Times Photo | Melissa Lyttle

Doug and Angie Gregory displayed the political divide in their household on the lawn of their
St. Petersburg home. Differences aside, they have put their marriage before their support of a presidential candidate. [October 2012].

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Times Photo | Leah Millis

Gus Hertz – in the bay area for summer vacation from Roanoke, Va. – rescued three people in a matter of two days. First was a motorist who had veered into the water near an intercoastal bridge. The next day, he rescued two people who were aboard a downed ultralight plane near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. [June 2012].

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Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Jake Seaman, an 11-year-old Hernando County camper, said a special goodbye to Austin the alpaca on the last day of summer camp for special needs children at Golden Rainbow Ranch. The 10-acre ranch held a weeklong camp funded by an anonymous donation and Unified by Autism. [August 2012]

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Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Weeki Wachee High School football player David Hockanson, 15, shaved his head to support Nick LaBarbara, a 13-year-old, three-time cancer survivor. One by one, the members of the JV and varsity squads lined up to go bald for Team Nick. [August 2012]

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Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Marty Hieftje, his 16-year-old daughter, Katelyn Hieftje, and their dog, Delilah, were stranded when Tropical Storm Debby caused the Anclote River to flood their home. Their neighbor rescued them by boat. [June 2012]

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Times Photo | Scott Keeler

Ashley Terry, a second grade teacher at Thonotosassa Elementary, was surprised when her husband, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Will Terry, made an appearance at her school two weeks before his expected arrival. [September 2010]

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Times Photo | Kathleen Flynn

Cody McCasland, a 9-year-old double-amputee, kissed a kindred spirit, Winter the dolphin, at Clearwater Marine Aquarium after a fundraising race. The story of Winter’s rescue and the quest for her prosthetic tail has drawn many special needs children and adults to the aquarium. [May 2011]

For more inspiring coverage of Winter, read our special report, Winter’s Tale.    

Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Lindsey Singleton of Sickles High School received more than a diploma during her graduation ceremony. Lindsey’s sister, Army Specialist Sara Singleton, surprised her after being deployed in Afghanistan for 10 months. [June 2012]

Read the story and watch the video.    

Times Photo | Melissa Lyttle

Athlete-turned-dancer Kenneth Shelby, a 17-year-old junior, was chosen as one of five Gibbs High School students who were cast in a major stage production written by a world-renowned choreographer. [December 2010]

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Times Photo | Kathleen Flynn

An excited Torreon Gammage, 7, cheered for B.J. Upton during the outfielder’s visit to Childs Park Recreation Center in St. Petersburg. Upton and other Rays players often toured recreation centers to talk to children about hard work and respect as a part of the Rays Dugout Club. [June 2011]

Check out Tampa Bay sports news for Rays coverage and more.    

Times Photo | James Borchuck

Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria celebrated his game-winning hit during the Rays’ infamous Game 162 against New York at Tropicana Field. [September 2011]

Watch the video of Longoria reflecting on one of the biggest games in baseball history.    

Times Photo | Jim Damaske

Twig, an 8-year-old skateboarding Shetland sheepdog, impressed spectators along the Belleair Causeway with her newfound skimboarding skills. [September 2011]

Read the story and watch the video.    

Times Photo | Dirk Shadd

Pint-sized Tampa Bay Lightning fan Isabella “Izzy” Silagyi awaited a pre-game fist bump from her favorite players as they took to the ice. Izzy wasn’t the only happy Lightning fan in the crowd; fans were enthusiastic about the $40 million worth of improvements made to the Tampa Bay Times Forum. [October 2011]

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Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Danielle Fink hung out with her daughters, Angelina Torres, 8, (center), and Janelle Fink, 5, after the girls enjoyed a free meal on Gulfside Elementary School’s Lunch Bus. The Lunch Bus – a mobile café for kids – was a concept that evolved from another federally funded free lunch program. [June 2012]

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Times Photo | Will Vragovic

Kirkland Adams (14), Tavares Booth (42) and Matthew Blalock (64) of Northeast High School in St. Petersburg whooped it up after their team’s victory over the Tarpon Springs Spongers. [September 2012]

For all the latest in Tampa Bay high school sports, visit our Home Team site.    

