SEBRING — Off came the drums, tubas and flutes. About three dozen Sebring High School marching band members celebrated while unloading a trailer-load of instruments on Tuesday. The band qualified for the Florida Marching Band Coalition Championships this Saturday at the Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton. The Blue Streaks earned a "Superior" ranking, and along with 16 other high school bands in their division, will compete for the state crown. Eligible to qualify at several competitions during the season, the 78-member Spirit of Sebring Marching Band qualified at the last possible moment on Saturday, at the University Classic in Orlando. This is the first time that a Sebring High School band earned statewide honors. Band Director Colorado Paniagua wore a pin on Tuesday that read , "I Love My Band" and talked about the group "making history." In only her second year at Sebring High School, Paniagua said she never expected to rise so high in the ranks, so fast, since it usually takes four years to move up a notch. "Last year was a little difficult," said the band director. "A lot of people didn't buy into me or like changes." ...more

November 14, 2007

It used to be an eagerly anticipated part of the school day, a time for students to get out on the playground and vent all the energy pent up while they were anchored to desks in the classroom. A way to solidify friendships, stretch growing muscles, burn off calories and just have fun. ...more

October 24, 2007

'Playing for Pizza,' by John Grisham (Doubleday, $21.95) ...more

October 14, 2007

Don't expect a mystery or a courtroom of lawyers in John Grisham's newest novel. But you can look forward to a light, enjoyable read about a washed-up NFL quarterback who finds his game in Italy. ...more

October 12, 2007

Carnell Williams knows that success on the field depends on a team's dynamics as much as players' individual talent. "For every team you play on year in and year out, the chemistry of the team is new, that bond is different," the Bucs third-year running back says. "Every season, I look forward to bonding with all of the players and hitting the road." ...more

October 8, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Anglers wanted. The Third Annual Bay Crest Summertime Slam is taking place Saturday and Tom Devny, president of the event, is looking for more fishermen and fisherwomen to participate in the fun. ...more

September 18, 2007

Despite returning just two seniors from 2006's Sunshine Athletic Conference tournament-winning team, Wesley Chapel's 2-1 boys golf program is not showing its youth. ...more

September 12, 2007