SEBRING — Teachers overwhelmingly approved their employment contract Friday, which represents about a 9 to 11 percent increase in salary and benefits over an 18-month period starting Dec. 1. Also, the number of pay steps have been reduced for the second consecutive year, which helps teachers move up the pay ladder faster, said chief negotiator and union president Steve Picklesimer. Two years ago there were 19 steps. Last year two steps were eliminated. This year's agreement cut out four more steps resulting in a total of 13 steps. The 18-month contract roughly represents a 3 - 4 percent increase in salary and benefits this year and a 6 - 7 percent increase in salary and benefits next year, Picklesimer said Monday. ...more

November 6, 2007

A Valrico man fired several paintball rounds at someone on a ladder, putting the target in fear of great bodily harm, Hillsborough County deputies say. ...more

October 29, 2007

From the base of a red firetruck, a ladder reaches 75 feet into the air. Without hesitation, volunteer firefighter Kenny Kelley, 19, begins to climb. He wears 75 pounds of gear but doesn't slow down. He reaches his destination, then returns to the ground, where another volunteer, Don Paulk, 40, awaits his turn. ...more

October 17, 2007