Tampa Police officers searching for a revolver stolen three-and-a-half years ago say they found marijuana buried in a backyard and a man sleeping in bed with his 4-month-old in a room with loose leaves sprinkled about among baby toys and clothes. ...more

March 14, 2009

The minimum wage in Florida rose 42 cents to $7.21 per hour recently, igniting a debate over whether the increased pay will help workers or whether it will hurt the economy because small businesses simply can't afford to pay it. ...more

January 31, 2009

As the inaugural hoopla rolled on the tube, I heard a commentator mention that among the millions gathered in Washington were several members of the Tuskegee Airmen. ...more

January 25, 2009

You're standing in line at a deli behind two day laborers fumbling with cash and struggling with English, when the clerk begins spewing hatred. Go back to your country, he says, or go eat at Taco Bell. ...more

January 5, 2009

My earliest days are saturated with memories of cackling chickens. In 1951, my father bought a farm near Wood River, Ill. He kept his job as a laborer for the Shell Oil Refinery, but he built a chicken coop and raised a colony of Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns. ...more

October 13, 2008

When Highlands County had an opening for a clerical assistant at Emergency Medical Services recently, at $9.29 per hour, on the low end of the pay range, 63 people applied. ...more

July 10, 2008

SEBRING - When Highlands County had an opening for a clerical assistant at Emergency Medical Services recently, at $9.29 per hour, on the low end of the pay range, 63 people applied. Seventy-five people applied for one opening in the county road and bridge department for a laborer's job. The pay scale for this job starts at $8.88 per hour and runs up to a maximum of $14.38 per hour. "We have had, it seems, a big increase in the number of job applicants since I've been here," said Don Kesterson, a county human resources specialist who took his job 18 months ago following a 20-year career in the Air Force. ...more

July 9, 2008

LAKE PLACID — A suspect in a home invasion robbery Tuesday in Lake Placid remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of $121,000 Thursday after his arrest on related charges. Robert George Brown, 21, of 145 N.E. Wilson Way, Lake Placid, was booked into the jail Wednesday on charges of kidnapping to commit or facilitate a felony, home invasion robbery with a weapon (firearm), and grand theft $5,000 or more but less than $10,000. A 14-year-old victim reported he was home at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, when Brown knocked at the door and asked for a 22-year-old resident or his girlfriend. The victim told Brown no, so Brown reportedly left. ...more

June 12, 2008

Each Mother's Day, Nettie Smith is showered with cards and letters. With 15 grown children, her house is filled with greeting cards, flowers and family on any given holiday, but Mother's Day brings an avalanche of affection. ...more

May 10, 2008

Florida counties that receive state funding for affordable housing must take a closer look at their standards and ensure they are helping builders meet the needs. ...more

February 10, 2008