As my Dad used to say, "When you find yourself in a hole too deep to climb out of, the first thing to do is stop digging." ...more

March 15, 2009

Earlier this year, the Highlands County Soil and Water Conservation District had no trouble giving out 1,100 free low-flow shower heads to help people conserve water. ...more

October 12, 2008

The playoffs will feel different for the Rays today. Their climate-controlled home field will give way to the elements, with a chill in the air and showers in the forecast. Their cowbell-clanging supporters will be replaced by 40,000 black-clad, towel-waving White Sox fans who have seen their team through three elimination games in the past week. ...more

October 5, 2008

I came away from an election-poll-workers' training session the other day shaking my head in wonderment. Just as I felt that the registered voters of Hillsborough County, after a few elections, were becoming adjusted to using the touch-screen voting machines, we have taken a giant step backward for mankind by going to paper ballots. ...more

July 18, 2008

If you want a personal trainer who can whip you and your diet into shape, you're looking for Karl Mackey. A master personal trainer at Calta's 24/7 Fitness in south Tampa, he's been working with clients for 15 years. He's certified by the International Fitness Professionals Association. Mackey, 31, started natural bodybuilding at 18 and claims the title of Mr. Tampa Bay, Mr. Florida and Mr. All South. He also was a finalist for Mr. U.S.A. and Mr. Universe. Mackey trains clients ages 15 to 80. He says there's no such thing as too old when it comes to working out and staying fit. ...more

October 18, 2007

Johnny Erickson, head personal trainer at Gold's Gym in Tampa for six years, caters his workouts to functional training. He's certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has a military and firefighter background. Erickson juggles about 40 clients who get killer core training using bands and stability balls to strengthen their abs. Gold's touts having weights up to 150 pounds, but what may surprise you is that most members aren't muscle heads, he says. ...more

October 11, 2007