John Agan was doubly unlucky Tuesday - he was bitten by not one but two snakes. ...more

October 28, 2009

Jury selection began this morning in the first-degree murder trial of Carl Roland, a sometime computer salesman who gained notoriety for perching himself atop a crane in Atlanta while fleeing Pinellas authorities. ...more

February 10, 2009

Art was laced up with political statement as a gallery opened an exhibit with a paint-splattered fundraiser that featured a "shoe throw" at an image of President George W. Bush. ...more

January 6, 2009

So everyone knows President George Bush's popularity these days is lower than any president in history, according to polls. Even fellow Republicans have little good to say about his presidency. It's clear that the vast majority of Americans believe he made a grievous mistake by going to war in Iraq. That said, Americans should not applaud when some Iraqi nut throws his shoes at Bush in a demonstration of disrespect. ...more

December 17, 2008

The Polk County Sheriff's Office this afternoon reported that a missing 58-year-old woman whose family says often becomes confused has been found. ...more

November 16, 2008

"I'll tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a bike. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammeled womanhood." ...more

July 30, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - If you should happen to phone one of this community's newest businesses, they will answer with a spirited "Hellooo Beautiful!" ...more

May 5, 2008

I spent Saturday night relaxing at Highlands Hammock State Park with lots of other people, listening to the songs of the California Toe Jam Band. The weather was perfect (if not a bit too warm), the food was plentiful, and my $10 in raffle tickets supported someone else winning the 50/50 prize. It was a nice way to pass the evening, far from the crowds and lines at every store in my Christmas shopping lineup. My mother recently asked me what I want for Christmas. I think I was much easier to shop for as a kid. I knew what I wanted. I went meticulously through the Sears Wishbook, making a list for Santa, complete with catalog page numbers, item numbers, and prices. Give me a talking G.I. Joe with Kung Fu Grip, a Haunted Mansion 3-D board game, some books, candy to fill the stocking...and, oh, you can keep the underwear and socks. ...more

December 10, 2007