TAMPA - A Lowry Elementary School teacher thought she was taking her class to an assembly on fitness and music. She left $10,000 richer. ...more

May 12, 2008

We've all heard the phrase "no one is irreplaceable," and it's true. It's also true that some people carry so much institutional knowledge of an operation that while they may be replaceable, it's going to hurt. Sometimes the pain subsides quickly, and sometimes it lasts a long time, but either way, it hurts. When Sebring City Manager Bob Hoffman and Highlands County Administrator Carl Cool call it a career in a few weeks, we're losing important resources for one of our cities and county. The good news is that they are being replaced by extremely capable people, but the loss still is there. Hoffman and Cool have been on the job a long time around here. It's unusual for people in their professions to last so long in one place. Industry wide, city managers and county administrators often make enough enemies over the course of five years or so that they move on. The decisions they have to make ruffle feathers, no matter how well they do their jobs. It says a lot that they held their positions for so long. ...more

May 10, 2008

Elizabeth Powell's next-door neighbors like the idea of a new Rays stadium so much they've planted three "Let's Build The Ballpark" signs on their front lawn. ...more

May 8, 2008

Regarding "Housing Manager Criticized" (Metro, Feb. 21): First, I love the county I reside in; I admire our county government, including Sheriff Gee and the services available and provided. ...more

February 24, 2008

Gary Word has been through the wars of municipal government. Billy Poe is looking to get onto the battlefield. ...more

February 14, 2008

Henry Wilson Jr. of New Port Richey says County Commission must make tough decision on recycling. ...more

January 29, 2008

The Hernando County School Board has some big decisions to make about transportation for children who live within two miles of school. ...more

January 26, 2008

Parents can learn more about who might attend Smith Middle School in Citrus Park at a meeting on Wednesday. The school will open in August behind Citrus Park Elementary and is expected to draw from Davidsen and Walker middle schools. It may also wind up affecting attendance boundaries at neighboring schools in northwestern Hillsborough County as the district shuffles students into open seats. School district representatives will review plans with the public and hear input at a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sickles High School, 7950 Gunn Highway. No decisions will be made that night; a recommendation based on community input will come before the school board. The district has prepared its own proposal and received suggestions from SeerAnalytics, a consultant it hired last year. ...more

January 21, 2008

Whether this letter be in response to those recently expressing consternation of our federal government or to those who may simply question the direction of Highlands County's elected officials, my message remains the same. The familiar phrase, "Of the people, by the people, for the people" means a great deal to me. In my opinion and quite simply put, "Of the people" signifies that we, the citizens, have given or allowed our government certain powers, which also means that we may restrict them as well. "By the people" then gives us the authority to decide those who will serve in elected positions. "For the people," as I read it, implies that those elected are charged with the responsibility to recognize each person's circumstance and to make proper and just decisions accordingly. This is not an enviable position to be in, for sure. In my life, I've found there are times when doing the right thing is not necessarily popular. Equally, I've come to understand that what's popular is not always right. ...more

January 21, 2008

TAMPA - Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy wants to concentrate on the Colts upcoming playoff game against San Diego. Whether the fact his son Eric is enrolled at Plant High School is a sign the former Bucs coach is looking to retire after this season is something he will discuss later. ...more

January 10, 2008