When I approached my principal, Tim Ducker, with the plan to host a school-wide celebration in honor of the veterans in our community, I wanted to show the students that our greatest heroes do not go by the names of Brad, Angelina, T.O., Ocho Cinco or Hannah Montana, but are most often called, "grandma," "grandpa," "mom" or "dad." ...more

November 14, 2008

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our supporters during the sheriff's race. The work of dozens of loyal campaign supporters during the past year enabled us to conduct a very competitive and well organized campaign that focused on the important public safety issues facing our community both now and in the future. As a part of the campaign, my wife Karen and I have had the opportunity to attend scores of events during the past year where we have met literally thousands of Highlands County residents. We have been very impressed with the warm reception we have received, and in the interest that citizens have shown in the political process. I want to thank the thousands of voters who voted for me during the election, and I am truly honored and humbled by the trust you demonstrated in casting your vote. For our campaign workers, it has been a special privilege to work with you on our campaign, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the sacrifices and contributions you made during the campaign. To those who contributed to the campaign, and attended the various fund raising events, special thanks for your assistance, and the commitment you made in supporting the campaign. ...more

November 14, 2008

Teenager Ruth Lewis was one of several hundred people at today's Veterans Day ceremony at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in Pinellas County. She thinks people should remember and honor veterans more than just one or two days a year, though. ...more

November 11, 2008

Andrea Reynolds, a mother of four young children in southern Louisiana, can't remember the last time she bought a dress. She also can't remember her last vacation - unless, she quips, you count those three weeks in a hotel fleeing Hurricane Rita in 2005. ...more

October 26, 2008

It's said that a society is measured by how it treats its weakest members. If that's the case, Florida falls short. That's because the state has cut funding, and also mishandled funding, for disabled Floridians and their families. ...more

September 28, 2008

City employees who are doing a good job will get a raise, if a modest one, after all. ...more

September 19, 2008

Regarding "Deputies Honored For Actions" (Metro, Sept. 10): The Tribune highlighted recognition received by Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies Malachi McCoy, Arturo "Art" Lence and Raymond Wilson for their actions in a horrific event on June 7. ...more

September 12, 2008

The Family Readiness Group of the Bravo Battery, 3/116th FA MLRS local National Guard military unit, along with a Springfield College group project called "Touched By Angels," will be having a fundraising yard sale at the Avon Park Armory on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ...more

September 10, 2008

Jay Rayner's gastronomic travelogue takes him to some of the world's finest and most luxurious restaurants. ...more

September 2, 2008

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter regarding Prisoners of War-Missing in Action Recognition Day. We should honor the men and women who served and sacrificed to keep our America free, and to salute the families of the missing who continue to keep the candle of hope alive today. There are too many of our people who are missing and unaccounted for from the wars which our nation has been involved in, going back as far as World War II. They are our military and civilians who are our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. A lot of these wars ended a long time ago but we still should pause and remember their sacrifices. I cannot imagine how I would feel if I lost my husband or family member for this length of time, days, months and yes, even decades. They deserve an answer. ...more

August 11, 2008