The Bay Pines VA will commemorate Memorial Day with a ceremony on Monday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the Bay Pines National Cemetery.  This is the only National Cemetery in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and the largest observance of Memorial Day with over 3,000 expected attendees.  Veterans, their families and friends, and the general public are invited to attend. To mark the occasion, all 31,733 graves will be marked with U.S. flags to honor those who gave their lives while serving in the military. The event will be hosted by Fox 13 reporter, Alcides Sequi, and include musical …

The following government offices will be closed on Monday, May 28. Closed in Gulfport Gulfport City Hall Gulfport Senior Center Gulfport Public Library Gulfport Recreation Center Closed in Pinellas County Pinellas County Animal Services The Solid Waste Administration Building and HEC3 will be closed. The scalehouse/landfill will remain open. Special Notes: County parks and preserves will remain open. Annual beach and boat ramp parking permits will not be available for sale. The Florida Botanical Gardens will remain open; the administrative offices will be closed. Heritage Village, the …

Memorial Day weekend is almost here. We've searched local ads to find deals so you don't break the bank when hosting a festive get-together with family and friends. Publix, 1075 Pasadena Ave S., South Pasadena Deal: Pork Spareribs for $1.99 lb. View Publix weekly ad here. Good Through: Wednesday May 30, 2012 Sweetbay Supermarket & Pharmacies, 6851 Gulfport Blvd. S. South Pasadena  Deal: Sweetbay Black Angus Bone-In New York Strip Steak $6.99 lb. View Sweetbay weekly ad here. Good Through: Tuesday May 29, 2012 Save A Lot Food Stores, 5015 Gulfport Blvd. Gulfport  Deal: Fresh Pork Picnic Roast…

Florida travelers can expect a lot of traffic this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. The travel agency has named Orlando as the top summer vacation destination for 2012, with I-95 as one of the 10 most traveled highways between Florida and Georgia. Avoid traffic and enjoy the holiday weekend by checking the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) 511 Traveler Information System. The Florida 511 system is updated with information on crashes, congestion, construction and more on all of Florida's interstates and toll roads. Travelers can call 511, visit FL511.com, download the 511 …

Several local businesses may be offering deals for veterans or active military members. Remember to ask as you spend time – and money – around town. Red Hot Tiki is offering $2 off a purchase of $20 or more and a free Red Hot Tiki Coozie for all active military and veterans through Tuesday, May 29. Domain Home Accessories & Gallery is offering a 15% discount to all veterans, active or not. The sale begins on Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28. Smokin' J's Real Texas BBQ is offering a 10% discount to veterans and military members. Kozy Kazual Wears is offering any service members or …

On your mark, get set, grill! Memorial Day weekend is almost here, with many folks planning to fire up the grill to impress friends and neighbors with their barbecue skils. We asked John Riesebeck of Smokin'J's Real Texas BBQ to share his tips for the best tastin' barbecue. 1.) Don't Be a Meathead: "Don’t skip on your meats!" Reisebeck says. Offer your guests heaping helpings of burgers, ribs or chicken this weekend. 2.) Be Patient, Grab a Beer and Relax: "If you’re lookin', you're not cookin, so close the grill."  Reisebeck says a lot of people let their hunger get the best of them, so they …

 Wanna stay close to home this holiday weekend? Pinellas County operates three large beach parks on the Gulf of Mexico. Fort De Soto Park, located in the south end of the county, is one of the largest county parks in the state of Florida, with more than seven miles of shoreline. In central Pinellas County, Sand Key Park has almost a half mile of beachfront. Fred Howard Park has white sandy beaches and is located in the northern part of the county in Tarpon Springs. All county parks provide parking, restroom facilities and drinking fountains and are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. The daily…

Do you plan to kick off the summer with a Memorial Day weekend road trip?  Falling gas prices could have more people hitting the road this holiday weekend. Prices have dropped steadily over the last 45 days and they're expected to drop even more, according to AAA Auto Club. "Motorists will get the much needed relief at the pump just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and will likely lead to an increased number of travelers, helping to jump start the summer travel season," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the …