SEBRING –– After losing only one game during the regular season, Publix proved that wasn't a fluke, as its offense pounded out 10 hits and Tommy Bertoniere and Seth Abeln combined on a three-hitter to lead Publix to 12-2 win over Goin' Postal in Sunday's Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) city tournament championship game. Publix breezed through the double-elimination tournament to cap a remarkable turnaround from last year. "Winning this championship means quite a bit," said Publix coach Shon Abeln. "We struggled last year with a young team, but the experience they got from playing was just what they needed. "We only lost one game this season and that probably helped us get ready for the tournament, because it showed we could get beat if we didn't come ready to play. "I'm proud of all the kids and it was a great way to end the season." ...more

June 2, 2008

AVON PARK — Spotting your opponent five runs is never a wise decision, but Travis Crosson Tree Service likes to live dangerously. The Avon Park team rallied from a deep hole to beat Wells Roofing, Inc. 13-5 during the opening day of the Avon Park Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) Invitational Tournament on Saturday at Durrah Martin Sports Recreational Complex. ...more

June 1, 2008

SEBRING — A candle left burning in a religious artifact was cited by State Fire Marshal Det. Jeff Batz as the cause of a fire that broke out at 3812 Ramiro St., in the Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District, shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday. "The fire was accidental," said State Fire Marshal spokesman Lt. Brandon Ball on Friday morning. "A religious artifact with a candle on it was adjacent to plastic vertical blinds. The candle stayed on all the time." ...more

May 30, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - An 18-year-old Dixie Hollins High School student arrested Friday on charges he sexually battered a 15-year-old girl on a school bus was released from custody early today. ...more

May 10, 2008

If a stay-at-home mom could be compensated in dollars rather than personal satisfaction and unconditional love, she would rake in a nifty sum of nearly $117,000 a year. ...more

May 9, 2008

The most frequent question mothers pose to the founders of baby newsbits.com is where to find a good babysitter. ...more

May 7, 2008

AVON PARK — A move up in talent and experience may spook some kids, but to Stephen Flowers, it's still just baseball. Flowers went 2 for 2 with a walk and two RBI, while Colton Brock and Lane Crosson combined to hurl a no-hitter to lead Travis Crosson Tree Service to a 11-2 five-inning win over Zeno's Pizza in Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) at Durrah Martin Recreational Complex on Monday. ...more

May 6, 2008

SEBRING — After suffering through a tough season last year, the Publix team has shown to be a much different club in this year's Dixie Boys Baseball League. With third baseman Jared Cannon and shortstop Shon Abeln leading the way with three RBI each, Publix overcame an early deficit to beat Alan Jay 14-4 in Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) action on Friday night at Max Long Recreational Complex. ...more

May 3, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - The tumbling pass years in the making will finally happen when Tampa officially opens its newest gymnastics and dance center. Mayor Pam Iorio will cut the ribbon 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10. She might feel like doing cartwheels, but the main entertainment will be provided by gymnasts of all skill levels, including Tampa native Maalika Moore-Thomas, co-captain of her Ohio State University gymnastics team. ...more

May 2, 2008

OCALA - Police say a mother of four teenage boys has been charged with neglect after saying she was going "on strike" because she was fed up with them. ...more

February 21, 2008