Republicans are up in arms about Gov. Crist's support of the stimulus package. Many are also surprised that the governor is contemplating a Senate run rather than standing for re-election. A possible reason for both relates to something I have pondered for some time: Florida should raise the sales tax by one cent, at least temporarily. The stimulus package, manna for our charmed governor, will likely enable Florida to balance its budget this year. But unless the economy improves significantly, next year we will be back to where we are now, cutting into the marrow of our already bare bones state programs. Perhaps the governor sees raising taxes in the near future as the only logical way to maintain the modest quality of life the state provides to its citizens, while understanding that, as a Republican, raising taxes would likely end his political career. The smart thing is to let someone else do it. ...more

February 14, 2009

A group of college students say they are forming an organization to make sure police officers in Tallahassee don't abuse their power. ...more

February 7, 2009

Hernando County commissioners on Wednesday will discuss an early leave retirement plan for employees. ...more

February 7, 2009

The election is history. The oaths of office have been taken. From Pasco County all the way to Washington, D.C., we have new representatives to help lead us into the future. Our work as Americans is done until the next round of elections, right? ...more

February 4, 2009

Ten "community quarterbacks" were named at a Jan. 12 awards dinner at One Buccaneer Place. The NFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers named Connie Blaney, Pastor Moses Brown, William Carver, Frank Ciampaglia, Cristina Garcia, Stacey Heckerman, Claire LeBoeuf, Michael Olsen, Wanda Shuford-Miguenes and Bob Williams their 2008 community quarterbacks. The Buccaneers also will donate $1,800 in each Community Quarterback's name to a charitable organization of his or her choice. ...more

January 28, 2009

Yes, I look forward to "four years of positives" (Letter of the Day, Jan. 22). But the positives that I see don't agree with the writer's vision. ...more

January 23, 2009

Hillsborough County deputies say heroin sales have picked up near 15th Street, south of 131st Avenue. ...more

January 22, 2009

It was very rewarding to read in the Jan.16 issue of Highlands Today, the guest column titled, "The Great Emancipator," by Leonard Pitts. He details facts relatively unknown by many United States citizens of all races. ...more

January 19, 2009

This is in response to the Jan. 12 editorial, "New Ideas Could Bring Sound Hurricane Coverage." ...more

January 18, 2009

Irv Friedman of Beacon Woods says it doesn't take much to produce a hateful reaction against Jews. ...more

January 14, 2009