I unequivocally support President Obama's three basic principles for health care reform in 2009: 1. Reduce costs by improving efficiency and investing in preventative care. 2. Guarantee every American the right to choose their plan and doctor, including a public insurance option. 3. Ensure quality, affordable care for every American. ...more

July 21, 2009

The increasing number of homeless families knocking on the door of Manatee County's Salvation Army Family Lodge worries Maj. Robert Pfeiffer. ...more

March 11, 2009

The increasing number of homeless families knocking on the door of Manatee County's Salvation Army Family Lodge worries Maj. Robert Pfeiffer. ...more

March 11, 2009

In a community where residents often depend on bicycles and golf carts to pick up a few things at the local grocery store, Feb. 28 will be a sad day. The Sweetbay Supermarket at 789 Cortaro Drive is permanently closing, leaving people without cars only the options of shopping at a nearby Save-A-Lot or Winn Dixie. ...more

February 27, 2009

I had a chuckle at the blog quoted in the Sunday article in the Highlands Today. I will tell "Abrand" that he should say "good riddance" to expensive Auto Owners as I did last year. I too had Auto Owners for over 20 years with coverage on my house, boat and two autos. I had a small $400 claim after Charley, and they paid promptly. Last year I received notice that Auto Owners would not renew my homeowner's policy on the anniversary date. After talking with my local agent, I found out that Auto Owners was "reducing their exposure" in their homeowner policies in Florida. I was assured that it was a random selection process, as they just couldn't drop the high risk storm surge policies on the coasts because it would be "discriminatory" and have repercussions. The local agent said that there were many such non-renewals in Highlands County and that they had appealed to no avail! ...more

February 7, 2009

Most people know the name, but not the disease. "Piece by Piece," a new campaign by the ALS Association Florida Chapter, hopes to change that by increasing public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. ...more

January 16, 2009

Most people know the name, but not the disease. "Piece by Piece," a new campaign by the ALS Association Florida Chapter, hopes to change that by increasing public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. ...more

January 15, 2009

If Plant wins its second state title in three years, it can thank Armwood. First, the Panthers have to get past Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer in Friday night's home Class 4A state semifinal game. And a history of teams that have defeated the Hawks in the postseason recently bodes well for Plant. ...more

December 7, 2008

A 21-year-old Asian male elephant is adapting to a temporary home in Tennessee after federal authorities confiscated him over the weekend from a Balm-based circus. ...more

November 11, 2008

A 21-year-old Asian male elephant is adapting today to a temporary home in Tennessee after federal authorities confiscated him over the weekend from a Balm-based circus. ...more

November 10, 2008