It happens in every election; the candidates spend eye-popping amounts of money to get in - or remain in - an office that pays a relatively small salary. ...more

November 23, 2008

The scrub habitat that runs down much of the center of Highlands County is home to 26 animal and plant species listed by the federal and state governments as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. ...more

November 12, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Guy Maxcy won a fifth consecutive four-year term in Tuesday's general election as voters also elected Jeff Carlson to the county commission. Maxcy and Carlson, both Republicans, won by resounding margins. ...more

November 5, 2008

After a race that was occasionally punishing but ultimately rewarding, incumbent Sheriff Susan Benton won her bid for a second term. ...more

November 5, 2008

All eight candidates running for countywide office in the Nov. 4 general election are scheduled to speak at the Highlands County Homeowners Association meeting today. ...more

October 13, 2008

Zane Thomas, running as an independent, has 25 years as a Navy officer, traveling around the world and serving in both diplomatic and combat roles. ...more

October 12, 2008

The coming years will, perhaps, be the most difficult in Highlands County government history. Major cuts loom for next year's budget, if projections are accurate, and we believe they are. Deciding where those cuts come from and how to protect essential services vital to the county will require strong leadership, good judgment and an inherent understanding of the direction our county needs to go. ...more

October 10, 2008

Zane Thomas is one of Highlands County officials glad to hear that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the county a $136,000 "Firewise" grant to greatly reduce the chances of wildfires engulfing homes. ...more

September 15, 2008

Last Monday I attended a meeting of the Highlands County Homeowners Association. As usual, Jack Richie and his fellow officers put together an informative and entertaining two hours. Invited to speak were Jeff Carlson, Ron Grimming, Guy Maxcy and Zane Thomas, all candidates for various elected positions in the county. ...more

September 14, 2008

The two candidates for the District 5 seat on the Highlands County Board of Commissioners spoke at this week's meeting of the Highlands County Homeowners Association. ...more

September 11, 2008