TAMPA Dorothy Ford volunteered occasionally at Graham Elementary where her nieces and nephews attended. But she wanted to do more. "I was sitting at home getting fat, and I thought it was about time I got to doing something," said Ford, 68, who is retired. Through another volunteer at the school Ford learned of the foster grandparent program. It modestly reimburses volunteers, ranging in age from 60 to 93, who spend at least 20 hours a week helping in school classrooms, Head Start programs and shelters such as The Spring and Child Abuse Council. "It gives them the financial ability to volunteer," said Nancy McWilliams, Director of Community Relations for Seniors in Service Tampa Bay, which sponsors the program. ...more

February 18, 2009

In a quiet room in the heart of Brooksville, grand plans are being made. ...more

January 12, 2009

With the state confronting at least a $2.3 billion budget shortfall, little is being spared lawmakers' ax. In the ongoing special session in Tallahassee, legislators have targeted programs serving the elderly, schoolchildren, the disabled and hospital patients. Environmental protections, higher education and many other efforts are on the chopping block. ...more

January 10, 2009

Democratic candidate Joseph Puglia was forced to abandon his campaign due to his wife's illness. ...more

October 8, 2008

Double speaking, which used to be called talking out of both sides of one's mouth, is never a desirable quality to witness in anyone. I am especially troubled when I hear it so blatantly from someone representing me in Congress. Congressman Tim Mahoney recently returned from visiting our troops and complimented them on their high morale and sense of purpose. Then he said it is time to put partisanship aside regarding our troops and make sure they get everything they need. ...more

June 18, 2008

The scenario was the same as the first two times Tampa Prep and Calvary Christian played: Late in the third quarter the Terrapins held a 20-point lead. ...more

February 10, 2008

In our considered opinion, Arizona Sen. John McCain is the Republican presidential candidate best prepared to lead America forward in a muscular yet compassionate way. Today we recommend him for your consideration. ...more

January 11, 2008

They often claim to be "top officials" in the Nigerian government and ask you to keep their correspondence top secret, whether it came via e-mail or the Postal Service. ...more

November 21, 2007

I may need to change my long-term goal, which is to make it to retirement, at which time I'd planned to sleep late and loll around until 11, drinking coffee and reading the paper. ...more

November 8, 2007