Fishing for radium [Times photo: Mike Pease] Scientists are monitoring area lakes -- and the creatures within -- for signs of radium. Does the radioactive element show up when dwindling lakes are refilled with well water?

Marlene Sokol
Gratitude comes in many forms
Blame it on the turkey. I'll plead the tryptophan defense.

Triple threat
The soon-to-be-named Mary Jo's Performing Arts Academy is combining the dance, acting and voice lessons in one studio that talented young people seek.

Compulsive debtors find solvency in group
Debtors Anonymous offers members an alternative to spending their time maxing out their credit cards.

Out & about
NOT YOUR USUAL PANTOMIME: Say "pantomime" and most Americans would think of a street mime, acting out silent scenes with Marcel Marceau-like movements and facial expression. But in England, "The Pantomime" is a traditional Christmastime form of entertainment that involves much more to present a children's tale.

Two cross country runners raced down a lonely road
A pair of area cross country runners recently learned the feeling of loneliness in a crowd.

North of Tampa calendar
Today

'Church on wheels' will settle in
After years without a permanent home, the fast-growing St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is preparing to move into its own building.

Bar, restaurant will replace pool hall
TAMPA PALMS -- People looking for a place to shoot pool, sip coffee or simply sit back with friends won't have to go far with the opening of a new bar and restaurant in the Palm Lake Shopping Center.

Growth turned country road into thruway
CARROLLWOOD -- Getting in and out of Shaw Place early in the morning is a lot like pushing a pig through a python. That's because there's only one way in and out of the 74-home subdivision, and that's down Shaw Road, a once-quiet country lane.

Hog wild no more
A trapper with 30 years' experience has been successful in removing wild hogs from Flatwoods Park.

Developers take aim at Land O'Lakes
With the three-county Suncoast Parkway opening in January, a proposed shopping district is the latest growth spurt along State Road 54.