If you see lots of Stars and Stripes flying today, there's a good reason. It's the birthday of the U.S. flag, proposed by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. ...more

June 14, 2009

Imagine having just two U.S. women in figure skating at the Winter Olympics. That would have meant no Sarah Hughes in Salt Lake City. And no Olympic gold for Hughes in 2002. ...more

March 22, 2009

Patriotic values and wholesome entertainment have always been key to the Florida Strawberry Festival. Old Glory waves as proudly as ever over the festival, with the added glow of this year's theme: "Hometown Salute to America." ...more

February 17, 2009

Readers at TBO.com responded strongly to news that the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans put up a 30-by-60-foot Confederate flag at the Interstate 75 bridge over U.S. 92. The flag was raised Oct. 12 and is even larger than the one raised there last summer, sparking widespread controversy and national attention. The flag is the centerpiece of a 1.9-acre memorial park. To see a picture of the flag, read related stories or add your views, go to Brandon.tbo.com, keyword "Confederate Flag." Below is a sampling of reader views. ...more

October 22, 2008

Readers at TBO.com responded strongly to news that the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans put up a 30-by-60-foot Confederate flag at the Interstate 75 bridge over U.S. 92. The flag was raised Oct. 12 and is larger than the one raised there last summer, sparking controversy and national attention. The flag is the centerpiece of a 1.9-acre memorial park. To see a picture of the flag, read related stories or add your views, go to Brandon.tbo.com, keyword "Confederate Flag." Below are some reader views. ...more

October 22, 2008

Monkey outbreak in Tokyo. As a responsible media organization, we owe it to the public to provide up-to-the-minute monkey news. You're the city editor, so tell me, who do we have to put on this story?" ...more

August 24, 2008

About 100,000 people shirked the sweltering heat Thursday to take part in one of Brandon's favorite annual traditions, the Fourth of July Parade. The 90 entries included Scout troops, politicians, veterans' and military groups and dancers of many genres. ...more

July 12, 2008

One of the most-read stories last week at TBO.com also drew a flurry of comments. The Sons of Confederate Veterans erected a 30-by-50-foot Confederate flag at the junction of Interstate 75 and U.S. 92 in Eureka Springs on June 3. Black county residents, for whom the flag represents slavery and racism, vowed it would come down. After discovering they have no legal means to prohibit the flag, county commissioners pleaded with the Sons group to voluntarily not fly it and avoid fracturing the community along racial lines. The flag was down as of Monday. Readers at TBO.com shared their opinions on the controversy. Here are some excerpts. To read more about the controversy, view more comments or add your own, go to TBO.com and search for "Confederate." ...more

June 11, 2008

Ban Flag Burning I find it shameful that while we observe the solemnity of Memorial Day, Congress refuses to pass the flag-burning amendment. ...more

May 26, 2008

AVON PARK –– This summer BMX (Bicycle Motocross) will make its Olympic debut in Beijing, China. Our kids will be able to watch some of America's elite BMX riders carry "Old Glory" across the globe to compete in one of the fastest growing sports today. Hundreds of BMX families, riders and state officials will travel to Avon Park on Feb. 16-17 to compete in the second of 10 qualifiers offered in Florida for the 2008 Florida State Series Championship. This is a great opportunity to see first-hand what BMX is about. Riders range from 3-years-old to over 50. Each rider competes in their age class and riding proficiency which includes Rookie, Novice, Expert, Cruiser, and Pro. In addition, the professional riders will be here to compete. ...more

January 29, 2008