SEBRING — Robert Saffold wants to make sure all children receive things they need for Christmas this year, regardless of their economic status. Saffold, executive secretary of Florida Sportsman Association, and other volunteers will take underprivileged children on a shopping spree, giving them each $60 Saffold said many of the children are from families without employment, families trying to survive on welfare assistance programs or grandparent households. ...more

December 15, 2007

Members of the MiraBay Girls, a group of friends from the MiraBay community in Apollo Beach - Lynn Spivey, Lynn Mooney and Sandy Tams - helped Santa at the Sincerely, Santa table at the new entrance to the Westfield Brandon mall on St. Nicholas Day, on Dec. 6. ...more

December 13, 2007

I spent Saturday night relaxing at Highlands Hammock State Park with lots of other people, listening to the songs of the California Toe Jam Band. The weather was perfect (if not a bit too warm), the food was plentiful, and my $10 in raffle tickets supported someone else winning the 50/50 prize. It was a nice way to pass the evening, far from the crowds and lines at every store in my Christmas shopping lineup. My mother recently asked me what I want for Christmas. I think I was much easier to shop for as a kid. I knew what I wanted. I went meticulously through the Sears Wishbook, making a list for Santa, complete with catalog page numbers, item numbers, and prices. Give me a talking G.I. Joe with Kung Fu Grip, a Haunted Mansion 3-D board game, some books, candy to fill the stocking...and, oh, you can keep the underwear and socks. ...more

December 10, 2007

County Needs To Cut Like Taxpayers Well, it seems the only one who is cutting back on spending is the taxpayer, in order to pay taxes, prescriptions, gasoline and all the other daily expenses. The taxpayer has to do without a lot of necessities, but does the county and county employees? They get raises every year no matter what. ...more

December 9, 2007

More residents than ever are calling county officials for rides to doctor appointments, jobs and other necessities they can't get to themselves. ...more

November 27, 2007

Allow Gulf Drilling Sen. Bill Nelson and his "no drilling" cohorts should be proud of themselves. They have succeeded in sending gas prices over $3 a gallon and no end in sight. Of course, they can afford it. Most can't. ...more

November 17, 2007

The generosity of Pasco County businesses and residents as outlined in your editorial Monday ('Residents, Businesses Take County Under Wing') should come as no surprise. Why? Because we are residents of the most generous nation in the world. ...more

October 10, 2007