AVON PARK — Because of the way Florida statutes were written, where the line between lewd molestation ends and child cruelty begins may surprise some people. A 17-year-old girl reported Wednesday that she was inappropriately touched by her friend's father on Oct. 3, in the afternoon after an overnight visit. Her mother said she was outraged Friday to learn the suspect was being charged with child cruelty rather than some form of molestation. The mother and victim's name have been left out to protect the alleged victim. Stephen Lance Walker, 56, of Avon Park, was released on $5,000 bail Thursday after he was booked into the Highlands County Jail on Oct. 3 and charged with cruelty toward a child - abuse without great harm. ...more

October 7, 2007

Eric Sause of Lutz never goes anywhere without nitroglycerin in his pocket. "It reminds me to take care of myself or I'm going to have to use it," the 48-year-old says. Four years ago, when Sause was living in Seattle, he noticed his arm tingling as he mowed the lawn. It happened again as he mowed the lawn the following week. He thought it was strange, but it didn't hurt, so he wasn't alarmed. ...more

October 4, 2007

The words 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' are printed on a flier to promote an upcoming benefit for a New Port Richey man. ...more

October 2, 2007

TORONTO - Akinori Iwamura came up with an analogy to describe how he felt playing second base for the first time in a regular-season game Sunday after spending his entire professional career at third base. ...more

September 30, 2007

With a steady smile and a familiar strut, Quentin Amos steps into the Zephyrhills training room each day and presents offensive line coach Troy Hochstetler with his left arm. ...more

September 7, 2007