011 | 7:27 pm
    By CHARLES BLOW, NY TIMES Around the corner came a little golden ball of sunshine named Madison, dressed head to toe in pink, hair arranged in Afro puffs, one wrist covered in turquoise beaded bracelets, arms opened wide. She wrapped those arms around a teacher’s legs, hugged them close and looked up with the kind of smile that sets the world right. Madison is 4 years old. She is happy and thriving. This is her second year of Head Start in the basement of a building that houses the poor and homeless in one of Manhattan’s poorest neighborhoods. I met Madison and 50 other little rays of…
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    Raw Charge

  • Look before you leap: A couple of things to think about before jumping off the Lightning bandwagon

    Clark J Brooks
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:50 pm
    It's safe to say that the vast majority of us in the extended Tampa Bay Lightning family will not be in Ottawa this weekend, meaning we'll be focusing mostly on the break part of the All-Star break. Breaks in any endeavor are designed for you to stop, rest, get your bearings, re-assess your plans and go forward. If during this break, your re-assessment of plans doesn't include going forward with the Lightning, I'm here to tell you so long and good luck. I honestly do so without malice or rancor. Look, passionately devoting yourself to a favorite team can be difficult. It requires demands on…

  • An All-Star Game story from way-back-when

    John Fontana
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:17 am
    Many people know I've been blogging a long time. In a couple of days (February 10th) I'll reach my eighth anniversary writing about the Tampa Bay Lightning in my blogging capacity. Yet, I got my appetite wet while writing about the Lightning before blogging entered the mainstream. There's a forgotten place that existed way-back-when from the dot-com boom era (that flared out and went dot-com bust). You are aware Rivals.com used to cater to general sports, aren't you? Probably not, as it was so long ago. Rivals is now known for its prep sports coverage but, indeed, it had tried to be what SB…

  • Question of the Week: What would you change about Guy Boucher?

    Matt Amos
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:45 am
    I love hockey. I've followed the NHL (and the Lightning) since I was 8. I've played hockey for just as long. I still play. I aspire to have a job in hockey. As in a job I take to retirement. Writer, trainer, player, equipment manager, mascot, ANY job. Except one. Head coach. Being head coach/manager in any professional sport is a death trap. It's a job that requires all the family and personal sacrifice of being a player, with a quarter of the pay, a tenth of the credit when the team is successful, and 150% of the blame when the team isn't. It's a thankless job that requires a guy to manage…

  • The Tampa Bay Lightning, while probably not playoff bound, could become the spoilers

    Cassie McClellan
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:01 am
    Here's a scary thought. What if the season is mimicking games? That is, slow start, spotting the rest of the conference the equivalent of two goals, only to come back and get into playoffs at the very last minute? Think about that for a minute. If you condense the season down to a game, then 27 games and one period equals one period of a game. (Playoffs could be considered overtime.) And since the Lightning finished up Game 48, that would put the Lightning at about eight minutes left in the second period. And being nine points out of eighth in the standings, well, you could call that being…

  • Gauging interest in a Raw Charge viewing party / meet-up

    John Fontana
    25 Jan 2012 | 5:04 pm
    Gauging interest in a Raw Charge viewing party / meet-up We've got a poll up on Facebook to gauge fan interest in a Raw Charge hosted viewing party and fan event. Details aren't ironed out... We'd like to see how people respond first before moving forward.
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    Tampa Real Estate Blog

  • 117 W Haya Street, Tampa, FL ~ MLS #U7535756

    lipply
    24 Jan 2012 | 7:45 pm
    Beautifully Restored Old Tampa Home Overview Maps Photos Market Stats $109,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,785 sqft Location 117 W Haya StTampa, FL 33603USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the “Like” button below: Robert Lipply Lipply Real Estate Company(727) 459-7290info@lipplyrealestate.comhttp://www.lipplyrealestate.com Listed by: LIPPLY REAL ESTATE COMPANY Our recent listings Beautifully Restored Old Tampa HomeCondo For Sale in Twin OaksHome for sale in Tahitia HomesHome for sale in Barrington Oaks…

  • Are Foreclosures Worth The Hassle? Yes!

    lipply
    22 Jan 2012 | 8:28 pm
    Foreclosures at first glance can be somewhat intimidating, particularly for first time home buyers or small investors. However, the savings that can be made by purchasing a foreclosed home far outweigh the risks and extra work involved. No matter the condition of the housing market, foreclosed homes can be a very good investment whether you are purchasing it for resale, to rent it or to live in it yourself. Savings On average, foreclosed homes sell at 5%-10% less than market prices. Lenders who have had the house listed for longer than a month may be willing to waive certain fees or lower the…

  • What Is True Luxury Living?

    lipply
    22 Jan 2012 | 8:15 pm
    Living in a luxury resort town is a treat in and of itself for everyone. But for some, it is the pinnacle of a true luxury lifestyle. Waking up every morning to the sights and sounds of the ocean or to views of the most beautiful snowcapped mountains are dreams that many have with very few experiencing on a daily basis. But, what is the true luxury to this life? Is it just living in a home with these magnificent views or is it living in magnificent home with the views being only one of the perks? That is a question that requires some thought. Walking up and down the beach or through villages…

  • HOAs and the Americans with Disabilities Act

    lipply
    16 Jan 2012 | 11:57 am
    Buying a home means the realization of a dream for most folks, but it can also mean subjecting yourself to the rules of the local homeowner’s association. There can be definite benefits for buying a home that is “overseen” in by the HOA. But HOAs can also be hard to deal with. Just ask Lexington, Kentucky mother, Tiffany Veloudis. Her son is afflicted with cerebral palsy and needs a special playhouse for therapy purposes. The playhouse, which is quite attractive and hardly noticeable from the street, is in violation of the restrictions that Dr. and Mrs. Veloudis agreed to when they…

  • 2609 Holiday Lake Drive Holiday, FL 34691 ~ MLS #U7535707

    lipply
    15 Jan 2012 | 8:58 am
    Home for Sale in Holiday Lakes West Overview Maps You Tube Video Market Stats $90,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 2,358 sqft Location 2609 Holiday Lake DriveHoliday, FL 34691USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the “Like” button below: Robert Lipply Lipply Real Estate Company(727) 459-7290info@lipplyrealestate.comhttp://www.lipplyrealestate.com Listed by: Lipply Real Estate Company Our recent listings Home for sale in Barrington Oaks WestCondo for Sale in Cypress TraceLot For Sale in OspreyCondo For Sale…
 
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