Too much has already been written about Nick Bollea's culpability in the accident that severely injured his friend John Graziano. However, almost nothing has been said about Graziano's own contribution to his injuries. Knowing he was breaking the law by not doing so, knowing his longtime friend's propensity for speed and impulsiveness, why he did not put on his seat belt? This simple precaution might have enabled him to walk away from the accident. His failure to consider his own safety almost certainly was a major factor in the injuries he received. His parents can blame Nick Bollea all they want, but their own son is also partly responsible. ...more

June 24, 2008

Althea Mills of Winter Haven, whose 1963 federal lawsuit spurred the desegregation of Polk County schools, died Friday. She was 84. ...more

June 12, 2008

The woman whose 1963 federal lawsuit spurred the desegregation of Polk County schools has died. Althea Mills of Winter Haven died Friday. She was 84. ...more

June 11, 2008

Longtime friend Joe Newsome was sure of one thing Monday as he looked from the pulpit at Evangelical Presbyterian Church at those who filled the pews at Roy Parke's memorial service: ...more

June 10, 2008

PLANT CITY - Roy Parke, known as the Strawberry King, had a wish for his funeral services. He wanted mourners to wear red. ...more

June 9, 2008

TAMPA - Vince McGilvra, co-owner of Skipper's Smokehouse, will retire from his day-to-day duties at the restaurant and music venue at the end of June, an official confirmed today. ...more

May 30, 2008

Isaiah Collins had minutes to live as he lay bleeding on the roadside by the bright green palmettos. ...more

May 27, 2008

Call them Kool-Aid drinkers. Political romantics. Starry-eyed dreamers. ...more

May 25, 2008

Missing Iraq war veteran Eric Hall phoned a longtime friend in Indiana on Wednesday, his family announced. ...more

February 23, 2008

DEEP CREEK — Missing Iraq war veteran Eric Hall phoned a longtime friend in Indiana on Wednesday, his family said. ...more

February 22, 2008