And off we go, folks! Whether you realize it or not, the race for college football's BCS National Championship officially began this past Friday. ...more

August 2, 2008

As someone who has never stood in the batter's box against Scott Kazmir, it took Dioner Navarro some time to fully grasp how miserable an experience trying to hit the lefty can be. ...more

July 13, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left, with "Reel Animals" partner Mike Anderson. ...more

July 11, 2008

HOLE OF THE DAY No. 8 The longest par-3 in U.S. Women's Open history at 203 yards played directly into a wind that gusted to 30 mph. The results were predictable. It was the only hole of the golf course that did not give up a single birdie Sunday. ...more

June 30, 2008

Let's just say this one will be interesting. The press release called it a grudge match, while one of the trainers admitted there's some "bad blood." ...more

June 27, 2008

The Rays have had offensive outbursts here and there over the course of this season, but have yet to really break loose and go on a team-wide tear. ...more

June 26, 2008

He already had like 600 nicknames. Junior. The Natural. The Kid. ...more

June 12, 2008

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is seeking the suspension of Eight Belles' jockey after the filly had to be euthanized following her second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. ...more

May 5, 2008

WAUCHULA — Dillan Runner threw six strong innings and the Avon Park baseball team's bats came alive on Friday night as the Red Devils opened up district play with a 13-7 victory over Hardee. Runner hardly broke a sweat to pick up the team's first Class 4A-District 10 win of the season: He threw just 69 pitches in six innings of work and allowed just three runs, mixing locations and pitches to keep the Wildcats off-balance all night. "Dillan pitched one heck of a game," said Avon Park coach Mort Jackson. "It was one of the best-pitched games I've seen him throw — he was throwing every pitch for a strike and mixing up his curveball, fastball, change-up and splitter very effectively." The Red Devils (3-2, 1-0), meanwhile, hammered 13 hits, and were led by Kyle Jackson, who went 3 for 5 with a double and four RBI, Logan Hunter, who finished with two hits and two RBI, and Corey Topa, who added two hits. ...more

February 23, 2008

Florida strawberry growers are still reeling from last month's freeze. Since the Jan. 3 freeze, strawberry production has dropped more than 30 percent compared with last year, costing growers and farmworkers more than $15 million, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association said Friday. Initially, industry officials projected a 10 percent to 15 percent loss. ...more

February 2, 2008