I only wish I were experiencing a similar percentage drop in wages-revenue as compared to the losses the county and our government is experiencing. Perhaps my losses are attributed to the decline in construction as well as the real estate market or is it the expensive fuel and rising grocery bill? I may also be over taxed with the real estate since you are hard pressed to sell it even at appraised value. Real estate used to be an asset, now it is a trap. Whatever the driving force is behind the ailing economy, the government has not even come close to feeling the crunch that the small business owners and labor force are enduring. I wonder what the future holds and what the economic gurus will label this economic era. ...more

June 9, 2008

While Sebring High School baseball players are relishing in advancing to the regional finals in Class 4-A for the second consecutive year, the school's soccer players – as well as those in Avon Park and Hardee County – are wondering if they will even have a season next year. There is a desperate need for referees as a result of the Central Florida Ridge Soccer Officials Association announcing that it no longer has the manpower to accommodate both Polk and Highlands counties in the next school year. The three schools could see their programs be dropped if local officials are not found. We hope that won't happen. ...more

May 3, 2008

Tampa City Council is scheduled today to hear a proposal that would put needed sting in the penalties for those who trash their neighborhoods. ...more

February 21, 2008

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a good law that tempts workers to treat employers very badly. ...more

February 18, 2008

In the four hours it took Alaska State Troopers to arrive at the Eskimo village of Nunam Iqua, a man choked and raped his 13-year-old stepdaughter in front of three younger children. He already had beaten his wife with a shotgun and pistol-whipped a friend after an evening drinking home brew. ...more

February 9, 2008

The police are just as out of control and inefficient as the rest of our government. It took me three separate visits to recover some stolen property from the sheriff's office. My attempts were made during normal posted working hours and as instructed by our finest. ...more

January 4, 2008

Early steps have been made toward bringing the Brooksville Police Department in line with state and national standards. ...more

December 20, 2007

New Hampshire made John McCain the last time he sought the White House. Now he's hoping the nation's first primary can save him. ...more

December 9, 2007

From the base of a red firetruck, a ladder reaches 75 feet into the air. Without hesitation, volunteer firefighter Kenny Kelley, 19, begins to climb. He wears 75 pounds of gear but doesn't slow down. He reaches his destination, then returns to the ground, where another volunteer, Don Paulk, 40, awaits his turn. ...more

October 17, 2007

Temple Terrace Fire Department's reserve program provides extra manpower and serves as a recruitment tool. Many of the volunteers become professionals. ...more

October 17, 2007