What would Amendment 1 do? ...more

January 28, 2008

One political representative is urging voters to vote "yes" for a constitutional amendment to cut property taxes, regardless of what teachers unions and firefighter groups say. ...more

January 16, 2008

Yes, you could save on property taxes, but what will you be giving up? ...more

January 13, 2008

What's In Amendment One •Doubling the homestead exemption for primary homeowners to $50,000 ...more

January 12, 2008

On the whole, Americans want their politicians to hew to the political center and govern with a healthy dose of pragmatism. Yet we live in the most bitterly partisan era in memory, when the dominant voices in both parties are more ideological and less willing to compromise, and the politics they practice too often is a mean-spirited, take-no-prisoners enterprise. ...more

December 31, 2007

It appears the Highlands County Commission is going to step up and do something good to support our troops who have been serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a wonderful gesture and sure to help any local soldiers who have been serving their country and placing themselves in danger. If approved – and it appears it will be – any soldiers who have served in a combat role will receive a $75 per month stipend, for every month they serve in combat, from the county, which could mean an extra $900 per year depending on amount of time. Commissioners are considering this instead of giving a property tax break, which would only benefit troops who own homes. Veterans officials suggested making it a stipend for all combat soldiers, instead of just property owners, since so many of the troops in harms way are young and just getting started with their lives. Some other Florida counties are offering the property tax rebate, but Highlands County would be one of three counties offering stipends. ...more

December 21, 2007

SEBRING –– Bud and Hilda Speaks, ages 85 and 84, will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on Feb. 13. ...more

December 18, 2007

The Jan. 29 primary affects all Pasco County residents, whether or not you're eligible to vote in the presidential primary. ...more

November 28, 2007

It is time to move forward with renewing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to serve the neediest among us. ...more

November 13, 2007

SEBRING — Gov. Charlie Crist and the Senate are ready to approve a property tax cut package, but legislators took a weekend break on Thursday because House leaders don't think the reform plan helps enough taxpayers. Crist is pushing the House to approve a four-year, $11 billion property tax cut plan already passed by the Senate. The House plan would cost the state $14 billion over four years. It contains exemptions for businesses, vacation homes and rental property. "House members would like to discuss and debate and explore this and give it time to fully vet all those ideas," said Rep. Baxter Troutman, R-Winter Haven. He represents Avon Park. ...more

October 20, 2007