FOUR ON THE FLOOR Four area rivals take the court on Saturday for the fifth annual St. Petersburg Times North of Tampa Basketball Festival. Chamberlain High Athlete makes smooth switch to basketball A sore back doesn't keep Chamberlain High quarterback Manny Hernandez away from a leadership role on the Chiefs' basketball team. Gaither High Change keys Gaither boys’ winning streak An influx of football players has the Cowboys' basketball team poised for a post-season run. Wharton High Festival brings North Tampa rivals together The Wharton Wildcats play host to the North of Tampa Basketball Festival. Sickles High Sickles poised for a rally in the second half With tough non-district games behind them, the Gryphons seek to make most of a transition year.

January 12, 2001

Getting the low down
Some in West Meadows wonder if rain will bring hell or high water since they suspect problems with their lake's construction.

Middle school’s opening delayed
The new middle school will house 1,338 students but won't be able to hold classes until August of next year because of drainage questions.

Out & about
ART OF TWO CONTINENTS: Experience the history and culture of the Australian Aborigines and Native Americans as they come alive through performances, art exhibits and lectures during "Dreamtime, Our Time: The Eternal Circle."

Northern neighbors are new-home hot spot
Only Hillsborough ranked above Pasco County in single-family new home permits last year.

Winter provides great time for adding to home garden
Apparently the cold weather has passed, at least for a while. I pulled up the obviously dead plant material, such as begonias, pentas and some annuals, in my yard because it looked so bad.

Health care building makes concessions
LUTZ -- A health care building on Van Dyke Road won't use a side entrance onto Calusa Trace Boulevard, the developer agreed this week.

The cat in the ad
Dr. Seuss' zany artwork is the inspiration for a Carrollwood public relations firm.

Kids’ athletic fields at a premium in Cross Creek
CROSS CREEK -- Forget after-school programs or fitness classes. What New Tampa parents really want are more athletic fields. As many as they can get.

Business at hand
A life's passion is now a business for a Tampa Palms woman who performs reiki, which uses the energy emitted through the hands on certain touch points in the body.

Store hopes to bank on more signs for ATM
The city's zoning director didn't think Winn-Dixie needed more than a simple bank sign, but the bank wants a larger, more specific sign.

Special Tax District members find success in tree-saving mission
Two to five large oaks were set to be cut down to make room for a turn lane until the group made its voice heard.

New car wash will offer more than soap
NORTH PALMS -- Construction on a new full-service car wash and detail shop is expected to begin next week in the North Palms Village shopping center, marking a first for New Tampa.