Twenty-one people from First Baptist Church of New Tampa will leave June 21 for a weeklong mission trip to Chiclayo, Peru. ...more

June 14, 2008

SEBRING –– Providing youngsters an opportunity to learn about the game of basketball and hear more about the word of God is what the Upward Basketball League is all about. Joe Delph, who is in his first year as the associate pastor of youth and activities at the First Baptist Church of Sebring, heads up the first-year program, and is excited about the potential for growth in the league that is for youngsters in kindergarten through the sixth grade. "This program is a great concept and has worked well here," said Delph. "This is a very sports oriented town and I think we've tapped into something culturally that will benefit what we're trying to do as a church in trying to reach out to the community." More than 120 youngsters are participating in the league that uses the First Baptist Church of Sebring Recreation Outreach Center for its practices and games and runs through the end of March. ...more

February 24, 2008

The River of Life Assembly of God has two South Shore campuses - one in Wimauma and one in Riverview. ...more

February 6, 2008

Longtime gospel singer Wayne D. Lacey was built like a defensive lineman, but he sang like an angel - an angel with a baritone voice. ...more

February 2, 2008

The Rev. John H. Cross Jr., who dug through the rubble of his Alabama church looking for survivors of a bombing, then presided over a funeral for some of the youngest victims of civil rights-era violence, has died. He was 82. ...more

November 18, 2007

AVON PARK — His voice is unmistakable. The loud yawp has been heard at every home game at Joe Franza Stadium for over a decade, prying into the hearts of Avon Park's youth, demanding their very best. Red Devil defensive line coach Dwayne Council has walked the hallways of Avon Park High School with quiet assertiveness, an architect of men that have gone on to bigger and better things — on and off the football field. "Football is a passion of his, but I think he is much more interested in every kid at this school — no matter if they are an athlete or not," said Avon Park head coach Earnest Perkins. "The things he always asks when he talks with a kid is 'How is your family?' and 'How are your grades?' He knows what's most important." Dubbed Avon Park's "Minister of Defense," Council, who is an associate pastor at the Vision Christian Church, has proved that discipline and attitude are the key ingredients to success — and not just on the scoreboard, but in life. ...more

October 31, 2007