North of Tampa

North of Tampa: December 22, 2002 Carrollwood Players may pass up invitation
When the chance comes to take center stage in the community, why would the group not grab it?

Let it glow
When it comes to holiday lights, for some neighborhoods, there's no such thing as too much wattage.

Zoning: Further business for road?
CITRUS PARK: Another office park is being proposed along a quarter-mile stretch of Gunn Highway that is quickly becoming a commercial corridor.

Sports Briefs
Leto High football team looking for a new coach

Prep Notebook: After courtship, colleges snap up best of Jefferson football
The recruiting rush for the college services of two standout Jefferson players is over. Rashaun Grant and Donnie Woods, who both had their regular seasons cut short by injuries, have orally committed to major college football programs. Grant, a running back, has committed to Georgia Tech, while offensive lineman Woods will play at Maryland.

Town 'N Country: Homeowners war over director
Morganwoods Greentree homeowners present a petition to oust an association director, but he won't go without a fight.

Lutz: Crisis Center strives to make a difference
The private, not-for-profit center has moved, but it continues to help Hillsborough families in turmoil.

New Tampa: Life after the NFL
After a college and professional football career, James Jones has settled into a more quiet life of coaching, commentary and insurance sales.

New Tampa: Tree planting minimum for homes reduced
The number of trees required at a pair of communities is reduced after complaints by the developer.

Carrollwood: Improvements scheduled for Babe Zaharias golf course
The Sports Authority will spend $452,000 on renovations at the aging course beginning in May or June 2003.

Oldsmar: Game provides athletes second chance to shine
The city's first Winners Grill All-Star Football Classic gives players a shot at impressing more than 160 college recruiters.

Neighborhood notebook
Publix near school will sell beer and wine

Open & Shut
BED STORE OPENS: Mattress Giant opened Saturday at 15030 N Dale Mabry Highway in the Carrollwood Commons shopping plaza. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Call 265-9009.

Milestones: Ophthalmologist joins Cleveland Clinic Florida
Ophthalmologist Quentin Allen, M.D., son of Clara Allen-Nixon and the late Robert "Bob" Allen of Carrollwood, has joined the staff at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston. His practice will focus on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, complicated cataract surgery and management of astigmatism in cataract surgery. The clinic is an integral part of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, a not-for-profit, multispecialty referral group practice renowned worldwide for providing outstanding medical excellence with an emphasis on research and education.

The Week in Review
NEW TAMPA SURVIVOR TAKES THIRD: After a 39-day adventure of bugs and bats, camaraderie and cutthroats, 54-year-old Jan Gentry of Hunter's Green took third place in the reality show Survivor: Thailand. Gentry, who teaches first grade at McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz, moved to the background midway through the show's run, as used car salesman Brian Heidik emerged to lead the tribe and ultimately win the $1-million grand prize.

The Weather
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