A new and very cruel scam is popping up across Florida. Someone calls to say a loved one has been in an accident and is being held hostage, and will only be release when the pay a ransom. There’s been at three least reported cases in the Bay area so far, and police ask anyone with information to please call them.

The game was delayed by yesterday’s rotten weather, but the Bucs opened their season against Carolina yesterday at Ray Jay, winning 16-10. Big game for the Rays as well, with BJ Upton hitting three homes runs for a shutout over the Rangers 600. Jim Shields gets the win, and the Rays now move to within one game of the Orioles in the AL wild-card race. They start a series with Baltimore starting Tuesday in Baltimore. They are also two games behind the East-leading Yankees, whom they visit after that.

A Palm Beach Sheriff’s motorcycle deputy that was part of President Obama’s escort patrol on Saturday died when he was struck by pickup. Bruce St. Laurent was a 20-year veteran of the force and an investigation is underway. White House press secretary Jay Carney was quoted as saying the president was notified of the officer’s death and ‘‘our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family.’’

Yesterday, we heard that Mitt Romney would be coming to Oldsmar for a public rally at 8 pm. But wait, that’s same day former President Bill Clinton is expected to campaign for President Barack Obama in Orlando. Hillsborough County GOP chairman Art Wood says the Romney campaign event has now been canceled, and they’re hoping to reschedule.

The nation says goodbye to the first man to walk on the moon with a service at Washington National Cathedral Thursday; the service for Neil Armstrong will be streamed live through the NASA television, as well as the space agency and cathedral’s web sites.