Times Photo | Edmund D. Fountain

As dance groups from around Tampa Bay gathered for a contemporary dance showcase, University of South Florida senior Audrey Richter rehearsed a piece at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. [March 2011]

Times Photo | Melissa Lyttle

On the south side of the Gandy Bridge, 30 people formed a human chain and held hands for 15 minutes to demonstrate their opposition to offshore drilling. This location facing Old Tampa Bay was one of many local sites for the fourth nationwide Hands Across the Sand event. [August 2012]

Times Photo | Lara Cerri

An excited Cashmere Fudge, a graduate of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, celebrated her accomplishment during ceremonies at Tropicana Field. [June 2012]

Times Photo | Maurice Rivenbark

A brave teenager executed a backflip off of a rope swing into the Suwannee River at Bob’s River Place. For nearly 40 years, Bob Hawkins has delighted locals and visitors with his off-the-grid theme park. [August 2011]

Read the story and watch the video.    

Times Photo | Kathleen Flynn

From her royal float, Plant City Strawberry Festival court member Chelsea Talavera waved to the crowd during the Strawberry Festival Grand Parade. [March 2012]

Times Photo | Edmund D. Fountain

Michael Sherman, a 24-year-old active duty Marine from Valrico, planted flags in the ground at Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Tampa to honor 114 service men and women killed in action in 2009. The Hillsborough Veterans Council conducts the remembrance ceremony every three months. [January 2010]

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Times Photo | Willie J. Allen Jr.

A happy Alexandra Lusthaus and her mother, Amy Lundy, played at the park near Davis Islands during an outing with the Small Fry Society. Frustrated with other mom-and-baby social groups, Lundy founded the society to give mothers and children a chance to experience a variety of activities. [February 2012]

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Times Photo | Chris Zuppa

Tampa Bay Rowdies superfan John Sasse showed his spirit by spray-painting his hair in team colors before a game. Sasse is a member of Ralph’s Mob, a group of die-hard Rowdies fans who chant non-stop during games. [May 2012]

Read about Ralph’s Mob and watch as Sasse is transformed.    

Times Photo | Willie J. Allen Jr.

Palestinian children protested the occupation of the West Bank and the treatment of their people outside the Damascus Gate to the Old City in Jerusalem. [March 2011]

Times Photo | Lara Cerri

Funky Hat Fashion Show model Quinten Hall, 7, walked the runway to cheers and accolades at the Hunt Community Center in Tampa. [July 2011]

Times Photo | Dirk Shadd

Four-year-old yellow Lab Conrad listened attentively as children read to him during the Tail Waggin’ Tutors program. The program is designed to help children practice their skills as they read aloud to therapy dogs. [July 2012]

Times Photo | Melissa Lyttle

Brian Webb Russell did a spit take as Lady Enid Hillcrest in The Mystery of Irma Vep. [September 2010]

For theater, festivals, concerts and more, check out Things to Do.    

Times Photo | Edmund D. Fountain

USF researchers identified 18 more graves that were found in a 2009 inquiry of the Dozier School for Boys. The findings may shed light on where dozens of boys who died in state custody are buried. [October 2012]

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Times Photo | Scott Keeler

New homeowner Santana Bauford, right, received a hug from her home mentor, Marlys Meckler, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas. Bauford was the recipient of one of two homes that were dedicated to their owners on World Habitat Day. [October 2012]

Times Photo | Daniel Wallace

Still miles from the hospital and with baby Catelyn’s head crowning, Candace Crossley, 25, realized that she’d be giving birth on the side of the highway. The 911 dispatcher coached her husband, Clenton Crossley, and her sister, Chrystal Bussey, through the delivery process. [November 2012]

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Times Photo | Willie J. Allen Jr.

Pasco High’s Janarion Grant was the state track and field class 2A long jump champion with a jump of 23 feet, 2 inches. [April 2012]

For all the latest in Tampa Bay high school sports, visit our Home Team site.    

Times Photo | Will Vragovic

Jay Gore (guitar), Mindy Abair (saxophone) and Derek Frank (bass) put on a great show for the crowd at the 33rd Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday at Coachman Park. [October 2012]

For theater, festivals, concerts and more, check out Things to Do.    

Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Reinert received a carnation from his daughter, Ariana Reinert, 6, at Gulfside Elementary School’s 14th annual Veterans Day celebration. [November 2012]

Times Photo | Edmund D. Fountain

French horn player Pedro Luis Gonzalez Garcia of the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba instructed University of South Florida student Michael Reedy, 22, during a master class held at the University of Tampa. The orchestra was on a 21-city tour. [November 2012]

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Times Photo | Will Vragovic

Eddie, a 3-year-old Greyhound, sported his “beatnik” attire during a costume contest at the 5th Annual Dogtoberfest at Highlander Park in Dunedin. The event benefits the Suncoast Animal League. [November 2012]

Times Photo | Brendan Fitterer

Charles and Carole Ray, known to many as Santa and Mrs. Claus, transformed a New Port Richey storefront into the North Pole. The couple has been playing the iconic duo for 13 years. [November 2012]

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Times Photo | Carolina Hidalgo

Dancers in the Accelerated C class at the Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance studio in Lithia stretched in preparation for their performance of The Nutcracker. The performance was the result of a collaboration with the Tampa Bay Dance Theatre. [December 2012]

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Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Maryellen Farinas primped a string of Christmas lights on she and her husband’s 31-foot Catalina Sloop for Dunedin’s annual Holiday Boat Parade. [November 2012]

Times Photo | Kathleen Flynn

Owen Young, 6, wished for a dog during Lee Elementary Magnet School’s holiday assembly. Students were told to close their eyes, make a Christmas wish and yell “Santa!” in the hopes that the big guy would fulfill their requests. [November 2012]

Times Photo | Will Vragovic

Accuform employees Marc Fahnestock, 37, David Snow, 55, and Shawn O’Brien, 35, built a bicycle as part of Operation HeartFELT’s Christmas delivery to 100 homeless children in Hernando County. [December 2012]

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Times Photo | Jim Damaske

An angel ornament hung on Donna and George Tarsitano’s Christmas tree as they prepared their home for Dunedin Youth Guild’s 42nd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, “Angels at Work.” [November 2012]

Read the story and view the slideshow.    

Times Photo | Kathleen Flynn

Karla Ledoux-Coton danced a selection from The Nutcracker Suite, performed by the Florida Orchestra, during the 23rd Annual Children’s Holiday Concert at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. [November 2012]

Read the story and view the slideshow.    

Times Photo | Jim Damaske

Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s aptly-named Winter the dolphin donned a Santa hat during holiday festivities. [December 2012]

For more inspiring coverage of Winter, read our special report, Winter's Tale.    

Times Photo | Jay Nolan

Malia Sparks, 9, high-fived walkers as they passed each other on the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater for the start of the Girl Scouts’ “bridging ceremony.” The ceremony symbolized the transition to the next 100 years as an organization. [October 2012]

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Times Photo | Eve Edelheit

Jensen Hallock-Wishner, 7, played on the “Honey I Shrunk the Players” miniature golf hole on the lawn of the Museum of Fine Art in downtown St. Petersburg. The mini-golf course promoted the Art of Golf exhibit. [November 2012]

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Times Photo | Cherie Diez

Kelley Benham and husband Tom French’s daughter, Juniper, weighed just 1 pound, 4 ounces at the time of her birth – four months earlier than expected. The micropreemie pushed both her parents and her doctors to discover what is possible. [December 2012]

Read the story and watch the videos at our special report.    

Times Photo | Edmund D. Fountain

After completing the Color Run 5K in St. Petersburg, runners threw packets of dyed cornstarch into the air at Vinoy Park. [December 2012]

See the photos.    

Times Photo | Skip O’Rourke

Diego Duran, 13, and Richard Smeraldo shared a laugh as they held up their dog tag medallions after a press conference. The medallions, engraved with "Bullet Free Sky," represent their recovery after both were victims of celebratory gunfire. [December 2012]

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Times Photo | Scott Keeler

St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue firefighter/EMT Michael Gerardo walked through a decontamination shower as part of the department’s quarterly training for the Hazardous Materials Response Team. The rainbow was a pleasant surprise. [May 2012]

Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Avrohom Roth (left), Rabbi Dovid Sabol (center) and David Lobotsky (right) bestowed the priestly blessing on Baby Hodakov at the Chabad of Pinellas County in Palm Harbor. [July 2012]

Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Senior Victoria Alderman, 17, bench pressed during her workout in the Hernando High School weight room. For the second straight year, Alderman advanced to the state weightlifting meet. [January 2013]

For all the latest in Tampa Bay high school sports, visit our Home Team.

Times Photo | Will Vragovic

Sheri Phillips, national spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, led the kickoff of the Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. The 60-mile walk raised money for support of research and outreach programs in the fight against breast cancer. [October 2012]

Read the Story.

