Businesses fear worst if sand castle is built
Hotels near the proposed site still recall the loud machinery, rowdy tourists and impossible traffic that came with the 1986 event.

CVS vote opens the door to debate
The City Council decision propels the drugstore issue into other forums, where all the particulars will be thrashed out.

Beef O'Brady's considers site near Publix
The family sports pub tests the waters at Northeast Shopping Center.

Fire code inspections way behind schedule
Some Madeira Beach businesses haven't been inspected in almost a decade, a consultant finds. The fire chief says staffing is a problem.

Help lifts girl's blue mood about bird
A young animal lover can't save one member of a menagerie, but firefighters ease the pain with a surprise.

The problem of strays needs a real solution
Another summer, another record number of animals being euthanized. When will our county realize that killing stray animals does not work? The huge amount of dogs and cats being destroyed daily may keep Animal Control in business, but it is an irresponsible and cruel habit that needs a solution.

Central is gaining two new restaurants
A partnership including owners of Crabby Bill's and Fortunato's plans Asian and seafood restaurants between Third and Second streets.

Coveted pills popping out of city
JMI Daniels Pharmaceuticals, at 2517 25th Ave. N, produces a popular thyroid drug.

Optimists plan club for dads, daughters
ST. PETERSBURG -- An Optimist International officer is working to organize a "daughters and dads" Optimist Club.

N. Redington plans events for July 4
North Redington Beach's seventh annual Fourth of July parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Addie Graham Park, bordered by 173rd Avenue, Rosa Lee Way and Kennedy Drive. The parade will end at the Harold Radcliffe Park on South Bath Club Boulevard and Bath Club Circle.

New traffic light set for 49th Street
PINELLAS PARK -- Some business owners will be happy to find out they'll be getting a light to help control traffic outside their businesses.

Teens helping educators teach Holocaust history
Teenagers share knowledge gained on a tour of Holocaust sites with 60 educators. They are learning how to teach about concentration camps and genocide.

Pinellas' Special Olympics pioneer to retire June 30
"Grandma's going to rest for a while," says Emily Brazeal, 63, who is credited with making the county's program one of the state's best.

Business groups oppose light-rail transportation
Two business associations vote to oppose planners proposals to build a ground-level or elevated monorail system along Fourth or Dr. M.L. King (Ninth) streets.

State flood grant issue might soon be settled
ST. PETERSBURG -- The city of Madeira Beach on Friday withdrew its motion for an injunction that would prohibit former Commissioner Thomas Saxon from accepting a state flood grant.

Bizarre traffic configurations have all of us shaking our heads
ST. PETERSBURG -- It befuddles me (as many things do) why anybody would want to drive the so-called Miracle Mile of Ulmerton Road, the over-hoteled, over-fast-fed strip that lies south of St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. But bazillions of you do drive it (a number that explodes to gazillions during the tourist season). I know because Jessie and I are among you every day commuting to and from work.

Loving memories
Two teens cope with Father's Day after their dads' deaths. Only by keeping busy and cherishing the good times they had with their dads can the hurt fade, they say.

Don't underestimate kids; take them to the museum
My daughter had just turned 3 the first time I took her to the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg. I knew I had only myself to blame if she wanted to leave five minutes after we paid the $6 admission.

Pinellas Trail watchdog on the lookout for debris
John Prokop is constantly policing Jungle Terrace's part of the trail. He's looking for litter and overgrown vegetation.

Expired permit halts work on townhomes
A developer will have to reactivate the permit before work can continue on the North Shore project.

Paintings perk up pet adoption center
A Pinellas Park artist adds cheer to the Friends of Strays building at Gandy and U.S. 19.

Drive-in theater to close
A landmark that has stood in Pinellas County for half a century will close June 30, a victim of modern times and high prices.

Halstrom, 17, piles up pins and $14,000 in college aid
SEMINOLE -- Brian Halstrom is proving the adage that saving a bit here, a bit there eventually can add up to a tidy sum, be it pins, school grades or money.

Finding home for map a big problem
Mapmaker Gregory Dietz had hoped to present his huge U.S. map to Treasure Island. But the city doesn't have room for it. Now Dietz is looking for someplace to put it.