Despite an intensive $4 billion drive to protect U.S. embassies, at least 150 American missions abroad fall short of security standards put in place after deadly bombings, The Associated Press has learned. ...more

June 23, 2008

It's no surprise that South Florida Community College's President Norman Stephens received a positive evaluation. He's as good as they come in his position anywhere in the nation. The fact is, our area is filled with leaders who do a fine job. Stephens has continued a tradition of excellence at SFCC. If anyone's been critical of his leadership, we haven't heard it. That's amazing because rarely does anyone in a position of power maintain such high regard from so many people. Even many outstanding leaders, due to the tough decisions they have to make every day, generate a few enemies along the way. City managers, county administrators, school superintendents and a number of other key positions are tasked with difficult jobs that require decision making that upsets some people. Often those jobs have a high turnover. A lot of city administrators around the country last about five years and move on, due to their inability to be effective. ...more

February 1, 2008

Of all the disappointed people heading home from Saturday's canceled Children's Gasparilla Parade, maybe the biggest frown was on the face of Darrell Stefany, the event's organizer. ...more

January 22, 2008

For the 17 years that Darrell Stefany, who works with EventMakers Corp., has staged some of the massive Gasparilla goings-on, including the children's parade and fireworks show, he never has seen it canceled after it started. ...more

January 21, 2008