Mail holiday gifts early, get some free stuff

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 17, 2007

LACOOCHEE

The Lacoochee Post Office is encouraging everyone to mail early by having a customer appreciation day just in time for the holiday season. The office will offer a free winter stamp collectors pin to customers who buy two or more books of holiday stamps and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Collectors Cachet to each customer who mails packages with a postage cost of $25 or more. Freebies will be given out while supplies last. In addition to avoiding the crowds, those who show up for the Nov. 27 event will be treated to refreshments. Times are 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3:30 p.m. at the post office, at 38915 State Road 575.

HUDSON

Volunteers needed in search for mom

The family of Stefanie Francique, a 24-year-old mother missing for almost two weeks, is organizing a search at 8 a.m. today. Her stepmother, Janet Mears, said about 20 people are expected to help search the woods near the family's Colony Lakes Estates home, but more volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in participating should report to the neighborhood clubhouse wearing long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Two community policing deputies from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office will be on hand to help in the search. Mears said Francique told her "good night" around 11 p.m. Nov. 5 but was gone the next morning. She left behind her wallet and car, as well as her 4-year-old daughter, Alyanna. The Sheriff's Office has found no evidence of a crime, but Francique's family members believe she didn't disappear willingly. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators toll-free at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7462.

Correction

A 1965 Chevy Impala Super Sport has been refurbished for use by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The year of the car was incorrect in Friday's paper.

[Last modified November 16, 2007, 21:30:28]