There's nothing for teenagers to do in Highlands County. Those words have become a mantra for some local teens, and an excuse for many to move away, in search of greener pastures after high school graduation. ...more

November 2, 2008

A University of South Florida graduate has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Walt Disney World, claiming he was fired from a job as a trumpeter and not rehired when he applied again because he is Sikh, wears a turban and does not meet the "Disney look." ...more

June 18, 2008

A USF graduate files a $1 million lawsuit against Disney claiming he was discriminated against because of his religious dress code. ...more

June 17, 2008

AVON PARK — Xavier McLeod liked the sound of the trumpet, which inspired him to take up the instrument five years ago. Now the 16-year-old high school junior plays the horn as a member of the Avon Park High School Grenadier Band. Early in the fall he was accepted in the West Coast Symphony Orchestra. He travels to Sarasota every Monday evening to practice with the symphony. McLeod also takes private lessons. "I'm looking at making music as a career right now, but it might change in the future," he said. His present plans are to go to college as a music major, but hasn't yet decided on the college he will attend. ...more

February 9, 2008

SEBRING — Appearances aren't everything. Only after they were told, did some judges realize that a trumpeter in the Sebring High School Marching Band was blind. Junior Cody Breen marches and plays in formation so well that many in the audience never know he's been completely blind since birth. A guide shadows Breen on the field and corrects the trumpeter if he takes a wrong turn. "If I'm off a little bit, they'll put me in the right direction," said Breen. "I'm just trying to keep up with everybody else. The fun part is, I like surprises." ...more

November 27, 2007