Swinging into vacation [Times photo: Dirk Shadd] On his first day off from school for winter break, Justin Dacosta, 10, soars aloft in Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg

Mary Jo Melone
The other casualty in the tragedy of Sabrina
The other day an 18-wheeler passed me in downtown Tampa. One rear panel of the truck carried a picture of Sabrina Aisenberg and a message listing an 800 number for anyone who knows her whereabouts to call.

Top stories
USF expansion depends heavily on funds, letter warns senator
If state lawmakers provide the money, the University of South Florida will hire 32 new professors for its St. Petersburg campus, greatly increasing the number of degrees that can be offered there.

Spoiling the fun at Busch Gardens
A late rush to renew the popular Busch Gardens Fun Pass is causing headaches for the theme park phone operators.

Deputies' methods assailed in Aisenberg investigation
The defense says officers misrepresented findings to continue bugging the Aisenbergs.

Alzheimer's vaccine passes test
Scientists are encouraged by studies that show the vaccine works even in mice genetically engineered to get the disease.

Family dogs attack girl, 17
Four Rottweilers bite Tanya West more than 100 times. Her winter clothing may have saved her life.

Tampa Bay briefs
Postal worker gets 2 years in abduction and assault

Global audience can virtually relish Gasparilla
Ye Mystic Krewe teams up with a high-tech entrepreneur for a first.

33 compete for four Times scholarships
The 33 semifinalists will be pared to 10 to 12. Four winners will be announced in mid-March.

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