Cruise Control

It's been one of those weeks months where nothing has really come together. I had a project, that had amazing potential to be something worthwhile and long-term, fall through. I've been stuck in a suburban bureau as the sole photographer. And I've been been working the quantity over quality thing. I've shot 3 stories on roads (a dead end road, a let's talk about how great the road is, and a what happens if we expand the road in 2020 story) and more pictures of buildings that I care to admit. As well as signs, fountains, and a pair of golf socks that read "Divot Diva."

Needless to say, I've been on cruise control, and can't remember the last time I spent more than 45 minutes working an assignment. This is the best of the worst:



Mireya de los Santos , 31, center, was born in Mexico City, but her three children, Jennifer Sanchez, 9, Jessica Sanchez, 4, Emily Sanchez, 18 mos., (from left) were all born in the United States. De los Santos' situation raises an interesting question as to what happens to families that have one member facing deportation.



A small tube of fireworks that shot green flames, burned Fred Davis, 11, on the face, hands and chest. He was discharged from Tampa General Hospital after one day.



All About Puppies manager Amber Julian is all smiles as she holds a $1300 11-week old rottweiler puppy that was stolen from her store on Monday. With the help of a vehicle description and the surveillance video, the puppy was returned Thursday night around 10 p.m. by a Hillsborough County Sheriff's officer investigating the crime.



"He was my cousin, but he was like a brother to me," said Edward Ferguson, 18, as he sheds a tear after learning that Xavier "LT" Whitehead, 17, was shot during a robbery turned struggle at the Yasmin Food Market.