AVON PARK — Apparently, a lot of cops want to live here. In the six weeks since the police chief's job has been advertised, 58 officers have applied, and they are qualified. "I have applications from three who claim they have law degrees," said City Manager C.B. Shirey. "Two have Ph.D.s. I have a lot who have been in the education side or the administrative side of law enforcement, or who have had special duties." One, a United Nations police officer, is an expert knife fighter, Shirey said. "Some are retired already, and some are overqualified," Shirey said. "It makes you wonder why they want to come to Avon Park. Some may just have the moving-to-Florida syndrome." Advertisements were placed in local newspapers, on the city's Web site, with the Florida League of Cities and the International Police Chief's Association. ...more

November 17, 2007

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my opinion that a lot of misinformation is intentionally given out in politics and/ or by bureaucrats. Most e-mails I received agreed with me. One respondent questioned why the politicians would do that when they want projects to be on time and within budget. I have a very long list of very proven reasons why they do. In a short summary, I believe the combined reason is arrogance. They have a very overwhelming paradigm that they possess unquestioned entitlement. They use that to satisfy their desire to accomplish many of their personal agendas, and to get projects started. ...more

November 5, 2007

Despite having his photo posted on the Internet and in local newspapers, police said a reputed con man sat down in a popular tavern Sunday and was arrested after the bartender recognized him. ...more

October 15, 2007

TAMPA - Despite having his photo posted on the Internet and in local newspapers, a man police say is a con artist sat down in a popular tavern Sunday and was arrested after the bartender recognized him. ...more

October 14, 2007

TAMPA - Less than three weeks before he is set to go on trial on tax evasion charges, actor Wesley Snipes has fired his high-powered legal team and hired a Milwaukee lawyer who has had his own brush with the IRS. ...more

October 4, 2007

Forget the intangible value it might have held for the family. Ted Koszarski wonders how much the filmed testimony of a Civil War veteran might fetch on the open market today. ...more

September 23, 2007