Top o’ the mornin’ to ya, Nashville. We’re on a tight schedule this morning, so here is your abbreviated Bright & Early:

• Remember last year when someone kilted the naked statues near Music Row for St. Patty’s Day? Oops, they’ve done it again. This is a tradition we fully endorse. [WSMV]
• Speaking of St. Patty’s Day, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is offering sober rides from 10pm-2am tonight, so pick up the phone and call 862-RIDE if you find yourself in a green beer-induced haze without a designated driver. [WKRN]
• The US Census data came in yesterday, and it turns out that midstate counties have done done a lot of growing this year! Williamson and Rutherford counties saw the highest percentage of growth, and Hispanic folks now make up about 10% of the population in Davidson County. [WKRN]
• Mayor Dean checked in from Tokyo yesterday, speaking of blackouts, more earthquakes and scenes of disaster, but noting the resiliency and “remarkably high spirits” of the Japanese people. [City Paper]
• TSU is rethinking their decision to name their school mascot “Tsunami.” [WSMV]
• Nashville’s gang violence has dropped by about 50% over the last year thanks to the tireless efforts of the MNPD. [WSMV]
• Don’t be surprised if you start seeing ads on TDOT trucks sometime soon. [WKRN]

Photo by Jon Erickson.