AVON PARK — With upcoming council member Al Joe Hinson's arrival, the council will have two Southside representatives and two black council members for the first time in the city's recent history. And several Southside residents were hoping this would boost the influence of the economically under-served part of the city. Shirley Johnson, the Southside Community Redevelopment Agency chairwoman, said she thought Hinson –– who she and most of his friends call "Al Joe" –– would be a major boost for the Southside's representation in the council. "He won, and I'm glad he won, and I know people on the Southside are," Johnson said. "People were ready for another person to join in with Miss (Brenda) Gray... I think the people are ready to see some positive things happen with Gray and Hinson." ...more

November 20, 2007

A lot of folks are holding their breath, hoping that a deal goes through on Harder Hall Monday. ...more

November 4, 2007

Wednesday morning was dark and wet. Rain pelted the pavement at the corner of West Shore Boulevard and Montgomery Avenue. That's where Beulah May Lofts, in a gray crossing-guard shirt and green pants, was struck and critically injured. ...more

October 26, 2007

TAMPA - A University of South Florida student charged with transporting explosives will not be released on bail, a federal judge ruled today. ...more

October 25, 2007

Calling it their greatest budget challenge in recent history, county commissioners approved a $1.21 billion spending plan Tuesday night for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. ...more

September 26, 2007