With the 20th pick in the fifth round, #151 overall, the Buccaneers selected Ahmad Black (5'10", 184lbs) from the University of Florida.Safety was not a strong suit of the 2011 NFL Draft. In fact, only five safeties total were drafted in 2011, three free safeties and two strong safeties. Only one went before the fifth round (Rahim Moore, UCLA, to Denver). The Buccaneers picked on of the three safeties chosen in the fifth round in Black.Black is considered a reliable open-field tackler with good instincts. He finished with 13 career interceptions for the Gators, tied for 4th most in school history. He has started every game since his sophomore season, and was named a first team All-American by Rivals.com this past year. The senior was also a First-Team All-SEC by both the ESPN/coaches panel and AP Writers of America. He also played on kickoff and punt coverage teams, a highly regarded value by Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik.Black enters a Buccaneers secondary ...

Plenty of interest remains in transportation improvements despite recent voter backlash against public funding of transportation systems, the director of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority said Friday.

In the gator-infested St. Petersburg canal, a woman spotted a pit bull mix puppy floating in the water Wednesday. It was near death.

A Bradenton state senator brought the discredited link between childhood vaccines and autism to the floor of his chamber on Friday with an unsuccessful attempt to ban shots containing mercury.

The Florida Senate shot down a House effort to deregulate a handful of professions, businesses and occupations as the Legislature inched toward adjournment Friday night.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Colin Powell told graduates of South Carolina's premier historically black university that they were graduating during a tumultuous time that saw a royal wedding, a pope's beatification and a U.S. military assault that killed Osama bin Laden, "the worst person on earth."

BALTIMORE - Lindsay Guyer almost made it to Camden Yards on Friday night in time to see her husband's first major league at-bat. She almost saw her husband turn on a fastball from the Orioles' Zach Britton and drive it into the left field seats.

Six hours before the Legislature was scheduled to pass this year's budget, containing more than a billion dollars in education cuts, a number of Pasco County teachers lined a busy New Port Richey intersection to voice their concerns.

The city council Friday night unanimously named James Drumm its top choice to replace retiring city manager Steve Spina.

The initial meeting between Tampa's new mayor, new airport administration and Copa Airlines will lead to continued discussions to support a local bid for flights by Panama's national airline, Mayor Bob Buckhorn said Friday.

Lawmakers have reversed course on decades of regulation of land development, virtually removing the state from control of growth management and handing off decisions to local communities.

"You guys will NEVER be on HBO!"

These were the last words from an obviously disappointed and possibly somewhat inebriated Washington Capitals fan before getting into a taxi cab outside of the restaurant across the street from the St. Pete Times Forum currently known as The Luxury Box (give it a week or two) after being swept out of the 2011 NHL Playoffs by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At first I thought, what an odd thing to say. That's the best you got? I almost yelled, "Yeah, and we'll never host a Winter Classic either. Who cares?" I mean, after all, it's about winning championships, not booking TV appearances. Right?

Maybe, maybe not. Consider that the two most high-profile events the NHL offers, the Winter Classic and the Stanley Cup Finals, are intertwined in that every year, one team that participates in the Winter Classic makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals...until this year. Tampa Bay eliminated both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Capitals, the two teams that sqaured off in the 2011 NHL Winter Classic, and were featured in "24/7", a documentary TV series on HBO leading up to the Winter Classic. You gotta figure at least a couple of people in the NHL marketing department aren't thrilled and may have muttered the exact same words as that frustrated Caps fan.

For better or for worse, we are of the 1st generation of sports fans to understand that sports are a business and that television is the engine that drives the train. We're as comfortable with discussing concepts like revenue sharing, labor negotiations, salary caps and the disparity between large and small markets as we are with Goals Against Average and Penalty Killing Percentage.

In a lot of ways, I'm thinking it's for worse. On one hand, it's good that we're all adults and it's healthy to understand that fun and games is actually Fun & Games ®. It's a good idea to be grounded in reality when teams start lobbying for new stadiums and such. On the other hand, I don't see why all the fun has to be sucked out of everything. 

