In a brief response to Bill Youngman and anyone considering a yes vote on Amendment Two: Yes, I am a gay man who currently gets no financial or social legal benefits from my union with my partner of 27 years and I am fine with that. But in your defense, Mr. Youngman, the thought of marriage makes me sick and only brings up historically negative connotations such as divorce, spousal mental and physical abuse, drug and alcohol addictions, dead-beat dads, mothers working three jobs or relying on the government to support them. I believe only a very small portion of the gay community wants a home like their friends and neighbors. Yes, judges can overturn current laws, but like California, then Florida residents can vote and decide a less divisive amendment. ...more

October 24, 2008

A noted economics group, partnering with education advocates based at the University of South Florida, says that by investing $1 billion more in higher education, Florida lawmakers will see a 220 percent return on investment. The report from the Washington Economics Group states the money could result in 24,272 permanent jobs for Florida residents and yield $862 million in income. ...more

October 22, 2008

As a general rule, criminals aren't nice people. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Some people simply make mistakes - costly ones, but mistakes nonetheless. Then there are the kinds of bad guys any sane, upstanding person can only describe as despicable. You know, the kind of people you'd love to strangle just on general principles. ...more

October 22, 2008

Cory Zarem saw the construction downturn cut the income from his sign business by half and decided he could no longer afford his Sarasota home. ...more

October 6, 2008

We've been lucky so far in the 2008 hurricane season, but are not yet in the clear. ...more

September 22, 2008

GARDEN NOTES Events AFRICAN VIOLET SHOW: The ABC's of Gesneriads, a judged show and sale, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Great Room by the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 Palm Ave., Sarasota. Admission is free to Selby members; Florida residents can buy-one-get-one-free for $17 during September. Hosts are Suncoast and Tampa Bay Gesneriad Societies. Call (813) 963-7424 or e-mail 4jam@tampabay.rr.com for details. ...more

September 18, 2008

Shocking Curriculum ...more

September 16, 2008

ITEMS OF INTEREST MASTER CHORALE OF TAMPA BAY: The chorale will have auditions Tuesday-Aug. 26 in the Fine Arts Hall 107 at the University of South Florida School of Music, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Singers should prepare a 2-3 minute song or aria. Bring extra sheet music as an accompanist will be provided. Sight-singing, rhythm and vocal exercises will be tested. To schedule an audition, contact the chorale's office at (813) 974-7726 or e-mail info@masterchorale.com. For information about the auditions, visit www.masterchorale.com/audition. ...more

August 13, 2008

FOR A Going to a theme park this summer may be fun for the whole family, but it doesn't come cheap. The cost of tickets, food and souvenirs adds up. And parks are raising their ticket prices. This month, The Walt Disney Co. increased the price of an adult one-day ticket to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando from $71 to $74. But by doing your homework, you can save. ...more

August 10, 2008

Some Floridians say confusion has kept them from claiming their economic stimulus checks. There are more than 405,000 Floridians who have not claimed their checks. The bulk of the unclaimed money belongs to seniors. You have to file a tax return to get paid but many seniors stopped filing years ago. ...more

August 6, 2008