HEARTS program, North Port PD create safety, extended family for seniors

North Port PD has an early Thanksgiving celebration to meet the seniors in the HEARTS program, which pairs officers with those who need a little extra help around the holidays -- and every day.

Small Business Saturday: Why shopping local is more important than ever

The holidays are a time of traditions and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) has made shopping local hers. Castor says 67 cents of every dollar spent at local businesses goes back into the local economy, which will be the key to continued recovery from the pandemic.

CDC tool shows how to improve airflow during indoor gatherings

The CDC rolled out an interactive tool Wednesday to help measure whether or not you have good airflow in your home ahead of holiday gatherings.

Experts: Love for the holidays isn't just within your heart; it's in the brain

It's science! One study says there is actually a 'holiday center' in the brain that can light up when experiencing those tidings of comfort and joy.

AAA program offering free towing for impaired drivers returns for Thanksgiving

AAA has brought back its “Tow to Go” program as a last defense to keep impaired drivers off the road during the holidays. The free service is offered to non-members too.

Thanksgiving travel expected to rival pre-pandemic levels

Millions of Americans are loading up their cars or piling onto planes, determined to reclaim Thanksgiving traditions that were put on pause last year by the pandemic.

Florida Aquarium employee's pet turkey visits ahead of Thanksgiving

A majestic pet turkey took a field trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, checking out the array of fish and marine life.

Charity struggles to get bicycles for kids in need this Christmas

A Dover non-profit that gives hundreds of bicycles to those who need them every year is worried higher prices and limited supplies will limit the ability to fulfill its mission.

Winn-Dixie joins Publix in limiting some Thanksgiving items due to supply chain issues

Both Publix and Winn-Dixie are putting limits on the number of items customers can buy ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday. While Publix is limiting customers to two each of some popular items like pie filling, gravy, and bacon, Winn-Dixie is limiting the number of turkeys to one per customer.

Bidens get into holiday spirit with Christmas tree, early Thanksgiving at Fort Bragg

President Joe Biden and the first lady are getting into the holiday spirit, after a ‘friendsgiving’ with service members Monday and receiving the national Christmas tree.

Oakdale Christmas display brings magic to St. Petersburg for 45th year

Powered by high-capacity electric meters, Ted Kresge’s winter wonderland draws 1,100 amps – the equivalent of around six houses. It’s been a St. Pete tradition for 45 years straight.

NHTSA ramps up anti-DUI campaign ahead of busy holiday travel

In December 2019, 837 people lost their lives in crashes involving a drunk driver, data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed.

With supply down, Christmas tree prices are up this year

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, supply chain issues are affecting trees like so many other things. Fuel costs, port congestion, and extreme weather are all playing a factor in the overall number of trees available and their higher price tags.

Thanksgiving week forecast: Periodic rain, wind expected in parts of US

It’s a mixture of good and not-so-good news as millions of Americans contend with the weather to make it to their final destination for the Thanksgiving holiday.