A couple of weeks ago, I did a column on gangs in the Hillsborough County schools affecting every middle and high school in the district. Last week was one on the growing use of medicine cabinet drugs by young people in a country addicted to prescription medicines. ...more

February 24, 2008

Meet: Sarah Joyce, 16, Land O' Lakes I have been in the agriculture program since my ninth-grade year and have been showing heifers at the Pasco County and Florida State fairs since then. I love being in this program, because I have a lot of fun, and it's also a great experience for someone who loves animals. ...more

February 10, 2008

SEBRING — As the fair approaches, excitement is mounting in the Bickman house. "We look forward to the fair all year," said Samantha Bickman, leader of Country Clovers 4-H Group. "The fairgrounds are our home away from home." Hundreds of families throughout the county are in the same position as the Bickmans, preparing for the festivities of the Highlands County Fair, which starts Friday. Brothers Michael and Justin Bickman wake up at 6 every morning to feed and water their animals. They each have swine, chickens and rabbits to show at the fair. ...more

February 6, 2008

For every New Year's resolution, there's a person with hope: Hope that, finally, he'll get the nattering monkey off his back. ...more

December 26, 2007

The stabbing deaths of two local baby show pigs have captured the attention of one of the nation's largest animal protection organizations. ...more

October 26, 2007

PLANT CITY - The stabbing deaths of two local baby show pigs has captured the attention of one of the nation's largest animal protection organizations. The Humane Society of the United States announced today it is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in killing and mutilating Rebel and Dixie last weekend. ...more

October 25, 2007