Tampa Bay Times

tampabay.com — Convicted killer Gary Alvord no longer holds the distinction of being on death row longer than any other inmate in the United States.The 66-year-old inmate died Sunday at the Union Correctional Institution in Raiford.A spokeswoman confirmed the death but could not provide details, including whether Alvord's body was claimed by relatives or whether he will be buried on state grounds.

tampabay.com — Dining with Gov. Rick Scott? Before chowing down, he asks that you please review his accomplishments for Florida families. Members of the Florida Council of 100 and Scott gathered for a Thursday meeting at the Sandpearl resort in Clearwater Beach.

tampabay.com — More than 1,200 miles away from Tampa Bay, a 2-mile-wide tornado tore through parts of Oklahoma, decimating buildings, flinging vehicles through the air and killing dozens of residents.With hurricane season less than two weeks away, Tampa Bay emergency planners were taking careful notice.Because of climactic differences, weather threats here are far different than in the central United States, with hurricanes the primary concern.

tampabay.com — PONTE VEDRA BEACH -- Tampa has pulled out of consideration for the 2014 American Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament due to a scheduling conflict with hockey at Tampa Bay Times Forum, USF President Judy Genshaft said Tuesday. it's also believed that the new conference's women's basketball tournament will stay in Connecticut, perhaps moving from Hartford to the Mohegan Sun casino.

tampabay.com — Lightning center Nate Thompson called winning a bronze medal with the United States at the world championship "a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget." Thompson, 28, had a goal, three points and was plus-1 in 10 games at the tournament in Sweden and Finland.

tampabay.com — The St. Petersburg Technology Incubator, dedicated to helping marine science, biotechnology and healthcare technology start-ups, will be launched soon courtesy of a $400,000 grant from the state of Florida. The grant will be overseen by the Largo-based Tampa Bay Innovation Center.

tampabay.com — Banks say they have given Florida homeowners $8.6 billion in relief, more than they agreed to as part of a nationwide "robo-signing" settlement - but they're not off the hook just yet.That's because data on their payouts over the last year, released Tuesday, has yet to be reviewed by someone

tampabay.com — Another major motion picture is filming this week in Pinellas County, aimed at a much older audience than Spring Breakers and Magic Mike.Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is a comedy starring two-time Oscar nominee Gena Rowlands as a widowed St.

tampabay.com — Anyone in the market for a tablet, laptop, e-reader or non-recreational software might want to wait a few months.For the first time, the state is expanding its annual back-to-school sales tax holiday to cover certain electronic products selling for up to $750. This year's tax holiday is Aug.

tampabay.com — TAMPA - He didn't exactly run out of the southwest tunnel of Raymond James Stadium, received by a roaring crowd. But the mere presence of Bucs defensive end Adrian Clayborn on the field for the start of offseason practices on Monday was, in its own right, reason for celebration.

tampabay.com — Clearwater released the names of candidates for the boys basketball position Tuesday. Shaneyfelt was among 75 who applied. The job opened up two weeks ago when Allen Carden stepped down after four seasons.

tampabay.com — TAMPA - The Tampa Port Authority's governing board voted unanimously Tuesday morning to kill Liberty Channelside LLC's attempt to take over Channelside Bay Plaza.Liberty had struck a deal with an Irish bank to buy the lease for the troubled retail center.

tampabay.com — On Sunday, we explored the issue surrounding the cutoff date in the immigration bill and efforts to change it to bring more undocumented people out of the shadows. Today, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., withdrew his amendment to move the date to April 17, 2013 -- when the bill was introduced -- from Dec.

tampabay.com — The camo dress-up theme for the trip from St. Petersburg to Baltimore last week apparently was just the warm-up act for the real thing, as the Rays - and all other teams - will wear camo-themed uniforms on Monday for Memorial Day.

tampabay.com — On Sunday, we explored the issue surrounding the cutoff date in the immigration bill and efforts to change it to bring more undocumented people out of the shadows. Today, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., withdrew his amendment to move the date to April 17, 2013 -- when the bill was introduced -- from Dec.