Chief Deputy Bob Gualtieri Starts as Sheriff Tuesday, as Coats Retires

Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats retired Monday to spend more time with his wife, who is battling cancer.

U.S. Coast Guard Brings Major Drug Seizure Into St. Petersburg Port

The U.S. Coast Guard seized seven tons of drugs worth $180 million from a pair of 'drug subs.' The submersibles elude capture by dropping to the ocean floor.

Inn Shutdown May Push Some to Street

Tenants at the Economy Inn admit that illegal drug use and criminal activities are common at the motel. Many claim they have nowhere else to go.

Economy Inn Ordered to Close

The city's Nuisance Abatement Board unanimously voted to fine and close the motel, which has been the subject of more than 400 police calls this year.

Middle-Class Protesters Organize

A posse of middle-class voters gathered Tuesday night in St. Petersburg to demand change, including 'quality' jobs and a greater focus on education.

Water Fluoridation to End

People are divided on the benefits of fluoride in water. What do you think?

Casey Anthony Jurors in Hiding, as Media Handle With Care

Patch.com has the list but did not reveal the names of the 12 jurors and five alternates in the Casey Anthony murder trial.

The increase won't be as high as once thought

The increase won't be as high as once thought.

Treasure Island Looks at Redistricting

Isle of Capri and other areas of Treasure Island have district boundaries that are confusing to residents. The City Council is finding it challenging to make changes.

Treasure Island Gives City Manager a Raise

The Treasure Island City Council on Tuesday gave City Manager Reid Silverboard a two percent raise. The Council also approved a Chillounge Night event for next March.

Gov. Appoints Chief Deputy as Interim Sheriff

Pinellas County Chief Deputy Bob Gualtieri is from Palm Harbor and began his career with the Sheriff's Office in 1982.

Gulfport's St. Pete Beach Connector Trolley Ends Today

The Gulfport connector trolley's grant expires today, and the city cannot afford to take on the cost. It's the last day on the job for five part time drivers and the last day for Gulfport riders heading to and from St. Pete Beach on the trolley.

The Beach is Their Business

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is working with the Big-C to bring along improvements to the beaches.

Local Leaders Object to Pinellas Development Plan

In a marathon session that lasted late into the night, commissioners approved water rate increases and changes to district boundaries, but a land development proposal saw plenty of opposition.

County Live Streams Preparing to Survive Show

Find out what county officials will do if a disaster struck in their show Preparing to Survive, which airs on live stream Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Sand Key Parking to Change

The parking at Sand Key will change from a hourly to a daily payment format.

County Redistricting: Commissioners Want Your Opinion

Pinellas County Commissioners are inviting residents to give their opinions about proposed boundaries for county commission districts. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

Treasure Island Board Mulls Special Event Parking

Board of Commissioners are split 3-2 over whether to exercise flexibility in their planning.

Tampa Airport Auctions Lost Items

The web-based auction allows users to bid on hundreds of items lost or abandoned at the Tampa International Airport, including cameras, luggage, iPods and computer accessories.

“Find the Fun Now” Campaign Looks to Counter Growing Obesity

Pinellas County Health Department is working to improve the health of local residents with the program starting in October.

Dog Found Off Bay Pines Bridge

Weights had been tied around the animal's neck before it was tossed in the water.

County Approves EMS Tax Increase, Park Fees

Pinellas County commissioners approved the 2012 budget containing a controversial EMS tax and new park fees, but not without opposition from the public.

Health Officials Stress Mosquito Awareness

4 More Sentinel Chickens Test Positive for St. Louis Encephalitis in Pinellas County.

Madeira Beach's 9/11 Memorial Has Nearly Paid For Itself

Thanks to successful fundraising, insiders agree the Memorial will be completable without City assistance.

Parking Meters vs Pay Stations

Madeira Beach's Board of Commissioners weigh the pros and cons.

Good People for Good Government: Leslie Waters

Leslie Waters – a lady with political chutzpah, more interested in results than rewards..

Citizens Concerned New Political Districts Won't Reflect Community

About 400 Pinellas County citizens shared their concerns about political redistricting with state representatives in a public meeting Tuesday.

Coconut Inn Rezoning Denied by St. Pete Beach

The St. Pete Beach city commission turned down the redevelopment requests of the Coconut Inn.

Long-delayed Bridge Replacement Pleases St. Pete Beach Mayor

After 10 years of delays, the Pinellas Bayway Bridge replacement is finally on for 2012. "Just in time" says St. Pete Beach Mayor Steve McFarlin.

Signs of West Nile Virus in Pinellas

Officials launch into overdrive to fight mosquitoes as West Nile virus may have been detected in a sentinel chicken. Efforts include aerial fogging.

New Bayway Bridge on Fast Track By State

The Florida Department of Transportation announced the replacement of the Pinellas Bayway Drawbridge to begin early 2012. A four-lane high-profile bridge with a bike trail will replace the old two-lane drawbridge.

Board Considers "Family-Friendly" Restaurant for Treasure Island

Today, the Zoning and Planning board considers a new "family friendly" restaurant/bar on the northern tip of Treasure Island.

New Madeira Beach City Manager May be Chosen Today

The City Comission is meeting at 4 p.m. to interview three candidates.

Water Disinfectant Changing on August 1.

Pinellas County Utilities will change from Chloramine to Chlorine disinfectant on August 1 until September 12.

State Takes Hands Off Honeymoon Island

DEP secretary writes letter backing off, reconsiders future processes.

Lawn Watering Restrictions Lifted

Pinellas County's reclaimed water system is back in operation.

Rain Doesn't Deter Space Shuttle Faithful

Space shuttle fans from around the world descend on the Space Coast for the final mission of Atlantis.

Old Sunshine Skyway Piers to Become Artificial Reefs

The reefs haven't been in use since 2008 and will be made into reefs out in the Gulf of Mexico

Honeymoon Island Advisory Panel Doesn't Want Camping, Either

On Tuesday night, the public made its opinion clear on the prospect of camping in the state park. On Wednesday, a panel of stakeholders agreed.

Honeymoon Over for State Plan to Add RV Camping

For more than four hours residents and elected officials voiced opposition about a plan to add RV camp sites to Honeymoon Island State Park to the state Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday night.