A guy I know in St. Louis, who seems to live for tormenting me about our local teams (probably because he's a Blues, Rams and Cardinals fan and inherently bitter...mostly about the Blues), posted this on my Facebook page after the Lightning completed the sweep the other night:

"Just what NBC had in mind when they signed a two billion dollar TV deal with the NHL.. A Vancouver-Tampa Cup final.."

I guess this is post-modern sports smack talk; he's got us skipping the conference finals...but somehow that's not a good thing. I never thought I'd say I miss the old-timey days when somebody would say our goalie sucks (whether or not a rational, fact-based argument either way could be made) but I do because I don't really know how I'm supposed to respond to something like this.

Am I supposed to feel bad because a corporation that can shell out billions of dollars for broadcast rights might not get the match-up that would allow them to recoup that money as fast as they'd like by charging beer distributors, auto manufacturers and fast food franchises the highest ad rates? Am I supposed to feel bad that my team doesn't exist for the sole purpose of being a sparring partner for teams in a small handful of other cities? Why should I, as a sports fan, care about any of that stuff? Why should any sports fan care about that stuff?

For that matter, whatever happened to rooting for the underdog? Not that everybody should become Tampa Bay Lightning fans or even see the Lightning as being in that role (they're a 5 seed; they didn't exactly back in with a losing record). But teams who are in good standing in the league (paid their franchise fees, attend all the meetings, etc.) that don't play in one of the larger cities shouldn't feel obligated to apologize for being successful, under any cirsumstances, and neither should their fans.

Call me old-fashioned but I'm too busy worrying about actual hockey injuries to Simon Gagne and Pavel Kubina to care about the possible hurt feelings of some television executive I've never even heard of. Lightning coach Guy Boucher has made frequent references to David and Goliath while his squad has advanced through the playoffs.

But all David had to worry about was slaying a giant, not Nielsen ratings and ad revenue.  

Penny de los Santos is a professional photographer who specializes in travel, food and people.  She is a senior contributing photographer at Saveur magazine and a contributing photographer to National Geographic and other national based magazines.  She will be hosting a free online three-day workshop on food photography from May 13-15.

The Power of Food Photography from Penny De Los Santos on Vimeo.

You can watch the live streamed workshop on May 13-15 from the comfort of your home for free simply by registering (see link below).  

To watch the broadcast after the 15th, you will need to purchase the course.

Register for the online workshop, and visit Penny's blog for more info. ... Read more

Swiss "JetMan" Yves Rossy canceled his first U.S. flight in a jet-propelled wing suit at the last minute Friday, saying he didn't have enough time to train.

The county has closed the Old U.S. 41A bridge over Archie Creek after an inspection found structural problems.

The latest from Camden Yards.

WASHINGTON — The government warned today that tens of thousands of tabletop feeding chairs for babies and toddlers are not safe.

WASHINGTON — The wealth of information pulled from Osama bin Laden's compound has reinforced the strong role he played in planning and directing attacks by al-Qaida and its affiliates in Yemen and Somalia, senior U.S. officials said Friday.

Brimming with pride, President Barack Obama embraced the U.S. commandos he sent after terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, saluting them Friday on behalf of America and people all over the world. “Job well done,” he declared.

TALLAHASSEE — A bill changing how funds raised by "Choose Life" license plates are distributed is going to Gov. Rick Scott.

CUDJOE KEY — Rescuers workers continued today to care and secure several pilot whales that have been stranded off the lower Florida Keys.

TALLAHASSEE — Both chambers of the Florida Legislature now have passed legislation to crack down on the state's growing "pill mill" problem.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Children played in front yards and neighbors chatted under a cloudless sky Friday in a south Memphis neighborhood, yards away from the rising water of the Nonconnah Creek.

Los Rays han colocado al derecho Jeff Niemann a la lista de lesionados de 15 dias debido a rigidez en la espalda, motivo por el cual tuvo que...

via cardsspeakpoker.com

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some cool Tampa Tourism information for you.  This goes out to all of the tourists coming in next week.  In case you didn't know, next week is National Tourism Week, which means it's all about you. 

In honor of that, one of the area's best restaurants is offering you something special.  As part of the 25th anniversary of Mise en Place, all visitors are invited to stop by the Sono Café at the Tampa Museum of Art for a complimentary Kahwa coffee during National Tourism Week. 

