Three rooms converted to a marijuana grow operation, harvested plants, and duffle bags full of weed – well over 25 pounds' worth. There was a hole in the floor with wires coming out, used to steal electricity to make the operation run. That's what Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies say they found yesterday afternoon when they entered the home at 4426 Mohican Trail in Valrico, according to a criminal report affidavit, which gives the deputies' description of what happened. ...more

July 11, 2008

SEBRING — It came in the mail last week, although it's dated Jan. 15, a collection notice from FEMA. "I have no idea why they sent this," said Gail Fotheringham, 57, a grandmother who lived in a FEMA mobile home for 18 months with her daughter and three grandchildren. "You have not paid the amount you owe the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Mobile Home Rental," said the letter, which seeks a balance due of $1,357.58. Mary Hudak, a spokeswoman in Atlanta, said FEMA, on an ongoing basis, is collecting money owed to the federal agency for a variety of reasons. After the hurricanes of 2004, which ravaged Central Florida, FEMA provided $1.184 billion in assistance to individuals and households in Florida, and hundreds of mobile homes to families in Highlands and Hardee counties. "If people needed money, FEMA advanced it to them," Hudak said. But they were expected to pay back the federal government. ...more

February 16, 2008