Last week, late in the evening, my wife and I turned on the local news. The story was the ongoing tragedy of 22-year-old former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra. ...more

December 10, 2007

If you're reading this, you've got good reading habits. But your teenager, now that's a different story. ...more

November 25, 2007

My husband and I are school bus drivers for the Sebring School District. We have been fortunate enough to have driven the Sebring Marching Band to several competitions throughout the state in the past two years, the most recent being last Saturday at Bradenton. We must say that it was a pleasure to have accompanied such a wonderful and talented group of young adults. They are fine ambassadors for the city of Sebring. The band director, Colorado Paniagua, is to be commended for the band's success. Getting to the state semifinals is no easy task as the competition is fierce. Her dedication and hard work is apparent. She seems to bring the best out of her students. I would also like to commend the band volunteers who work tirelessly for the students by providing meals and other support on these trips. They are admirable and deserve a big thank you from the community for their hard work. ...more

November 20, 2007

Apparently, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was only joking when he recently said marijuana "is not a drug. It's a leaf." I certainly hope so. ...more

November 4, 2007

At 6-foot-10 with a size 13 shoe, Doug Wilhelm doesn't look like he could be bullied. ...more

November 3, 2007

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating allegations of sexual abuse involving middle school and high school students who have attended First Baptist Church at the Mall. ...more

October 29, 2007

So, your college student finally needs a credit card and, wisely, you want to make sure she gets a great deal and avoids falling into traps. ...more

October 14, 2007

Bob Buzzelli, an avid sailor, created many ripple effects of his own to help improve society. ...more

October 13, 2007

Halfway through listening to a 30-minute recorded conversation, Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Walter Heinrich said he'd heard enough and denied bail for a local youth minister charged with two counts of capital sexual battery on a minor. ...more

October 11, 2007

TAMPA - Halfway through listening to a 30-minute recorded conversation, Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Walter Heinrich said he'd heard enough and denied bail for a local youth minister charged with two counts of capital sexual battery on a minor. On the tape, Justin Peterson, 31, is scolded and questioned by his accuser, who now is an adult and lives out of state. ...more

October 10, 2007