What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Should Texting While Driving Be Banned in Florida?

Are you in favor of such a law? Do you think it goes too far, or not far enough?

Florida could soon join 39 other states that have banned texting while driving. A bill filed last week by state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, would make texting while driving a secondary offense under which a driver can receive a citation, but only after he or she is pulled over for a primary offense such as speeding or reckless driving, TBO.com reports. The bill doesn't prohibit all use of handheld devices while driving, as some state laws do, and cell phone calls would still be permitted. "If you are texting while driving, you are 23 times more likely to have an accident," Holder told TBO. "I think the timing is right. I think we are going to get something passed." Are you in favor of such a law in Florida? Do you think it goes too far, …

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When Will Election Results Be Announced in Pinellas County?

Polls close in Pinellas County at 7 p.m.

Once you have been to your polling location, or otherwise cast your ballot, you may be wondering when voting results will be announced in Pinellas County. It's hard to predict exactly when the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections will have all of the county votes in and counted, but here's what we do know: The statewide results for Florida might take a bit longer because portions of the panhandle are in the Central Time Zone and polls will close there at 8 p.m. EST.

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State and County Candidates Focus on the Economy at Largo Forum

All state and county candidates in contested central Pinellas races were invited to a breakfast candidate forum on Thursday, according to the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce.

Fourteen candidates in contested state, county and one federal race came and shared their message in four minutes with a packed room on Oct. 11 in Largo. The Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce hosted the candidate forum at Largo Medical Center's Bilgore Conference Center. Candidates for Largo City Commission spoke at the last chamber forum on Sept. 26. Many of the candidates focused on the effect of the economy on Pinellas County and the need for job creation. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri (incumbent) shared the challenges of cutting his department's budget due to the current economy. Despite the cuts the focus remains on public safety and crime is down 12 percent, Gualtieri said.  "We have had to make a lot of hard decisions that are sometimes …

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Florida Amendment 3: What You Need to Know

Take a closer look at the proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution before you head to the polls Nov. 6.

Florida Amendment 2: What You Need to Know

Take a closer look at the proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution before you head to the polls Nov. 6.

Hurricane Season: It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over

Experts advise that communities prone to tropical disasters, like Clearwater, should not let their guard down just yet.

Although we haven't seen much in the way of hurricanes this year in Clearwater, there is always the chance of a late season storm. Most people think of pumpkin patches, cooler temperatures and costumed kids when October comes around. However, living in the sunshine state can have its rainy realities. The Weather Channel reports that more than 50 hurricanes have struck during the month of October since 1851. Of the storms, 16 of them were considered severe being ranked Category 3 or higher. Most recently, Hurricane Wilma rocked the the Gulf Coast of Florida in 2005. Wilma was a Category 3 storm. According to The Weather Channel's Senior Meteorologist, Stu Ostro: "On the one hand, the vast majority of hurricanes that hit the U.S. do so prior…

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