[Times photo: Mike Pease]

Garbage taints site favored for center
A portion of the 50 acres recommended as a home for the Carrollwood Community Center is "a disaster zone." Six potential sites will be discussed at a meeting Tuesday.

Test ride shows pathway's potential
TAMPA PALMS -- It seemed like an idea too good to pass up: See New Tampa from a bicycle. On work time. Along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Northdale tax board dissension continues
NORTHDALE -- The property manager is making noises about filing a slander suit against a board member, and maybe the entire board. Meanwhile, a majority of the members are trying to kick off that member, who in turn is trying to kick off another member who he claims smacked him in the face after a meeting.

Officers, civilians trade war stories
LUTZ -- As a teenager, Howard Buchanan rarely heard of a sheriff's deputy reaching for a gun.

Drought pinches Florida plants -- except weeds
Ipulled up my petunias, as I discussed in my last column, but decided against adding any more annuals at this time. With the drought continuing, it didn't seem like a good idea. Hopefully the rains will start, and I'll plant more flowers at that time.

Businessman organizes golf tournament to help sick children
KEYSTONE -- Like most people, Mark Clements wants all children to be healthy and happy.

A legendary performance
Tampa Palms fifth-graders take first place in the Odyssey of the Mind competition with their skit based on a King Arthur legend -- with a twist.

Board rejects plan to ask voters for increase in taxes
Last year the voters rejected a measure that would have funded the renovation of an aging recreation center and make other improvements.

Work starts on replica of old railroad depot
Oak trees are moved, and work is set to begin on the depot's foundation. Volunteers hope the project will be finished by July 4.

Relocated culinary festival has surprisingly slim turnout
UNIVERSITY NORTH -- This year's Taste of New Tampa received a dose of old wisdom about fixing something that isn't broken.

Pasco lawyer charged with shoving deputy
CARROLLWOOD -- An attorney for the Pasco County Public Defender's Office was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer after deputies said he shoved one of them during a domestic dispute.

Bogus bills spring up in North Tampa
A federal official says about $10,000 in counterfeit money is reported each week in Hillsborough County.

Armed man robs 7-11 on Hesperides Street
TOWN 'N COUNTRY -- A man dressed in black and armed with a black gun held up a 7-11 store, deputies said.

Drought is a bird-watcher's pal
Dry times are an opportunity to lure some rare species into the back yard. All it takes is a little bit of water.