SEBRING — When the lines of communication go down during a disaster, ham radio operators can help local rescue crews exchange vital information. If power goes out, the phone lines fail, the cell phone towers don't work and Internet access is down, hams provide that missing two-way communication link that can save lives. During Tuesday night's Hurricane Seminar at the Agri-Civic Center, led by Emergency Management Director Bill Nichols, several ham enthusiasts were on hand to talk to the public and demonstrate cutting-edge radio technology. ...more

June 4, 2008

"Hurricane Complacency" are two words that just never will go together, Pasco County emergency officials say. ...more

June 4, 2008

A special section on hurricane preparedness is included in today's newspaper, as June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic season. We hope the section is read and will not be tossed in the recycle bins — at least not right away. It contains a lot of useful information that will come in handy in preparing for a storm. Another way to prepare is to be informed, and the Highlands County Emergency Management staff is doing its part by sponsoring the annual Highlands County Hurricane Seminar this Tuesday. It will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Agri-Civic Center, located at the corner of George Boulevard and U.S. 27, in Sebring. As Bill Nichols, director of the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center, said, "I don't think you need to be afraid. The more you prepare, the less you're afraid. The more you know, the less you fear." ...more

May 31, 2008

As expected, a unanimous county commission voiced support for an investigation into whether the county's emergency management duties should be handled by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. ...more

May 21, 2008

SEBRING — It's just a refrigerated trailer, but for one Desoto City civic group, it's a brand spanking-new humanitarian effort they're trying out in Florida. The Fraternal Order of Eagles' Disaster Relief Trailer, parked in front of the club's hall, already has several pallets full of emergency ration bars and water. Joe Waters of the Eagles in Sebring said this was one of two stationed in Florida, with the other one in the Ocala area. The trailer would go wherever the county's Emergency Operations Center tells them to go. "If they were in need of it ... we would take it anywhere they want," Waters said. ...more

May 19, 2008

BROOKSVILLE WOULD PAY $60,000 PER YEAR ...more

May 3, 2008

They seem like three disparate incidents: •The individuals who were attacked by a tiger in the San Francisco Zoo. ...more

January 30, 2008

They seem like three disparate incidents: • The individuals who were attacked by a tiger in the San Francisco Zoo. ...more

January 30, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - When temperatures dip into the 30s or lower, homeless people across central and eastern Pasco County are often left to shiver in the cold. ...more

January 30, 2008

The presence of law enforcement was adequate when the Plant City Christmas Parade was marred by the death of a 9-year-old boy, but measures should be taken at future events to streamline communication between emergency responders, according to a report released by city officials Jan. 11. ...more

January 23, 2008