Recently, an article in the Huffington Post (posted Oct. 20) caught my attention because of its relevance to our county's decision to accept or reject a National Security Training Center. The report, written by Jo Comerford, summarizes the National Priorities Project's research on American military spending over the past two decades. It indicates that the U.S. Department of Defense spends as much as the next 14 countries combined on the military, and according to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 55 percent of next year's discretionary spending will go to the military. The United States has already used $915.1 billion in total Iraq and Afghanistan war spending. ...more

October 28, 2009

Even with streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling, special lighting and a DJ playing dreamy dance music, no one would ever mistake the Gulf Trace Elementary School lunchroom for the Stardust Ballroom. But in the eyes of more than 100 little girls, the simple but carefully arranged decorations were enough to transform the space into a palace ballroom for them and their respective Prince Charmings for one night. Last Friday, Jan. 30, Gulf Trace Elementary School's chapter of All Pro Dad held its second annual father-daughter dance. It's an old-fashioned concept resurrected to address a need in modern life for families - particularly fathers - to prioritize what matters most, namely their families. ...more

February 7, 2009

Randy Goggin of New Port Richey says Gov. Sarah Palin has more governmental experience than Sen. Barack Obama. ...more

September 27, 2008

On Sept. 17, there was a letter admonishing Mayr Malool. I would just like to say that I have read her comments and find them truthful and artfully done. I enjoy reading her comments, as well as others. I keep most letters to re-read as comments warrant. ...more

September 20, 2008

A year after the worst U.S. bridge collapse in a generation brought calls for immediate repairs to other spans, two of every three of the busiest problem bridges in each state - carrying nearly 40 million vehicles a day - have had no work beyond regular maintenance. ...more

July 31, 2008

Jim Flautt lives in Fort Lauderdale and, until recently, the only way he knew to check on his father's grave in St. Petersburg was to drive the 240 miles. ...more

February 11, 2008

Tiny Thumbelina munched on hay and gazed over the 18-inch high plastic fence at the children in wheelchairs or in the arms of parents. In this case, a horse is not your average horse, of course. ...more

November 6, 2007

TAMPA - Thumbelina munched on some hay and gazed over the 18-inch-tall plastic fence at the kids in wheelchairs or in the arms of parents. In this case, a horse is not your average horse, of course. ...more

November 5, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Joe Seward remembers watching television on Sept. 11, 2001, and seeing the twin towers crumbling. ...more

September 18, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Joe Seward remembers watching television on Sept. 11, 2001, and seeing the twin towers crumbling. ...more

September 15, 2007