Rains from Tropical Storm Fay hurt attendance at last weekend's 18th annual Caladium Festival, but organizers say crowds exceeded expectations and vendors were pleased with the turnout. ...more

August 31, 2008

SEBRING — Lloyd Gadd, of Lake Placid, bragged that he'd already pocketed a quick and easy $7.50 after outbidding 40 others during a public auction a week ago. Gadd bought a scuba tank and gear for $12.50. Moments later he sold the equipment to another auction-goer for $20. Gadd has never scuba dived, nor does he intend to explore the crystal clear waters of Lake Denton anytime soon. The gear was not purchased for personal use, but as a money maker. ...more

June 29, 2008

The Black Crowes will shake their money-maker at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Nov. 11. ...more

June 19, 2008

Grateful, happy, excited, humbled and exhausted "American Idol" contestant Syesha Mercado rolled through Tampa, Bradenton and Sarasota on Friday on a "surreal" homecoming tour. ...more

May 10, 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

The Pasco County Public Transportation system is facing an interesting dilemma. Just when rising gasoline prices might be tempting some to park their private vehicles and climb aboard a bus, PCPT officials are seeking County Commission approval for 100 percent fare increases for the county's fixed-route bus system and paratransit service for people with disabilities. PCPT, not surprisingly, is not immune from rising energy costs. ...more

February 12, 2008

Port Richey may be courting an image problem by installing cameras at intersections in the city to catch red light runners. ...more

October 31, 2007

AVON PARK — Authorities suspect arson destroyed a detached garage and car, which also was found with racial slurs spray-painted over them early Sunday morning. The state fire marshal is still investigating the fire near Avon Park Middle School and no suspects were listed, but Avon Park Fire Department Capt. Robert Border said the anti-Hispanic slurs and a Folk Nation gang sign spray-painted on the garage made it "highly suspicious." He couldn't recall the last time Avon Park had a racially motivated arson. "It's been a while since we had something this bad," he said. ...more

October 1, 2007