AVON PARK — Because of the way Florida statutes were written, where the line between lewd molestation ends and child cruelty begins may surprise some people. A 17-year-old girl reported Wednesday that she was inappropriately touched by her friend's father on Oct. 3, in the afternoon after an overnight visit. Her mother said she was outraged Friday to learn the suspect was being charged with child cruelty rather than some form of molestation. The mother and victim's name have been left out to protect the alleged victim. Stephen Lance Walker, 56, of Avon Park, was released on $5,000 bail Thursday after he was booked into the Highlands County Jail on Oct. 3 and charged with cruelty toward a child - abuse without great harm. ...more

October 7, 2007

Neighbors in four Tarpon Springs subdivisions close to Howard Park beach are divided about what to do with a dilapidated lighthouse sign at their entrance way. ...more

September 22, 2007