New law confusing to some candidates
What School Board candidates can reveal about their party affiliation is unclear now that the races are non-partisan.

Officials take steps to build a city hall
Critics of the $2.8-million project on Corey Avenue again ask why no referendum will be held on such a big expenditure.

External scrutiny of police proposed
The city manager wants the City Council to approve his request that a retired judge investigate the Police Department.

Millennium brought us all together
Eighteen months ago, Pinellas County and St. Petersburg Junior College joined together to plan a millennium celebration that would touch nearly everyone in the county. We wanted far more than firecrackers. We wanted memories for a lifetime. Our motto conveyed the mission: "Bringing Communities Together to Honor the Past, Appreciate the Present and Envision the Future."

Group protests Tyrone Square Mall
Despite their efforts, the mall was packed with customers on Saturday. The mall's dress code is at the center of the controversy.

Rutland Estates is in bank's hands now
AmSouth Bank controls the waterfront project. Plans may include selling the property to another developer.

Apartment complex wins EDC approval
The 290-unit luxury complex will be on Fourth Avenue S in downtown. The project will be cost about $30-million.

Pinellas Park wants theaters to return
It's not that Betty McCall of Pinellas Park dislikes Pokemon, it's just that she'd rather stay in her own neighborhood. On Thursday, McCall and her 6-year-old grandson Austin were at Largo Mall to see a matinee of Pokemon 2000. "I don't mind driving to Largo, but I do want theaters close to my home again," she said.

Candidate pays the price, saves Redington Long Pier
Residents told "Tony" Antonious they didn't want to lose the popular pier, so he bought it to keep it out of the hands of developers.

City manager wants his pay raise pared
Gulfport's Bob Lee makes $79,161, asks for $89,210 but is given $100,855. Now, he wants to give $3,000 of it back.

High school playing role of rec center
The old Wildwood Recreation Center was razed in June and the new center is expected to be built in the fall of 2001.

Illegal turns making many drivers see red
Jessie and I heard from several readers last week who are thoroughly fed up with people who make right turns against red turn arrows. It irritates me, too, but not quite as much as the police departments that acknowledge they are aware of the problem, yet make no move to cite drivers who don't get it.

Well-heeled prepare for season highlight
Pavilion is one of those events that can make even a jaded old galagoer like me perk up with interest.

Gulfport Casino set for its renovations
The Casino will close for exterior changes but will open in November. It will close again in May 2001 for internal changes.

Now all newborns will receive hearing tests
One of the most important laws the Florida Legislature passed this year doesn't affect taxes, big business or even the environment. But it will affect every baby born in this state and dramatically change the lives of many.

Donated computers help students into the future
ST. PETERSBURG -- More than 20 people stepped into the information age recently, thanks to a local program that supplies reconditioned computers to learners of all ages. Plans on how to use the computers were as varied as the applicants themselves.

Beach snack bar staff gives rise to debate
Officials are not sure whether to hire a manager to run the Beach Center snack bar or to lease the space to a private vendor.

Misunderstanding almost relights feud
A road block in Town Shores community raises tensions between two groups of residents but the incident is cleared up before problems break out.

Blind Pass stoplight proposal stirs talk
The DOT agrees to put a light in at Blind Pass and 84th Avenue. The catch? 15 roads must be made cul-de-sacs.

Plans to bring Hilton to Carillon gain ground
The four-star resort would be built on the lakefront and include 300 guest rooms, a major restaurant and more.

Pinellas league will get the ball rolling
The Pinellas County High School League opens its 28th year with a 12-week season starting Sept. 14, some rules changes, a few new coaches and possibly a few new teams from upper Pinellas County.