AVON PARK — A property owner that has been at odds with the Avon Park Executive Airport for years over his development plans is pushing forward with a new plan for a 43-acre, 346-unit working-class housing project. Roland Dilley's attorney Warwick "Bud" Furr said the plan for the property, located across State Road 64 from the airport, would not conflict with the city-owned airport's runway protection zones. "We've done everything that they asked us to do," Furr said. "We really think it's inappropriate for the city or the county to object." ...more

May 28, 2008

The man who won a $16 million Lotto jackpot two weeks ago called in sick from work a day after the winning numbers were announced, then quit a day later. ...more

May 20, 2008

BRADENTON - Charles Hill of Bradenton has claimed the $16 million Lotto Plus jackpot after buying a ticket at an east Manatee County convenience store. ...more

May 19, 2008

A couple of people in the Tampa Bay area could be having a really, really good day. ...more

May 11, 2008

SEBRING — His official title is still assistant city administrator, but for all practical purposes Scott Noethlich has taken over operations of the City of Sebring. In preparation for Bob Hoffman's retirement at end of June after almost 18 years as city administrator, Noethlich has been transitioning slowly into the job. ...more

May 9, 2008

SEBRING — At least three candidates are challenging incumbents for Sebring City Council. Dan Andrews, president of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and Ken Melvin, consultant for recycling and demolition, and Robert Horne, a contractor, have turned in their paperwork for the March 11 election. Incumbents Jeff Carlson, Margie Rhoades and Bud Whitlock are also running for their positions. ...more

January 18, 2008

Saturday is the deadline to enter the Little Miss Kumquat Festival Pageant for the $50 fee. ...more

January 8, 2008

This concerns Bud Morgan's demand for an apology. The intent of my column was to shed a different light on claims made in his "Legacy of Failure" guest column. At no time did I direct opinion against the writer. It's unfortunate if Mr. Morgan inferred otherwise and for that I truly apologize. Our First Amendment rights allow for us to express opinions freely, both his and mine. Ever since Vietnam and Sen. John Kerry calling our soldiers murderers and rapists, the national mood has changed. After the attack on 9/11 and America at war again, this time against Islamic terror, the division of the electorate seems to have become even greater. ...more

December 28, 2007

The winners of the Cutest Kids Contest 2007 ...more

November 7, 2007

A lot of people have been anxious to hear if Sebring's deal to sell Harder Hall would happen after the 30-day due diligence period. It didn't, unfortunately, but the good news is that another investor is in line to buy the historic property on Little Lake Jackson. Sebring Hospitality Group, a group of investors from the northeast made up of doctors, wanted a 30-day extension on their due diligence period. Sebring City Council members said no, that there was a better deal waiting from the next investor. We believe the council made a wise decision to move on. Perhaps 30 days isn't enough time, but that's the offer the first group made. Besides, the new investor, Steve Israel, is offering more money for the property. Of course, he wants due diligence as well. In the meantime, the city continues to talk to other potential buyers. ...more

October 5, 2007