In one week, Michelle Obama sat for a formal White House portrait, dressed in somber, tailored clothes; posed for a snazzy People magazine cover, dressed in a slightly down-market, hot-pink lace outfit that showed plenty of skin; let the national media know that the First Family would be getting its new puppy from a rescue shelter; and had her press office mention casually that "secretaries and policymakers" had been invited for popcorn and movies at the White House. ...more

March 15, 2009

Endangered Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battle sites, including locations in Florida and throughout the South, could get federal preservation grants under a bill passed last week by the House. ...more

March 9, 2009

In November, you elected me to be your clerk of circuit court and county comptroller. This office was created by Andrew Jackson and solidified in the constitution of the state of Florida in 1938 to protect the interests of each citizen by safeguarding your court, official and financial records. This separation of powers ensures the integrity of our court system without the risk of conflicts of interest. And, like all our cherished rights and protections, if we are not careful to preserve the public interest, we may lose ground to other pressing initiatives. ...more

March 8, 2009

The rankings say Pensacola, but 30-0 Springstead will have something to say about that in today's Class 4A state semifinal. ...more

March 4, 2009

Two centuries ago, before Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid, there were other towns in Highlands County, occupied by Indians. ...more

January 7, 2009

When John Silva opened his St. Petersburg variety store about 9 a.m. Sunday, he brought Gertrude with him. ...more

December 7, 2008

"American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House," by Jon Meacham (Random House, $30) ...more

November 16, 2008

Next time you're driving around Highlands County, look around. There are signs everywhere of Bert Harris and the late Sam Polston, said their friends, Don Bates and Claude Howerton. But those signs are subtle. ...more

November 14, 2008

The currently famous, four-star Gen. David Petraeus is coming to stay awhile in Tampa. ...more

October 31, 2008

When people have less money, they cut out the extras. One discretionary expense is entertainment and recreation, that's the reason why only four adult softball tournaments are scheduled in Sebring for the rest of 2008, Parks and Recreation Director Vicki Pontius told the Highlands County Commission at its Tuesday meeting. ...more

October 22, 2008