A former adoption agency director who overcharged adoptive parents must repay about $178,000 to her victims as part of a plea bargain accepted Monday. ...more

October 27, 2009

The woman handed me a stack of gift wish lists. That's not all that unusual this time of year, especially around our house where the lists include electronic devices I have (a) never heard of and (b) can't afford. It has been like that for a long time now, but it has only been in recent years that telephones exist that do everything except, apparently, make phone calls. ...more

December 10, 2008

TAMPA - The former director of Adoption by Choice defrauded dozens of adoptive parents, overcharging them for unnecessary birthmother medical and living expenses, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. ...more

August 29, 2008

Pinellas County firefighters will head to Brevard County today to battle brush fires that have burned hundreds of acres and threatened hundreds of homes. ...more

May 12, 2008

Officials in two Florida school districts said they have found a way to limit the free agency of high school athletes who switch schools for more playing time, better coaches or championship teams. ...more

February 7, 2008

More than 30 Middleton High students walked across a stage to receive a diploma this week, a little early for high school graduation but not from a life-skills class. ...more

January 17, 2008