TAMPA -- At its annual statewide conference this week, the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators named the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Crisis Negotiations Team the 2008 Team of the Year. The crisis negotiations team responds to incidents involving hostage situations, high-risk or armed suicide attempts and armed and barricaded suspects, a sheriff's office news release states. ...more

June 13, 2008

A rotting banana called the Yeast Beast. Saltwater in a freezer. Semiconductors. If you think it's the plotline for the sequel to "Cloverfield," your conclusion is wrong. ...more

February 21, 2008

It's the night before we're scheduled to conduct our science fair experiment, and it's not looking good. ...more

February 18, 2008

Spring Hill Fire Rescue Commissioner George Biro did not violate Florida's Sunshine Law when he submitted a letter asking his colleagues on the board to vote on a replacement for the outgoing chief. ...more

February 16, 2008

Spring Hill Fire Rescue Commissioner George Biro did not violate Florida's Sunshine Law when he submitted a letter asking his colleagues on the board to vote on a replacement for the outgoing chief. ...more

February 15, 2008

I read with interest the op-ed in the Jan. 12 edition of Highlands Today, on whether evolution should be debated in science classes. It was attributed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. What the author apparently meant was that evolution should be accepted as proven fact, and that no other theory should be considered. I am sick of the argument that, "Evolution is science and creation and intelligent design are not, so don't debate them in science class!" ...more

January 16, 2008

The county has a new ordinance that prohibits commercial fishermen from unloading their catch and washing, refueling and repairing their boats while moored to residential property. ...more

January 15, 2008

The city official who supervised the division responsible for checking fire hydrants, replacing meters and fixing pipe breaks has resigned. ...more

January 4, 2008

After another trip to my local pharmacy to buy my husband his much needed allergy medication, I have come to the conclusion that this ridiculous law requiring photo ID and a one box limit per 15-day period for allergy and cold medication is ridiculous. It certainly isn't stopping the criminals from manufacturing illegal drugs. Surprisingly, they manage to supply their drug without any problems, as you can see if you watch a newscast or pick up a paper. ...more

December 22, 2007

Motorists will get a glimpse at their future commutes when county engineers and consultants reveal the results of the latest traffic study on Lithia-Pinecrest Road. ...more

December 1, 2007