The Brandon Service League's 16th annual Holiday Home Tour was a big success, said Candy Jackson, first vice president of the league and former tour chairwoman. Hundreds of men, women and children visited the ornamented houses, owned by Valrico residents Scott and Chris Etherington and Dave and Monica Cox and Lithia residents John and Ellen Matheson. ...more

January 7, 2009 |

Dec. 30, 2008 ...more

December 30, 2008 |

I should have felt triumphant when I returned from Iraq in August 2006. Instead, I was worried and exhausted. ...more

December 6, 2008 |

At the annual flag-raising and Veterans' Recognition Ceremony on Nov. 10 at Brandon High School, cadets in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps honored their relatives and Brandon dignitaries who have served the country in war. ...more

December 3, 2008 |

President George W. Bush has granted pardons to 14 individuals - including a Jacksonville woman convicted of bank embezzlement - and commuted the prison sentences of two others convicted of misdeeds including drug offenses, tax evasion, wildlife violations and bank embezzlement. ...more

November 25, 2008 |

Although residents and staff at Avon Park Youth Academy forgo many daily pleasures, Thanksgiving celebrations still go on from behind razor-sharp fencing. ...more

November 20, 2008 |

A St. Petersburg publishing company has released a book in time for Veterans Day that creates a fresh reminder of the insulation of most of America from the realities of war -- then and now. ...more

November 11, 2008 |

"You Are Not Forgotten," by Evelyn Grubb and Carol Jose (Vandamere Press, $27.95) ...more

November 9, 2008 |

The marching bands led a red, white and blue caravan that snaked through downtown Saturday morning to honor the area's military veterans. ...more

November 9, 2008 |

The U.S. Air Force, a high-tech wonder of precision missiles and pilotless surveillance drones, is looking for a few good falcons. ...more

November 9, 2008 |