It's a sacred day for all war veterans, none need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated. Soldiers in uniform, a 21-gun salute, bugles playing taps: These are special ways we honor a military veteran at his or her funeral. The gunfire salute is an ancient ceremony that was adopted in 1875. Taps was composed in camp Harrison's Landing in 1862 to replace Tattoo. Volleys over the grave originated from an Army custom of halting battle to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army cleared its dead, three volleys were fired to indicate they were ready to resume the battle. This remains a meaningful ritual today, symbolizing the battle of life is over for the person who has died, but the battle of life must continue for those living. Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. The citizens of America owe their freedom to all who have given their lives for us. It only takes a minute to say "thank you" who gave their lives so I can have mine. ...more

May 22, 2008

Will spiraling gas prices impact your vacation plans? ...more

May 22, 2008

Having Problem With That Boat Starter? Many of us who live on the canals used to get access to Lake Grassy in Sun 'N Lakes, south of Lake Placid, really have little use of our boats until we get a substantial amount of rain. It is hard to imagine how much rain it will take to fill the lake to its normal level, which is almost four feet above the present level. However, I still want to keep my boat running in case it ever rains. Here's a tip if you have found that your boat is getting hard to start or the battery seems to be a bit low, as was my problem a few weeks ago when I tried to warm up the 20-year-old engine. ...more

May 22, 2008

Police and state highway officials are cautioning motorists to slow down and buckle up this Memorial Day weekend, the season's deadliest time for driving. ...more

May 21, 2008

This is National Safe Boating Week, another of those nationally designated weeks that virtually no one pays attention to. Safety in general is a topic we'd all rather forget about, but the elements that cause a disaster are always just over the horizon when it comes to boating. ...more

May 21, 2008

OLDSMAR, Fla. -- The city's time-honored tradition of saluting our nation's fallen defenders continues this Monday, Memorial Day. ...more

May 20, 2008

Self-discipline, exercise and teamwork are some of the benefits 10-year Carrollwood resident Heather Holloway sees in baton twirling. ...more

May 19, 2008

Local U-pick blueberry farm drew thousands this year; next season begins in April. ...more

May 19, 2008

The day starts at the Brickyard, at the most historic track in motorsports, with 33 open-wheel drivers looking to dash their way into racing immortality. ...more

May 19, 2008

Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing three-day weekend. ...more

May 18, 2008