An emergency rule designed to guard Florida's citrus crop against a fungus that might be on California fruit shipped into the state withstood an initial court challenge Wednesday. ...more

December 20, 2007

SEBRING — Instead of saying "I love you" with a Christmas kitten this year, how about a ball python, a scorpion, or even one of those warm, fuzzy tarantulas? That's what Highlands County pet shops are offering as gifts, and yes, they may make the season bright for some new pet owner. But, said Charles Bronson, Florida's agriculture commissioner, "Consumers should also consider suitability when purchasing an animal. "For example, some breeds of dogs may be less appropriate if there are infants or young children in a home," Bronson said. Likewise, consumers may want to think twice before purchasing a large animal if they live in a small dwelling Paul Antone disagrees in part. He's the owner of Arcade Pet Stop in Sebring. Instead of choosing against a breed of dog, he suggests asking about the background of the dog and the breeder. Any dog can bite, and any kitten can scratch. ...more

December 10, 2007

With less than three weeks until Christmas, Zheng-Long Zhou studied the toys at a Wal-Mart on North Dale Mabry Highway on Wednesday afternoon. Around him, parents peered into packages and restless children grabbed at what appealed to them. ...more

December 6, 2007

TAMPA - With less than three weeks until Christmas, Zheng-Long Zhou studied the toys at the Wal-Mart on North Dale Mabry Highway this afternoon. Around him, parents peered into packages and restless children grabbed at what appealed to them. ...more

December 5, 2007

HUDSON - The relief on Richard Paey's face was obvious Thursday evening as he was helped from a government vehicle in the driveway of a home he had not seen in more than three years. ...more

September 20, 2007

Thirty years ago, Jodie Foster earned her first Academy Award nomination, for 'Taxi Driver,' with anti-hero Travis Bickle storming New York in a psychotic rage over the street scum he encountered. ...more

September 13, 2007