Visitors simply need to inform the Sono staff as to where they are from (by showing ID from that place), as well as share what they are doing in Tampa and where they are staying to receive a free cup of coffee from the exciting coffee menu.

Visitors may also pick up free coffee certificates at downtown hotel concierge desks and the Visitor Centers of Tampa Bay and Company located at booth the Convention Center and the Channelside at the Port.

Here's a quote from the co-proprietor -

“We love our visitors and we thought it would be fun to do something big and bold to demonstrate that – like offer a bold cup of coffee to every visitor in Tampa next week!” said Co-Proprietor of Mise en Place and Sono Café - Maryann Ferenc. She continued “Visitors not only are a huge support to our local economy – they often teach us just how great our city is.” We welcome them for free coffee May 9 -15.

And here's the scoop on the restaurant -
Mise en Place was started in 1986 by Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz as a small catering operation and grew into a full service modern American cuisine. Mise en Place is Tampa’s premier restaurant, offering exciting and dynamic flavors that reflect the region of the west coast of Florida. The restaurant is located across from the University of Tampa at 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. Mise en Place opened Sono – A Slow Food Café at the Tampa Museum of Art when the Museum unveiled their new location in February of 2010.

In case you can stop by and take advantage of the offer, here are the Sono Cafe hours - open 11am - 7pm Monday – Thursday; Friday 11am - 8pm; Saturday & Sunday from 11am – 5pm. 

Enjoy the coffee everyone and keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events. 

The Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. was one of two recipients of the Florida Governor’s Sterling award. The award, presented by Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Sterling Council, recognizes role models for organizational performance and excellence. DTTC’s Southern Business center in Tampa serves the global financial industry, settling nearly $1.66 quadrillion in securities transactions last year. The company’s overall customer satisfaction is 91 percent, a statement said. The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office in Bradenton also received the Sterling...

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey woman pleaded not guilty in court today to charges of starving and abandoning a 1-year-old pit bull that has since become an Internet celebrity.

Kings of Leon return to Tampa on Aug. 2, less than a year since its last performance here in September.

Ellen Beth Wachs is no stranger to attention.

Pasco County Commissioners will consider an ordinance outlawing panhandling and roadside sales at the county's busiest intersections.

NASHVILLE, Tenn, — Two Muslim religious leaders say they were removed from a commercial airliner in Memphis today and were told it was because the pilot refused to fly with them aboard.

Brimming with pride, President Barack Obama embraced the U.S. commandos he sent after terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, saluting them Friday on behalf of America and people all over the world. “Job well done,” he declared.

Lawmakers have reversed course on decades of regulation of land development, virtually removing the state from control of growth management and handing off decisions to local communities.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's military paints a far different picture than the United States of Osama bin Laden's final days: not the terror mastermind still trying to strike America, but an aging terrorist hiding in barren rooms, short of money and struggling to maintain his grip on al-Qaida.

With its second highest monthly bed tax on record, Pinellas County's mainstay visitors industry has rebounded significantly from last year.

An 18-year-old Tampa woman was charged today with DUI manslaughter in a November crash that killed one and injured four.

Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Predators action can be seen all season LIVE on BHSN.. . . . . . Sat, June 11 Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay 7:30 pm. . Sat...

"Get Off My Lawn" Roloson T-Shirt now available

Yesterday afternoon was a very gratifying day as the Rays provided a little "Afternoon Delight" for their fans.

My motto's always been; when it's right, it's right.
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night.
When everything's a little clearer in the light of day.
And you know the night is always gonna be there any way---Starland Vocal Band

David Price, coming off his worst outing of the season, absolutely dominated the Toronto Blue Jays going 8.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 unearned run, striking out 10, and walking none. Kyle Farnsworth came in to finish the game earning his sixth save of the season. The victory gave the Rays their 6th series win in their past 7 series, while posting a 16-6 record over those 7 series. The rest of the AL East was in action during Thursday afternoon and the results could only make a Rays fans smile as the Yankees lost to the Tigers, the Red Sox lost to the Angels, and the Orioles lost to the Royals. At the end of Thursday's afternoon action the Rays had improved their record to 17-14 on the season and are now only 1 game behind the first place New York Yankees.  The Rays are 2.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles and three games ahead of both the Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox.

