A Power Line Battle, Mailbox Vandals and a New Produce Market Headline This Week on Patch

1. -- Angered over Tampa Electric Co.'s plans to build a high-voltage transmission line between The Bridges in FishHawk Ranch and Channing Park, hundreds of residents crowded into The Palmetto Club to seek the support of state Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview, and state Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico.

2. --Frustrated over recent reports about Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Rob Turner, state Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, dropped out of her race for reelection and filed to run against Turner for the property appraiser's seat.

3. --With Storms out of the running for the state Senate, the way is clear for former Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, to run for the Senate again. Lee has been out of public office since losing a bid to become chief financial officer for the state in 2006.

4. --More than a dozen residents awoke Thursday morning to find their mailboxes bashed in. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the vandalism.

5. --Capitalizing on the current trend toward natural, home-grown foods, Ron and Tiffini Masessa opened the Happy Tomato Produce Market on Lithia-Pinecrest Road. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the stand offers all-natural popsickles, homemade pasta, orchids and boiled peanuts.

6. --In an attempt to help parents with busy schedules, FishHawk Ranch residents Rhonda Wills-Johnson and Roger Cleworth have started Not Your Mother's Taxi to transport children to dance lessons, sporting events and after-school programs.

7. --Members of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church have adopted Dover Elementary School, which has a large migrant population. The members provide tutoring as well as food, clothing and gifts for the students.

8. --Fed up with motorists exceeding the 25 mph speed limit along FishHawk Crossing Boulevard, residents have set up a meeting to discuss their concerns with County Commissioner Al Higginbotham.

9. --Bloomingdale High School Principal Mark West reflects on the school's 25-year history and its current successes.

10. --It wasn't a good day for Arturo Zertuche May 22. A Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy recognized him as a man on the lam for attempted murder.