Fire guts Hudson home [Times photo: Douglas R. Clifford] Michelle Peterson is comforted by neighbor Donna Sparks and Peterson's fiance, Tony Raunikar as firefighters work at a blaze Friday that gutted her home at 12117 Woodrow Lane in Hudson.

Driving privileges withstand fatal crash
A woman retains her driver's license despite drug-related driving incidents, including a fatal crash.

'Florida City' not among favorites at film fest
But director Ralph Clemente is not discouraged. He plans to distribute the film and enter it in other competitions.

Police reports
Neighbor accused of trapping cats

Garden Club offers first Florida Holiday House
A historic Dade City home has been decorated with plants and flowers native to Florida for public viewing today.

Letters of thanks
Editor: To all of the wonderful people who have helped us, thank you so much for your kindness. Your cards and prayers and words of encouragement have been so helpful in this time of great distress. It's amazing how so many people opened their hearts and their pocket books to help people they did not even know.

Pinellas agrees to purchase 3 islands for preservation
The county will pay $300,000 to west Pasco developer George M. "Bud" Brown. Officials say they intend to keep the islands undeveloped, which pleases residents who have fought development efforts in the past.

Clearwater firefighter is charged in Pasco stabbing
NEW PORT RICHEY -- A 44-year-old Clearwater firefighter was charged Friday with aggravated battery, accused of stabbing another man in a Pasco parking lot Nov. 22, deputies said.

Religion calendar
Community United Methodist, 3214 U.S. 19, will present a Christmas cantata during the 8:25 and 10:55 a.m. services Sunday. For information, call (727) 937-3268.

Holiday happenings
Quick trips

Help Santa give a gift to special child
Santa Claus will be coming to Odessa on Dec. 16 with a sleigh (well, a flatbed truck) full of hay and several elves. The jolly fellow will be distributing candy to neighborhood children from 6 to 8 p.m.