Aero Park Isn't Safe Or Reasonable I have to respond to the FAA spokesperson in the (Jan. 28) article ("Federal Study Requested For Tampa North Aero Park"). I did contact the Aero Park owner and was told by Charlie that he couldn't (wouldn't) do anything about the planes that fly over my house that is situated at least 700 feet north of the direct flight path. So much for that suggestion. And the assertion that we're operating in one of the safest periods in aviation history is at best laughable. We've had two crashes (one fatal) here in Wesley Chapel in the last four years. The next one could be into one of the 2,500 houses that surround the airfield. Let's face it: The airfield serves less than 100 people and puts upwards of 7,500 people at risk. How safe or reasonable is that? ...more

February 1, 2009

Baby Amir's crib is lined with blankets crocheted by his mother and stuffed animals from his 8-year-old sister. Framed photos of him hang on the walls and sit atop shelves and tables throughout his family's three-bedroom home. ...more

January 31, 2009

A small movie theater with two screens and seating for 120 people is being proposed for the Mid Town Center in Lake Placid. ...more

January 28, 2009

Highlands County School Board members have been fielding phone calls from parents who are upset with a proposed doubling of the number of early release days from 10 to 20. ...more

January 25, 2009

Katherine E. Wilhelm of Port Richey says the extra food stamps needy people receive each year quickly get knocked back down by the Social Security cost-of-living increase. ...more

January 24, 2009

Secondary teachers voiced their opposition at Tuesday's school board budget workshop to a proposed schedule change requiring educators to teach seven consecutive class periods. ...more

January 22, 2009

A judge is allowing prosecutors to continue with a criminal contempt case against a man once accused by the U.S. government of being a top Palestinian terrorist. ...more

January 16, 2009

Highlands County Schools have a reason to be proud with the recent selection of the Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year at each campus and the district office. ...more

January 10, 2009

John Smoltz has reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves. ...more

January 8, 2009

The new year of 2009 is here. Last year at Manna saw a substantial increase in the number of families served, a new director and physical building changes. The one obvious fact that we are still open means that God is still blessing us. He blesses us through our wonderful donors. You have given generously of food, clothing, household goods and funds. I would like to say thank you. There have been many sad, wonderful and amazing things happen at Manna this year. Some I have shared with you, others God knows about. Recently I had a lady come in asking for help. Her husband's unemployment had run out, she had been laid off from her job and the prospects of Christmas for her three children were slim. She came to us too late for the Toy Store at the church, all the toys were gone. ...more

January 3, 2009