Robert Crews III has an interesting deal for Highlands County. The president and CEO of Crews Groves Inc. wants to trade an acre of beach frontage land on Lake Denton for the county-owned boat ramp on Lake Bonnett. Public access on the boat ramp for popular Lake Denton has been closed for months while a committee tries to figure out how best to use the lake. This land would give the county much more room for parking and public use. This all sounds intriguing, but one thing we cannot give up is public access to Lake Bonnett to achieve it on Lake Denton. We understand that this access is important to the Crews and their real estate investment on Lake Bonnett. ...more

January 11, 2008

Tampa Bay area football fans who lack access to the NFL Network received a belated Christmas gift Wednesday. ...more

December 27, 2007

Of course Michael Vick should get a second chance, but not in the NFL. Can you imagine the signs that would be held up in the stands during a game? I don't believe Michael's return to the NFL would be in the best interest of sportsmanship for others to follow. He could go into the Canadian Football League. Canada views our dissenters and runaways quite differently then we. Maybe killing dogs and beating them is not criminal in Canada. ...more

December 16, 2007

Hillsborough High's girls soccer team needs to find a new coach by week's end for its season to continue, according to Athletic Director Bertha Baker. ...more

November 28, 2007

A recent letter to the editor made an excellent point about politicians constantly raising money for their next election. The writer stated that if these politicians focused instead on representing their constituents, and being real leaders, they wouldn't need nearly as much money to be re-elected. That's the point that almost no one gets anymore. It's also what's ruining our country. It's a lot easier to win a race by holding fundraisers and kissing the rings of special interests than it is to be a real leader. The money buys smoke and mirrors, sound bites and enough attack ads to win an election. To be a strong leader, well, that requires work, backbone, integrity and brains. It seems like few of our leaders at the state and national levels have enough – or any – of these attributes. Try to name a few leaders over the last 50 years who let their records win the election for them. Come on, be honest. How many members of Congress or presidents can you name who truly were great – or even good – leaders? The list is painfully short. ...more

November 25, 2007

Many of you probably remember when Nafta began, back when George Bush Sr. was president. The whole picture was not presented, but it has become obvious that this has not benefited the American people. ...more

November 21, 2007

I am writing in response to two letters to the editor in the Highlands Today of Nov. 17. I agreed with both letters wholeheartedly. First, the letter from Don Streeter. Sir, I, too, think it is a good idea to vote all incumbents out of office. When our elected officials refuse to listen or acknowledge what is in the best interest of their constituents, we use our most powerful tool available. We "un-elect" them. Yes, this may be a situation of throwing the baby out with the bath water, in that the very few good elected officials will lose their positions of trust, but we, the voters, desperately need to clean house. ...more

November 21, 2007

We hope Highlands County residents step up and take part in a survey coming next year about what they want for recreational activities in the county. This is important information, and whatever's gleaned will be used for future projects. Merritt O'Brien, chairman of the county's Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, said the 13-member board will use public response to consider recreational opportunities for area residents. Past surveys showed a need for more and better soccer facilities, as well as softball fields. We have both in the recently opened complex near Sebring High School. Perhaps hiking or biking trails are wanted. Or maybe more nice public parks and recreational areas are needed on local lakes. We all know the recent debate centering around ATV riders and their lack of a place to call their own. Whatever the needs, the board will consider it. ...more

October 19, 2007

Often it has been said that 'the past becomes prologue.' This best describes the verdict and aftermath of the Martin Lee Anderson case last week where the Bay County Courthouse was more reminiscent of our state's segregationist past as opposed to our multi-ethnic present. ...more

October 19, 2007

I find the news that our Highlands County government is going into business very disturbing. Isn't the role of the county government to promote an economic base for our community and to encourage investment by the private sector? ...more

October 18, 2007