Helena took the garbage out shortly after 9:15 a.m. Saturday. She glanced to her right across the empty lot and noticed one of her neighbors was standing outside. He was not carrying anything, nor did he look frightened, angry or excited. ...more

February 2, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY – A report of a possible burglary this morning led Hillsborough County deputies to something they didn't expect. ...more

February 1, 2008

Meeting Friday with tenants of the Port of Tampa, Steve Fidler, the port's senior director of operations, had a message for anyone who does business at the port: "Get a TWIC" by Sept. 25. ...more

January 19, 2008

One month after it opened, Pinellas Hope, a 10-acre campsite serving the homeless, has reached capacity. As of Friday, 225 tents served as temporary lodging for 243 people. Some are couples. ...more

December 30, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - One month after it opened, Pinellas Hope, a 10-acre campsite serving the homeless, has reached capacity. ...more

December 29, 2007

Oren Koules not only owns the inside path to an agreement to purchase the Lightning, he's also about to lap any other potential suitors. ...more

December 20, 2007

SEBRING — Due to a shortage of drivers, school bus operators are having to double up on routes causing late arrivals at schools. To try to curb the shortage of bus drivers, the School Board of Highlands County will again consider suspending the high school diploma requirement. Currently about seven to eight driver positions are unfilled, Transportation Director David Solomon said Friday. The district has 109 driver positions, which includes a number of backup/substitute drivers, who fill in during sick leave and vacations. ...more

October 20, 2007

SEBRING — Housing assistance offered by Highlands County to low- and moderate-income people has grown 15 times larger than it was seven years ago, when Penny Phillippi took over the program. That's one reason Phillippi is on the verge of becoming the first executive director of the new Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency. When Phillippi became county housing director in November 2000, assistance programs totaled just under $700,000 per year. That figure is now more than $10 million annually. Phillippi confirmed that she has a contract offer of $85,000 to head the Immokalee CRA. With a $6,000 per year car allowance, her total salary package would be $91,000. While the new job would raise her salary by about $35,000, Phillippi said, "for me it was never an issue of money. I loved this job, I loved the challenge here, and I love Highlands County." ...more

October 5, 2007

Before choosing a doctor, patients often research individual physicians on the Internet to find one that meets their needs. But some doctors are turning the tables. News Channel 8 has learned that more and more doctors may be performing criminal background checks on patients. ...more

September 13, 2007

Florida's U.S. Sens. Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson have sent to the White House the names of three men as possible nominees to be the new U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida. ...more

September 13, 2007