In 1972, three years after the University of Tampa Spartans and the Florida A&M University Rattlers played the first integrated football game in the South, Saint Leo College added a club team. ...more

December 31, 2009

I am so saddened by an article I read today on the front page of the Lake Placid Journal. It tells of a recent "Candy Day" fundraiser held by the Lake Placid Lions Club. Seventy- year-old Lion Miles Lambert, who was born and raised in Lake Placid, and who at the young age of 18 years old first became one of the Lake Placid Lions Club's first members, was arrested, being charged with a misdemeanor for attempting to raise money for the blind and deaf by standing on the sidewalk of the Lake Placid Post Office. After 52 years of giving so much of his time and efforts in the attempt to raise money for those people in our county who so desperately need help with vision and hearing problems, it is unbelievable that our sweet little town has now been infiltrated by someone in such need of standing up to "The Rules" in lieu of someone else's pain. In this day, when so many folks are out of jobs, whose children desperately need glasses that they can't afford, one would certainly admire someone who is giving of his time and efforts to try and help. ...more

December 29, 2009

It was such an eye opener; my son called the other day and his first words were, "Mom, all those Santa Clause's helpers in the malls deserve 10 times the salary they get." When I asked what brought him to that profound decision, he tearfully told me that last week, while working as a police officer in a town nearby, he was approached by his chief, who asked him if he would fill in for the Santa Clause that could not show up for the Christmas parade scheduled for that evening. He had a great time as he waved to all the children on the parade's route. After the parade, he was then asked to sit on Santa's throne and listen to all the children's wishes. That sounded like fun, thinking that he would be hearing all the wishes his own kids have of laptops, cell phones, etc. ...more

December 28, 2009

Editor's note: This is a reprinted column from January, 2004. ...more

December 20, 2009

Plant High School senior Maddie Martin, named this week as Florida's Gatorade Player of the Year, got a first-hand glimpse of her future Thursday night. ...more

December 18, 2009

When I was a child I remember my parents singing together and singing to me. Because of that, I know a whole repertoire of songs that were popular way before my time. ...more

December 6, 2009

This letter is being sent to address concerns of infrastructure and ongoing maintenance regarding the Oak Hill Cemetery located in Lake Placid. Our parents started visiting Lake Placid over 50 years ago, purchase property and have lived there full time for over 25 years. Our father (deceased since 2005) would many times refer to Lake Placid as God's country. However, the town does not seem so special when visiting the cemetery; as we understand, a town responsibility. It is difficult enough to lose a loved one but when visiting the cemetery which is in such disrepair; it only creates additional sadness and anxiety. Mom and dad decided a long time ago that they wanted to remain in Lake Placid, even after burial. One might ask why. ...more

November 17, 2009

There is a learning curve, and maybe Bucs head coach Morris is beginning to climb it, writes Martin Fennelly. ...more

November 10, 2009

Withdrawing from a class carries a hefty penalty this year for college students with Bright Futures scholarships, but the consequences for lower-income students could be more severe than state lawmakers intended. ...more

November 1, 2009

This is a reply to Arthur P. Allyn's letter. First: Hate is a strong word to use no matter who uses it and it's a word I'd never use. I think Sheriff Benton is doing a wonderful job. In her last two elections, my husband and I had her election signs in our yard. As a matter of fact, Sheriff Benton's mom and dad are neighbors and friends of ours. ...more

October 1, 2009