Handel Eugene, a recent Hillsborough High School graduate, was looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner out with his family before leaving two days later for the University of Central Florida. ...more

June 25, 2008

Earl Column Refreshing Re: Fran Earl's weekly column. ...more

May 13, 2008

A government-backed mortgage bailout is needed, and it must be done right away. ...more

May 10, 2008

On March 1, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief William Nesmith was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for a domestic violence felony, aggravated assault with a firearm. His wife of four months was the reporting victim. ...more

May 3, 2008

TAMPA - Next week, on the first anniversary of the day her grandson died, Lucy Mills will watch as a city athletic field is renamed in his honor. ...more

April 17, 2008

Doing The Right Thing Regarding "Gonzmarts Quit Knights Over Vulgar Gasparilla DJ" (front page, Feb. 19): ...more

February 23, 2008

TAMPA - An arrest warrant has been issued for Charlette Marshall-Jones, the detention deputy who dumped a quadriplegic man from his wheelchair, Sheriff David Gee said late Friday. ...more

February 15, 2008

A Strong Role Model Regarding "What's The Hardship: Fame Or Front Line" (Our Opinion, Jan. 24): ...more

January 30, 2008

Gov. Charlie Crist commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with speeches about the importance of protecting civil rights, including the restoration of voting rights for most felons who have completed their sentences. ...more

January 22, 2008

Whether this letter be in response to those recently expressing consternation of our federal government or to those who may simply question the direction of Highlands County's elected officials, my message remains the same. The familiar phrase, "Of the people, by the people, for the people" means a great deal to me. In my opinion and quite simply put, "Of the people" signifies that we, the citizens, have given or allowed our government certain powers, which also means that we may restrict them as well. "By the people" then gives us the authority to decide those who will serve in elected positions. "For the people," as I read it, implies that those elected are charged with the responsibility to recognize each person's circumstance and to make proper and just decisions accordingly. This is not an enviable position to be in, for sure. In my life, I've found there are times when doing the right thing is not necessarily popular. Equally, I've come to understand that what's popular is not always right. ...more

January 21, 2008