No swimsuits in this pageant [Times photo: Thomas Goethe] Sixteen women sport both style and substance in a contest lacking in cat fights, cleavage and vapid responses.

Gophers, homeowners fighting for every yard
Pocket gophers have been tearing up yards in Lithia Ridge for a while. Some try to whack 'em. Others have called truce.

Lunch with Ernest : Mixing business and law
Susan Shute decribes herself as a typical mom-cop. But the wife and mother of four also serves as the community resource deputy for Riverview and is president of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce.

I Live Here
For busy retirees, Phyllis and John Sukalec, an enjoyable life in Kings Point just keeps getting sunnier.

What's in a name : Armwood High School
Blanche Armwood worked to improve education and opportunities for blacks and women.

People: Retro success
David Schlarbaum started out opening one '50s-themed burger joint. But his concept has taken off.

Daytripper: A real eye-opener
When it's hot, Hillsborough County's only spring-fed watering hole can provide a quick cool-down. The park's crystal-clear waters, which are 72 degrees year-round, attract about 200,000 swimmers a year. Most of the area is shallow, making it ideal for tiny tots. A rope with bobbers sets off the deepest part of the spring.

Farmer's market: Business is blooming
A nursery specializes is roses. Growing them, selling them and caring for them in gardens throughout the area.

Community Report
Brandon : Drumming up business
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce works feverishly to put together a full-service phone book that generates income.

Restaurant uses anniversary to serve troops
The folks at McHale's ChopHouse want to help one of their own, a server who's stationed overseas, and his platoon.

Tax Collector's office opening on Falkenburg
New location has twice as much space and better technology. It joins the growing governmental hub in Brandon.

Lane Ranger : Model T to Halle's 007, cars that turn heads
I've reached a point in my life where it's looking less and less likely I'll ever kiss Halle Berry onstage at the Academy Awards.

Notebook : Residents trained in emergency response
VALRICO -- Hurricanes, tornadoes and other emergencies should not hinder at least 12 residents of the Strawberry Ridge Mobile Home Park from rendering aid.

Prep notebook : Good pitching isn't enough for Riverview
BRANDON -- Beth DiPietro threw the no-hitter but in the end, it was Durant that had the last laugh. DiPietro was coming off the no-hitter but just didn't have enough gas left in the tank as Durant outlasted Riverview 2-1 Tuesday in the finals of the Spring Fling Invitational tournament at J.C. Handy Park.