While attending the Spring Lake Improvement District's board meeting, I was disappointed to hear the statements of a group of people who apparently banded together to dominate the microphone during the open discussion period. Many times, there were rounds of applause after one of the group members made statements based on their agenda opposing the SLID purchase of the golf course. In most all cases, their points or references to them had been already addressed and answered by the qualified experts: Gary Ritter, director of South Florida Water Management, Craig Wrathell, the district's financial advisor, and Gene Schriner, district engineer. The board members made many statements and points indicating their extensive involvement and research regarding the purchase of the course. ...more

March 24, 2009

According to Gary Ritter, director of South Florida Water Management District, SLID is responsible for the water management system for Spring Lake, including the golf course. So if that is the case, there is no reason for SLID to buy the golf course. The current owner has stated SLID has every legal right to clear the water ways. They have an easement, he stated, at the meeting last Wednesday. If SLID buys the golf course for $3.4 million, how much more is it going to cost to clean out the ponds, canals and lakes? All the SLID board members have talked about is buying the golf course. How is this going to fix the problem without dredging the water ways? ...more

March 24, 2009

PLANT CITY City commissioners have adopted resolutions ordering demolition of two condemned buildings. ...more

March 17, 2009

A 50-year-old soldier collapsed Sunday morning during physical fitness training with his unit in St. Petersburg and later died, according to a U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command news release. The soldier's name isn't being released, pending next of kin notification. ...more

January 12, 2009

Two neighboring businesses will host artist receptions on Thursday. Nanette's Spirit of the Hand Gallery, 13157 Cortez Blvd. (near Circuit City), and Patio Paradise, at 7069 Coastal Blvd. (by Panera Bread), will each host a free wine and cheese reception for local artists from 5 to 8 p.m. ...more

December 16, 2008

For 33 days, this Tennessee city wondered what happened to a 9-year-old Girl Scout who disappeared while out delivering cookies. ...more

September 21, 2008