As a breast cancer survivor, I feel particularly qualified to assert my opinion on the latest U. S. Preventive Services Task Force's guidelines regarding mammograms. I'm uncertain at this point exactly whose best interests are served by this organization, but as one whose "starting annual mammograms at age 40" prevented "one additional death," I hope my story merits publication in your newspaper. ...more

November 20, 2009

During most of his time at the University of South Florida, Coach Jim Leavitt has watched his offensive linemen shuffle in and out nearly as much as passengers on a New York subway. ...more

November 8, 2009

An 88-year-old man was reportedly just returning a lost dog to a woman, but her boyfriend told law enforcement a different story after being arrested on battery charges against a person over 65. ...more

November 5, 2009

There's not much goin' on in the White House, where the travlin' Prez is seldom at work these days; nor is anything necessary nor constructive bein' worked on under the dense dome of our national Capitol. ...more

November 3, 2009

As volleyball players from Nature Coast passed around the program's first district trophy since 2007, Coach Dan Murphy made it clear the celebration shouldn't stop with a Class 4A-District 8 title. ...more

October 30, 2009

This wasn't what Sebring had in mind when it said it wanted a crisp, efficient tune-up for the rest of districts. ...more

October 28, 2009

A 32-year-old lunchroom aide at Spoto High School has been suspended without pay after acknowledging, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, that she had an inappropriate relationship with a student. ...more

October 24, 2009

What great letters to the editor on Aug. 30! I share the thoughts of Terry Collins and Daniel Burke. Obama's health care plan is scary and I along with many others don't want it. Our families and friends in Massachusetts have never liked the "cruel" marks that Sen. Ted Kennedy left on the sands of time. ...more

September 6, 2009

Last year, says Terri Cantwell, workers at the Bates Sons & Daughters booth stood around, waiting for customers. This year, it was a different story. Bates potted 3,000 caladiums, and Cantwell estimated that by 2 p.m. Saturday, a third of her stock was sold. ...more

August 31, 2009

Near the Ringling Causeway Bridge it didn't take long to spot a homeowner soaking his lawn about 11 a.m. today. It was a violation of two watering rules. The restrictions allow watering on Tuesdays or Thursdays only, based on even or odd addresses. Restrictions also bar watering any day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. "I think our residents have been very responsive," said Javier Vargas of the city of Sarasota Public Works Department. ...more

March 27, 2009