James Patterson has created some surreal characters and made them seem real in "The Final Warning." Maximum Ride seems like a normal teenager - until she opens her wings to fly. She and five other kids were born mutants from a genetic experiment and have spent most of their lives escaping from those who want to destroy them. They have recently been asked to help a group of scientists studying global warming in Antarctica. At first Max is not convinced that global warming is all that important or that they could help enough in its prevention. But as they grow more familiar with the wildlife in the Antarctic and see the actual effects of even minor climate changes they become very enthusiastic about being a part of the team. But their enemies have tracked them and manage to capture them. Maximum is afraid that this time their wings won't be able to save them. ...more

February 4, 2009

Except for scattered recordkeeping problems, an audit of the county's payroll operations showed no major flaws. ...more

January 15, 2009

A sheriff's lieutenant opted to resign on Friday instead of facing criminal charges for accepting pay for hours he didn't work. ...more

October 7, 2008

A sheriff's lieutenant opted to resign on Friday instead of facing criminal charges. ...more

October 7, 2008

Two fire inspectors accused of taking gifts from a company whose work they monitor and falsifying time cards resigned Monday, a move that could help them keep their city pensions. ...more

December 18, 2007

TAMPA The city will hold disciplinary hearings Monday on two fire inspectors who are accused of accepting hockey tickets, golf entry fees and the use of a boat from a sprinkler company whose work is inspected by the fire department. ...more

December 14, 2007