After 31 games last season, the AL East appeared to be a much tougher division than it has been this season. The Rays were in first place with a record of 22-9 and led the New York Yankees (21-9) by a half of game. The Blue Jays were in third place with a 19-14 record, the Red Sox were in fourth place at 16-16, and the Baltimore Orioles were in last place with a record of 9-23.  

Given it's still only a small amount of games, has your outlook on the 2011 Rays changed?  Has your opinion on the AL East changed?  

Poll

What will it take to win the AL East?

• It will take 85-90 wins to win the AL East and the wild card will come from the AL East.
• It will take 85-90 wins to win the AL East and the wild card will not come from the AL East.
• It will take 90-95 wins to win the AL East and the wild card will come from the AL East.
• It will take 90-95 wins to win the AL East and the wild card will not come from the AL East.

  89 votes | Results

In just about any other year, today would be the first day the Buccaneers' rookie class would take the field. The weekend after each NFL Draft, rookies typically report to One Buc Place and run through a crash course that leaves their heads spinning and bodies aching. The annual rookie minicamp is their first introduction to the NFL as well as a chance for some undrafted tryout prospects to catch coaches' eyes. But, this prolonged lockout of players by team owners stemming from the league's labor dispute has put all this on hold. And it's not just the Bucs. Just about every team conducts a similar rookie camp to get them up to speed. "We’re all going to start with the same rules," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "It’s going to be an equal playing field. We’ll get these guys ready as quickly as we can. We had the Rosetta (Stone) teaching style last year. It’ll be no different this year when these guys come in." But the fact i...

The Bid Report is a regular feature highlighting bids, contracts and opportunities in the newspaper’s coverage area. The report appears occasionally in print and online. Here’s a rundown of opportunities, by...

Delta Air Lines Inc. Read more...

McDonald’s is offering a free breakfast on Mother’s Day for moms, including a breakfast sandwich or platter and an orange juice, coffee or soda. A child must accompany mothers, and the limit is one free offer per customer, per visit. The offer will be available during breakfast hours only at any of the 186 restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, according to a company...

Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. revised its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 27, 2011 to include a pre-tax $0.5 million restructuring benefit, which increased net income available to shareholders to $6.2 million for the period. That resulted in no change to the previously reported earnings of 14 cents a share, a press statement said. The change was related to a May 3, 2011 Ohio court decision resolving a legal matter over two disputed leases in Arizona. The company (NASDAQ: RUTH) has 14 Florida restaurants, and Tampa Bay area locations in Tampa and...

United Insurance Holdings Corp. said its insurance products will now be sold by agents from Great Florida Insurance, a privately held, independent network of franchised insurance agencies with 110 offices across the state. United (OTCBB: UIHC) policies are offered at 64 GreatFlorida agencies, with more agencies expected to join the list by the end of the year, a statement...

Apex Insurance Agency Inc. has acquired substantially all of the assets of Global Intermediaries of Eugene LLC. The company, which does business as Global Intermediaries, has annual revenue of about $1.3 million, a statement said. Based in Eugene, Ore., it is a wholesale operation that provides excess liability, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, police professional and other specialty insurance lines to self-insured public entities. Apex is a subsidiary of Brown & Brown Inc. (NYSE: BRO), headquartered in Tampa and in Daytona...

Florida leaders have been pinning their hopes for growth in part on the life science/biotech industry for quite a while now. The good news is the state is seeing gains. Twenty-nine biotech companies opened in the last three years in the state, a 21 percent increase from 2008 to now, and there are 165 firms in Florida with a true “research and development core,” according to the University of Florida’s Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator. Of those, 40 companies, or almost 25 percent of the total in the state, are in the Tampa Bay...

Al-Qaida confirmed the killing of Osama bin Laden Friday and vowed revenge, saying Americans' "happiness will turn to sadness" in the first statement by the terror network since its leader was slain.

Pasco County sheriff's deputies said they have broken up a retail shoplifting ring with the arrest of three people, with more arrests being sought, deputies said.