‘World’s Most Unusual’ Dollar Store? You Be The Judge

The East Bay Drive emporium makes a bold proclamation. But does it live up to its name?

Dollar stores are about as common as the strip malls they inhabit in this area of Florida.  So it takes something extra to stand out amid the sea of discounted toiletries and party decorations.  Welcome to the World’s Most Unusual Dollar Store and More, a veritable unique- gift emporium located on East Bay Drive in Clearwater, just a few hundred yards from U.S. 19.  With a name like that, Patch felt like the place was asking for some investigating to see if what’s inside the massive store lived up to the hype on the front facade. And from what we saw, the :world’s most unusual" boast was backed up.  Packed to the rafters with items ranging from wedding cake toppers to Chinese ninja stars, the store truly has something for everybody, …

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Police: Gunman Gets Pills, Surrenders in Restroom of Largo Walgreens

Christopher Michael Degrande, 27, also had with him "what looked like a soda bottle full of gasoline" and was charged with planting a hoax bomb.

An armed gunman took pills from a Walgreens pharmacy and had to be talked out of the store's restroom by Largo Police, authorities said Tuesday. The suspect, identified as Christopher Michael Degrande, 27, was armed with a gun and obtained a bottle of pills from the pharmacy at 2295 E. Bay Dr., according to police. He also had with him "what looked like a soda bottle full of gasoline" and proceeded to the restroom, where he remained as officers arrived on scene, according to Lt. Edward Sohoski. Officers established a dialogue with Degrande, who remained in the restroom for about 35 minutes before surrendering without further incident, Sohoski said in a media release. Degrande is charged with planting a hoax bomb and trafficking in a …

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East Bay Drive Pizza Hut Robber Still Wanted

The suspect is wanted in connection with a spree that began in September and includes break-ins in three counties. The most recent robbery took place Nov. 1.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for some help to identify a suspect wanted in connection with seven armed restaurant robberies in three different counties, including a Pizza Hut in the Clearwater/Largo area nearly two months ago. The spree began in September as a single armed robbery at a Gunn Highway Papa John’s. It has since grown to include a number of robberies in Hillsborough County, the Pizza Hut in Pinellas and one in Hernando. The suspect has only targeted pizza and fast-food restaurants to date. The man wanted in connection with the crimes is described as a black male between the age of 22 and 35. He is about 150 to 180 pounds and stands between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-11. He wears a black ski mask during the …

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Largo Food Truck Rally Comes to East Bay Drive

The food truck rally is Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Love food trucks? Head to Our Savior Lutheran Church on East Bay for 13 of the Tampa Bay area's "most popular" food trucks on Saturday. In addition to plenty of savory food options, plan on family fun including bounce houses and live music. Food Truck Line Up: The Dude and His Food, The Hogfather, Fat Tortillas, Graffeatis, Burger Culture, Rollin Zoinks, DoChos, Jimmy Meatballs, Stinky Buns, 2 Asians and a Grill, Gorilla Gurt, Whatever Pops & Taste of Chicago If you go: Address: Our Savior Lutheran, 4825 East Bay Dr. (near intersection with U.S. 19) When: Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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Traffic Signal Changes Planned for East Bay Drive

The new traffic light system should "eliminate excessive traffic back ups" along East Bay Drive, according to the city.

Ever experienced long lines of traffic during rush hour on East Bay Drive? A new traffic light signal system is planned for eight intersections on East Bay Drive. The proposed traffic signals will be monitored by a video system instead of using a timer to adjust for peak traffic times.  "Once the system is in place, it should eliminate excessive traffic back ups along the corridor," according to the weekly city manager's report. There may be some traffic back ups to get the new system into place. The city has a tentative schedule for the traffic system changes. For the next several weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. some traffic lights will most likely be shut down. During the system conversion Largo Police …

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East Bay Bridge Work Starts June 14

Motorists should expect delays around East Bay Drive and US 19, according to police.

The East Bay Bridge project starts June 14. Officials expect the project to last ten to 14 days. The bridge, which goes over East Bay Drive at US 19, will be painted. The painting project could cause traffic congestion in the area including Roosevelt Blvd. The project work will be every day between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. * Editor's Note- Thanks to the Largo Police Department for providing this information.

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Melissa Lattman

8:39 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012

David, Thanks for letting us know!   more ›

Largo in Pictures

On the Streets of Largo

From street signs to commuters, workers to construction, these photos were taken throughout the Largo community.

There's always a lot going on on Largo's streets, but lately there seems to be more than usual as commuters dodge heavy construction that's been congesting many of its roads, causing agitation at times. Thus the inspiration for this week's photo gallery lies in looking at life on the streets of our community from an outside and hopefully less-irritable perspective. 

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Police Investigating Car Crash on East Bay

Witnesses say the driver slumped over the wheel before the crash.

Largo Police are investigating a car crash that happened at noon Saturday on East Bay Dr., just east of 36 St. S.E.  Wayne J Whitman, 67, the driver of a 2009 Jaguar Sedan, died after he was taken to a local hospital, according to Largo Police. Witnesses say the Jaguar was traveling westbound in the center lane, when the car began crossing multiple lanes and crossed over the dividing line into ongoing traffic. The car then hit a power pole in front of the Dunkin Donuts restaurant. Witnesses say Whitman appeared to be slumped over prior to crossing into oncoming traffic. Whitman lived in Belleair. The crash is being investigated as a traffic homicide.

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