Times Photo | Eve Edelheit

Terry Ellrick hugged his 2-year-old mixed breed guide dog, Abbey, after she recovered from being struck by a hit-and-run driver. Veterinarians realized she needed gallbladder surgery and Ellrick was unable to pay for the costs, so members of the community donated money for the operation. [November 2012]

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Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Erik Bendl of Kentucky walked from Pensacola to Tampa with his giant globe to raise awareness for diabetes. Bendl has trekked more than 6,000 miles in 39 states for the cause. [February 2013]

Times Photo | Carolina Hidalgo

Andy Seely and his sons, Marek, 5, and Ivo, 2, bonded at one of the locally owned diners the trio reviewed for Seely’s food blog. The Saturday outings serve as quality time for the men of the family, and give Mrs. Seely a weekend break. [December 2012]

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Times Photo | Carolina Hidalgo

Andy Seely and his sons, Marek, 5, and Ivo, 2, bonded at one of the locally owned diners the trio reviewed for Seely’s food blog. The Saturday outings serve as quality time for the men of the family, and give Mrs. Seely a weekend break. [December 2012]

Read the Story.

Times Photo | Dirk Shadd

Scott Merselis captured the beaching of Ponce De Leon, played by Michael DuMouchel, during a filming for the 109th Florida State Fair. The scene was part of the theme, “Discover the Fun,” in support of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida. [November 2012]

To discover your own fun check out Things to Do.

Times Photo | Chris Zuppa

Brian Manning, CEO of the Carpet Store, volunteered to build a house for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County. [December 2012]

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Times Photo | Chris Zuppa

Brooke Watson, 9, Kahler Pohl, 12, and Veronika Keblinskas, 12, studied a box turtle during camp at the Science + Technology Innovation Center. The girls were among a group of students learning about being junior vet techs. [January 2013]

Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Arleigh Kincheloe of Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds performed at Coachman Park during the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday. [October 2012]

For theater, festivals, concerts and more, check out Things to Do.

Times Photo | Octavio Jones

Army Staff Sgt. Nate Brown, left, talks with Lt. Col. Chuck Kyle after Brown completed his practice time trial on the Suncoast Trail. The Military Cycling Team hosts a week-long training camp open to active, reservist and veterans who undergo a selection process to make the squad. [February 2013]

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Times Photo | Daniel Wallace

Austin Alaras, 8, used his breath to steer a plastic ball around an obstacle and down the sidewalk at the Museum of Science and Industry’s summer “Crash Test” camp program. The “Crash Test” camp taught children about the laws of motion. [June 2012]

For spring and summer activities and more, check out Things to Do.

Times Photo | Chris Zuppa

Osceola High School sophomore Katie Horan, 15, set the school record for the most three pointers in a season. [January 2013]

For all the latest in Tampa Bay high school sports, visit our Home Team site.

Times Photo | Daniel Wallace

Annabelle, a 10-year-old English Springer Spaniel, leapt into the pool at the Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex during “Soggy Doggy Day” where the pooches got the pool to themselves. [January 2013]

For spring and summer activities and more, check out Things to Do.

Times Photo | Douglas R. Clifford

Jim and Barbara Grimes, both 81, posed in front of their 34-foot Airstream at their home in San Antonio, Fla. The couple remains active by traveling the world and volunteering with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Their marriage to each other is their ninth, collectively. [February 2013]

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Times Photo | Daniel Wallace

Falling Sky jockey Jose Espinoza beat Dynamic Sky jockey Luis Contreras to the line to win the $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes during Festival Day at Tampa Bay Downs. [February 2013]

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Times Photo | Scott Keeler

Keith and Ruby Coleman posed as celebrities in their Pinellas Park condo. The married couple has earned a living for 37 years by impersonating famous actors and singers. [February 2013]

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Times Photo | Dirk Shadd

Safety Harbor Middle School teacher Joanne Wright celebrated winning the Outstanding Educator award at the annual “Evening of Excellence” at Ruth Eckerd Hall. [February 2013]

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Times Photo | Carolina Hidalgo

Woody Machado, 8, played with one of his family’s seven chickens in his Tampa backyard. These pets also serve the community – the Machado boys sell their eggs to neighbors. [March 2013]

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Times Photo | Skip O’Rourke

Police horse Chad surprised Krispy Kreme server Michelle Ross in the drive-thru window during the 8th annual “Cops on Doughnut Shops” fundraiser. Police officers dangled buckets from Krispy Kreme’s rooftop to collect donations for Special Olympics Florida. [March 2013]

Read the story and watch the video.

Times Photo | Cherie Diez

Teresa Corona, 8, was stunned by her opponent’s chess move during Girls Incorporated’s Spring Break Chess Camp. [March 2013]

For spring and summer activities and more, check out Things to Do.