The Veterans Administration deserves praise for new ideas that should provide quality treatment for veterans. Someone figured out that proper caring for veterans starts early and involves all kinds of services. It's happening right here in Highlands County. Besides VA hospitals, clinics are providing a lot of care for veterans. Just as important, when soldiers return to the states, before they are discharged, mental health evaluations begin and continue long after leaving the service. For combat soldiers there is continual monitoring so problems not first realized immediately upon arrival back in the country are dealt with if they do surface. That often happens, according to experts. ...more

January 11, 2008

This is a response to the story about the gentleman responding to the article of the woman who was airlifted to Tampa following a stabbing in Avon Park. I believe that this gentleman is misinformed on some of his facts and I would like to set the record straight. First I will say that I am a nurse at Florida Hospital and am proud to work and serve my community. Our hospitals (in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula) all are capable of handling most emergencies we face in Highlands County. We are able to handle most emergencies, but apparently not this woman's. She had sustained knife wounds, which could not be handled in Highlands County and the decision was made to get her somewhere quickly where she could get her wounds taken care of. ...more

January 11, 2008

TAMPA - Five people, some elderly and some disabled, were removed from an unlicensed adult assisted-living facility that was shut down Sunday night by the Tampa fire marshal's office. ...more

December 24, 2007

LARGO - Sixty-seven inmates displaced by the storm that ravaged the Land O' Lakes Jail in Pasco County arrived today for a stay at the Pinellas County Jail. They could be in Pinellas for up to two months. ...more

December 19, 2007

Allow Gulf Drilling Sen. Bill Nelson and his "no drilling" cohorts should be proud of themselves. They have succeeded in sending gas prices over $3 a gallon and no end in sight. Of course, they can afford it. Most can't. ...more

November 17, 2007

Edward L. Ericson of Dunedin says socialist countries of Europe are economically powerful. ...more

November 13, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights leaders of civic organizations and charities. This week's column features Mary Alice Hendricks, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St. Contact the agency at (813) 759-0886 or www.plantcitypregnancycenter.org. ...more

November 7, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - A 51-year-old New Port Richey man was struck and killed this afternoon trying to cross U.S. 19, city police said. ...more

October 31, 2007

The 2.3 percent cost-of-living increase announced Wednesday by the Social Security Administration is the smallest increase in four years. And many retirees will face the probability of using the extra money to cover higher costs for gasoline, food and medical care. The increase is a full percentage point lower than the 3.3 percent adjustment for 2007. ...more

October 18, 2007

Tiered Medicine Regarding 'Time Has Come For Universal Health Care In America,' Marc Yacht, My View, Oct. 7: ...more

October 12, 2007