The face of the neighborhood pawnshop is changing. Traditionally, they squatted on the poor sides of town, catering to the desperate and down-and-out, people who slink in with a piece of jewelry or a cheap stereo for needed cash. ...more

February 7, 2009

The Tampa Police Department will be keeping a virtual eye on today's Gasparilla Parade, using two mapping technologies that were also used by the department during Super Bowl XVIII. ...more

February 7, 2009

Some pawnshops around town are noticing a different clientele. They still are desperate, but they come in wearing designer clothes or toting Rolexes or multicarat diamond cufflinks, or even, at one North Tampa pawn shop, a Tiffany ring signifying that the wearer won a recent Super Bowl. Secrets between a guy and his pawnbroker sometimes stay secret, and Capital Pawn owner Joe Cacciatore won't say which player pawned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl ring from 2002-03, but he did say the eventual buyer traded it for a "suitcase full of money." ...more

February 6, 2009

As the city was reveling in the festivities of Super Bowl week, someone discarded an 18-month-old basenji mix at a Hillsborough County dump, and the dog almost immediately gave birth to seven puppies. ...more

February 6, 2009

Despite a weak economy and city seemingly stretched to the limit by parades and a Super Bowl, the Publix Supermarkets Gasparilla Distance Classic is experiencing a record number of runners signing up for the annual road races in downtown Tampa. ...more

February 6, 2009

Bruce Springsteen's Super Bowl halftime performance provoked some of the most divided opinions I've heard recently. ...more

February 6, 2009

As the city was reveling in the festivities of Super Bowl week, someone discarded an 18-month-old Basenji mix at a county dump that almost immediately gave birth to seven puppies. ...more

February 5, 2009

NBC has won the most recent weekly Nielsen Media ratings race with the most-watched Super Bowl and the most-watched prime time network telecast ever, according to the network. ...more

February 4, 2009

Ye Mystic Crew of Gasparilla stopped by MacDonald Training Center recently to kick off its pirate invasion celebrations. The pirates spread their cheer each year, and the individuals at the center appreciate the visit. ...more

February 4, 2009

Al Lopez Park helped kick off Super Bowl weekend Thursday by hosting the Super Tailgate Throwdown. ...more

February 4, 2009