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Paul Guzzo, Times Staff

Paul Guzzo

Times Staff

I am a general assignment reporter with specific and varying niches – the local film industry, U.S.-Cuba relations, Tampa history, professional wrestling and the odd and unique people who make up this area. I have been a journalist in Tampa since 1999. In my younger years, I was also an independent filmmaker best known for an award-winning documentary on Charlie Wall, Tampa’s first crime lord. At home, I am married to a woman who is way out of my league and a father of four kids who have diverse career goals – engineer, veterinarian, ballerina, and a “fighting ninja.” As opposed to a pacifist ninja.

(813) 226-3394

Did Al Capone use a secret tunnel under downtown St. Petersburg for smuggling?
December 13
• Pinellas

Scott M. Deitche, author and mafia historian, takes a photograph in a tunnel under the sidewalk of the historic Snell Arcade building. Deitch believes the tunnel may have served illicit purposes during Prihibition. [SCOTT KEELER | Times]
As with the tunnels of Ybor City, originally built to serve as sewers, the passage in downtown St. Petersburg may have started with a practical purpose.

Government Spring was a cradle of downtown development. But where is it?
December 10
• Hillsborough

The historic Government Spring was one of downtown Tampa's first sources of fresh water. It was probably was within the vicinity of 1240 E 5th ave and 1309 6th Avenue in the Ybor City, but the exact location is still being debated. [OCTAVIO JONES | Times]
A still-unsolved mystery centers on the location of the Government Spring, one of downtown Tampa's first sources of fresh water.

Two-alarm fire extinguished by Hillsborough Fire Rescue
December 9
• Public Safety

Hillsborough County firefighters battled a two-alarm fire at the Trademark Metals Recycling Facility on Sunday morning.[Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue]
Crews from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a call at the Trademark Metals Recycling Facility on Port Sutton Road.

Hillsborough County says changes at Beer Can Island violate code
December 6
• Public Safety

A floating tiki bar can be seen last month on popular boating destination known as Beer Can Island. BRONTE WITTPENN | Times]
Since the property has no zoning designation,“no activity is permitted,” according to a notice of violation sent to the owners.

Steinbrenner grandson to produce two films and a web series in Hillsborough
December 5
• Business

Robert Molloy, the grandson of George Steinbrenner, will be the executive producer for two movies and one television series in Hillsborough County next year. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times]
The Steinbrenner family has brought seven World Series rings to New York. But can they bring an Oscar to Hillsborough County? The Hillsborough County Commission on Thursday approved to..