On Feb. 26, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a summary judgment entered in favor of an employer in the case of Latrece Lockett vs. Choice Hotels International. Locket, who worked at the hotel's reservations desk, alleged that her employer violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act because a male coworker made sexual comments to her when she visited the hotel cafeteria, where he worked. When she complained, the company investigated and the male employee was fired. Lockett was fired because of threats she made toward her male coworker. ...more

March 27, 2009

Polk Community College shut down its two campuses Monday, fearing a gunman might be en route. ...more

September 23, 2008

Polk Community College shut down its two campuses today, fearing an armed gunman might be en route. Law enforcement learned there was a credible threat that someone might bring a gun onto the Winter Haven campus and harm someone, Winter Haven police spokesman Brad Coleman said. He said the threats came from a 39-year-old student who works on campus. ...more

September 22, 2008

Hillsborough County taxpayers could be on the hook for $100,000 or more to defend the county in a sexual harassment lawsuit involving Commissioner Kevin White. ...more

May 31, 2008

Hillsborough County officials have hired a private attorney to represent County Commissioner Kevin White and investigate a sexual harassment claim filed against him by a former aide. ...more

November 16, 2007