First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon. The Rev. Jamie Westlake and the Rev. Matt Wallis, assistant pastor of the church, were appointed to serve First United Methodist Church of Brandon in 2007. Through their efforts in gauging the spiritual direction of the church and making people feel comfortable about inviting family, friends and acquaintances to come to church, the congregation grew. ...more

August 26, 2009

Dear Abby: I am a 20-year-old male living what appears to be "the dream." I have completed my bachelor's degree, and I'm starting what will more than likely be a prosperous career. Still, something important is missing. ...more

March 29, 2009

Reference the letter by Jim Vokes on Feb. 9: I read with interest the part about Canada's health care system. I would like to chat with whomever wrote the letter Mr. Vokes refers to. ...more

February 19, 2009

Naked and injured from a blow to the head with a jack handle, a man still tangled with his acquaintances and later, the deputies who arrested him, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said. ...more

February 8, 2009

I think that judges and lawyers could arrange a "partners-in-law" joining of gay individuals so they could be united but not truly married, for marriage in part is a religious as well as a legal joining and there is no religion in a same-sex union. ...more

December 11, 2008

Dear Abby: My husband is not very good when it comes to taking care of his car. He never changes the oil - he just keeps adding new oil to the existing. ...more

September 21, 2008

Distinct personalities in real and imagined worlds collided Friday at the fourth annual "Second Life" convention. ...more

September 6, 2008

Second Lifers, many of whom know each other only by their avatar personalities, are converging in Tampa today for educational seminars designed to teach those caught up on the computer craze how to better navigate the boxy Second Life 3-D landscape. The virtual online community's annual convention begins this morning at the Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel with breakfast at 8 and a welcoming ceremony at 10. ...more

September 5, 2008

Dear Annie: My husband of over 25 years has a large number of friends and acquaintances listed in his e-mail address book with whom he exchanges jokes, news, pictures and, at times, porn. This sometimes includes very explicit videos. ...more

July 9, 2008

Ask family members, friends and acquaintances about Sharon Tournade: They might easily describe her as one big loser. ...more

January 21, 2008