Storm Season and Pool Safety: This Week in East Lake

Hurricane Season is Ramping up

August has been known as the month that hurricane season starts to ramp up. With a history of storms like Andrew, Charley and Katrina hitting in August, Pinellas County is reminding residents to be prepared. Do you have your hurricane plan ready?

East Lake Pool Safety

The summer is heating up and August is likely to be scorching in East Lake. With that in mind, a dip in the pool can be great, but remember to make it safe for kids. The East Lake Fire Rescue has offered some great tips on making sure everyone can stay safe and cool in the pool for August.

A Battle is Brewing in Tampa Bay?

Activists on both sides of the Obamacare issue have staked out Tampa Bay as a battleground in their fight over the legislation.

Supporters of President Barack Obama’s plan intend to host demonstrations and other events in Florida to “hold Republicans accountable” for wanting to defund the measure, according to TBO.com. As the conservative Heritage Action for America group announced plans for an Aug. 21 stop in Tampa on its “Defund Obamacare Town Hall Tour,” the pro-Obamacare folks made a promise to appear, as well.

"If they come to Tampa, you will see us there," said Jackie Lee, who’s heading the pro-Obamacare movement in Florida. "We want to make sure people getting benefits from the act will go and ask these guys why they want to take them away."

Your thoughts on the kerfuffle?

Back-To-School Countdown is On

Today, Aug. 5, marks the start of the last two full weeks of summer for most Tampa Bay area students. With those first bells ringing around the Bay the week of Aug. 19, the scramble to get ready is on.

Are your kids ready to go back? Are you ready to send them?

Post Office Going Alcohol Friendly?

Try to ship a bottle of fine wine to a friend right now and the U.S. Postal Service is going to give you a big “no.” Shipping alcohol is restricted by law, but the rules could be changing, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says allowing alcohol shipments could raise about $50 million a year for his financially strapped agency.

Good idea?