Traffic Updates | Comments

Looking for something to do with the kids over the holiday break after all of the Christmas presents have been opened?  Check out the Tampa History Center… it’s the perfect chance to ring in the new decade with a look back at how far we have come.  Wishing you and your family all the best in 2010!

http://tampabayhistorycenter.org/

---

I’m following a serious accident involving a pedestrian in Pinellas County… SB 66th Street N and 70th Avenue N.

---

Driving to Grandma’s house this holiday? This morning, I’ve got the info on how to get the Sunpass mini for free… it will save you 25% on tolls and you don’t have to fumble for change! Check out Sunpass.com - purchase the transponder for $4.99 and receive $4.99 in toll credits when you register!

---

Tiger Named Athlete of the DecadeDespite his recent controversy, Tiger Woods has been named Athlete of the Decade by the AP thanks to an impressive 10 year run on top of the golf world, winning 64 tournaments and 12 major championships.

---

The Florida Department of Transportation has reopened one lane on the ramp from 54th Ave. S. to northbound I-275 which had been closed since Monday due to an overturned cement truck. Officials hope to open the other lane this evening.

---

Want to know the best time to buy your next airline ticket or book a hotel for your upcoming trip? Just bing it to get the best price. This morning, I featured a website that’s using mathematical data and predictions to help travelers know when to buy to score the bargains.

Bing for the Best Time to Buy

---

NB I-275 Pinellas Bayway on-ramp CLOSED due to emergency road repairs… drivers can continue east along 54th Avenue South to the entrance ramp for NB I-275.

---

Keeping your family safe during the holidays includes your pets… this morning we talked to a local veternarian for tips on what foods can be dangerous if left out during your holiday party.  For a complete list, follow the link below.

Toxic Foods for Your Pets

Also, if Santa plans to leave a furry friend under your Christmas tree, check out the following link for tips on acclimating your new pet into your family.

Getting Your New Pet Adjusted to Their New Home

---

Okay so has anyone seen the Tony Romo Hallmark ornament? It’s this year’s Legends of Football keepsake. In the past, players including Joe Montana, John Elway, Joe Namath, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Kurt Warner, and Emmitt Smith have been featured… but is Romo really in this category?

---

Watch for an accident involving a pedestrian along Hillsborough Avenue EB and Lois Avenue.  The Fire Department is on-scene.

---

All Westbound lanes of Kennedy Boulevard are blocked until Friday between Willow and Oregon Avenues due to a water main break and repairs.  Westbound traffic is being directed into the left Eastbound lane.  All Eastbound traffic will use the right lane.  Anticipate delays through the closures.  Drivers can use Cleveland Street or Platt Street as alternates.

---

More changes near TIA as Tampa Airport Interchanges construction nears completion this Spring.  Tuesday morning will be another adjustment drive for commuters through the region.  Check out the information below from FDOT… all changes have been implemented and traffic appears to be moving well.

FDOT Changes:
Traffic on the northbound I-275 flyover ramp (coming off the Howard Frankland Bridge) to westbound State Road 60 will be put into a new alignment. This will put drivers on lanes adjacent to mainline State Road 60 to connect to these roads: Spruce Street, George Bean Parkway (road into the airport), Courtney Campbell Parkway, Memorial Highway, Eisenhower Boulevard, and the Veterans Expressway.

[Put another way, traffic coming on I-275 from St. Petersburg will not be able to get onto the mainline of westbound State Road 60 (this is a permanent change). Instead, traffic will be put onto the new lanes next to mainline State Road 60.]

As a result:
A) Drivers coming from northbound I-275 will now exit to the LEFT to the Courtney Campbell Parkway (westbound State Road 60 towards Clearwater) after driving past the exits to Spruce Street and Tampa International Airport.
B) Drivers on southbound I-275 or Kennedy Boulevard will need to exit to the right at the Spruce Street/airport exit, and drive past these exit ramps on the new lanes to go to Memorial Highway/Eisenhower Boulevard.

---

All lanes of Gulf to Bay Blvd BLOCKED at Keene Road due to an accident involving a pedestrian in Clearwater.  A medical helicopter has been called to the scene.  Plan for delays and alternates including Druid Rd, Cleveland St, and Drew St but watch for another crash along Drew St at Highland Avenue

*** UPDATE: Eastbound Gulf to Bay has been reopened; Westbound only one lane gets by. The crash at Drew St and Highland Ave has been cleared.
*** UPDATE: The accident has been cleared by investigators remain on-scene.  All lanes are currently open in both directions.

---

Today is Cyber Monday and the first Monday after Thanksgiving has typically has seen some of the highest online dollar revenues leading up to Christmas. 

And despite this year’s expected 1% drop in holiday shopping overall, online sales are anticipated to jump 3% from last year… triggering online retailers to up the bargains to entice shoppers. 

This morning, I’ve got your how, when and where to go to get the best deals and stay safe while shopping online.

First, check out CyberMonday.com which features promotions and deals from more than 700 of the most popular online retailers - including deals of the hour for the super savy Internet shoppers.

And before you buy, do your homework.  Price compare using sites like pricegrabber.com which allows you to comparison shop.

Also, check to see if your credit card has cash-back programs… some are even offering double cash back for Cyber Monday.

If a deal seems too good to be true, experts say be wary.  And did you know, web retailers are not yet required by law to maintain the privacy of people who order from their sites meaning they could sell your private information to other merchants and telemarketers so only shop on sites with a detailed privacy policy.

And finally, to help avoid computer viruses from those preying on cyber shoppers, make certain your anti-virus software is up-to-date. 

So what will you be buying online… let me know what deals you snag.  Happy shopping

---

If you have spent much of 2009 pinching every penny possible, here’s something that may make this year’s Thanksgiving feast taste a little more delicious. 

After five years of price increases, the cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner dropped 4% this year—down $1.70 to $42.91 for a feast for 10… that’s according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, which has conducted the annual survey since 1986 as an informal gauge of national price trends.

The menu starts with a 16-pound turkey at $18.65 which is now 3 cents per pound cheaper than last year.

The AFBF meal includes bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk.

The largest price drop was milk, at $2.86 per gallon, down 92 cents.

Three products had price increases: pumpkin pie mix at 11 cents more; two pie shells up 8 cents; and cube stuffing up 8 cents.

Of course, these prices do not reflect organic food options, which often cost double, triple or more when compared to traditionally produced goods.

---

Advertisement

Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad Online