As years go, this one was not off to a promising start. It was around 7 in the morning, which meant it was still dark in the North Carolina mountains we had come to, hoping to relax for a few days before getting back to a new year and the daily routine. ...more

January 6, 2008

AVON PARK — An Avon Park man and woman were free Thursday on $3,000 bail each, charged in connection with an animal cruelty case dating back to July. Nathanel "Nate" Rashaard Littles, 31, and Peruisa Faye Mack, 30, both of 1437 Winegard Ave., Avon Park, were each charged on warrants with three counts of causing cruel death, pain and suffering to animals (dogs). They were arrested Wednesday at the Highlands County Jail. It was Friday, July 27, when the Highlands County Sheriff's Office sent Deputy Kelly White to investigate a complaint of animal cruelty at the Winegard Avenue address. ...more

January 5, 2008

Breezley, a 5-year-old bichon frise from Tampa, needs to learn the meaning of "quiet." ...more

December 29, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - A man was arrested Thursday after a chow-shepherd mix was found dead in his back yard along with an emaciated pit bull, authorities said. ...more

December 21, 2007

More than a dozen family members and friends comforted one another Wednesday afternoon in the pediatric emergency ward at Tampa General Hospital as they waited for word on the condition of a 10-year-old Valrico girl bitten on the face by a dog. ...more

December 12, 2007

More than a dozen family members and friends comforted one another this afternoon in the pediatric emergency ward at Tampa General Hospital as they waited for word on the condition of a 10-year-old Valrico girl bitten on the face by a dog. ...more

December 12, 2007

A fire that destroyed a $900,000 home Monday apparently started when the occupant walked away from a barbecue grill after turning up the burners to clean it. ...more

December 11, 2007

LUTZ - A two-alarm fire Monday night destroyed a home at 1205 Lake Charles Circle, a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesman said. ...more

December 11, 2007

TAMPA - Firefighters rescued two dogs from a burning house Saturday morning at 1004 E Emma St., Capt. Bill Wade said. About 8:40 a.m., crews arrived to find a single story wood frame house on fire. They gained control of the fire in less than 30 minutes, and no one was hurt, Wade said. Two dogs were inside the house alone, he said. Neither was seriously injured, but staff members from Hillsborough County Animal Services were called to the scene to treat the dogs. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, Wade said. The house is moderately damaged. Officials have not yet been able to contact the homeowner, whom county property records identify as Mable Letchworth. An estimated 23 firefighters were on scene from fire stations in Robles Park, East Tampa, Jackson Heights and Ybor City. ...more

November 24, 2007

Twenty-two dogs, plus their owners, took part in a Blessing of Pets ceremony Oct. 6 at Ott's Off-Leash Dog Park in Ruskin. The service was the first hosted by Ruskin United Methodist Church. 'We were very pleased with the turnout,' says Curtis Matson, ...more

October 13, 2007