Big Brothers Big Sisters has big dreams for local community. ...more

August 25, 2008

A statement David Lee Onstott made to law enforcement during his interrogation was thrown out. Jurors never heard it. The remaining evidence was scant: no DNA, no fingerprints. ...more

August 21, 2008

BRADENTON — A former youth minister was sentenced this afternoon to 120 days in the Manatee County jail and two years of probation for secretly videotaping girls as they undressed in his homes in Bradenton and Ellenton over a two-year period. ...more

August 21, 2008

On Friday, the third day of testimony, jurors witnessed David Lee Onstott's religious side. ...more

August 16, 2008

It may take days, Circuit Judge Ronald Ficarrotta acknowledged this morning. After three years of legal wrangling, jury selection begin this morning for the trial of David Lee Onstott, charged in the 2005 death of 13-year-old Sarah Michelle Lunde. With prolonged media coverage, however, finding an impartial 12-person jury could take much time. ...more

August 11, 2008

The clerk of the circuit court may have the most responsibility of any elected official. The office is responsible for filing and recording official documents and court records, as well as conducting audits, managing the jury system, providing courtroom clerks, storing evidence, collecting fines and investing county funds, to name just a few duties. ...more

August 5, 2008

That piece of fruit or vegetable you're grabbing at the supermarket may be pretty and shiny, but don't let that fool you. Powerful poisons are sprayed on it and tons of other fruit. That poison usually dissipates to safe levels by the time it gets to your hands, but not so always for the hands that pick it in the fields. ...more

August 4, 2008

Selecting judges is no easy task. The candidates are often unfamiliar to voters and judicial canons prevent them from addressing specific issues. The restriction is frustrating, though appropriate. Judges must execute the law without bias or agenda. The bench is no place for political grandstanding. ...more

August 4, 2008

A bailiff was suspended for three days after flexing his muscles for a jury while court was in session, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office memorandum released this afternoon. ...more

July 31, 2008

A jury convicted former youth minister Joshua Rosa of first-degree murder Monday in the strangulation of his 13-year-old neighbor. ...more

July 22, 2008