Ken Pruitt, the leader of the Florida Senate, says compensation for the wrongfully convicted is one of his top priorities this year. ...more

February 2, 2008

It appears the Highlands County Commission is going to step up and do something good to support our troops who have been serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a wonderful gesture and sure to help any local soldiers who have been serving their country and placing themselves in danger. If approved – and it appears it will be – any soldiers who have served in a combat role will receive a $75 per month stipend, for every month they serve in combat, from the county, which could mean an extra $900 per year depending on amount of time. Commissioners are considering this instead of giving a property tax break, which would only benefit troops who own homes. Veterans officials suggested making it a stipend for all combat soldiers, instead of just property owners, since so many of the troops in harms way are young and just getting started with their lives. Some other Florida counties are offering the property tax rebate, but Highlands County would be one of three counties offering stipends. ...more

December 21, 2007

My goals for my children's education include development of a lifelong love of learning, higher order thinking skills, and the gift to become good world citizens in the age of a global economy. The best classes are those that encourage my children to think and apply knowledge across disciplines, not merely to memorize and regurgitate facts in isolation. Our schools are evolving to meet the needs of today's student and must continue to do so. Computers in the classroom were an important step in this process and now Highlands County is ready for the next. ...more

December 6, 2007

The state House approved a proposal Monday to lower property taxes, but the plan will have to be reconciled with a bill the Senate voted on last week. And the Senate isn't in session. ...more

October 23, 2007

Regarding 'Glazers Boost Children's Museum' (front page, Oct. 16): Not only did the Glazer Family Foundation score another touchdown for the arts in Tampa, they won the Super Bowl of bringing the Children's Museum to fruition! Thanks to Heidi Shimberg's leadership efforts in raising monies for this worthy project and her willingness to ask Bryan Glazer whether his family might consider making a significant donation to the Children's Museum, Bryan consulted brother, Edward Glazer, and sister, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, who immediately sanctioned the gift. The other adult children of Malcolm Glazer, owner and president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were also in accord. ...more

October 18, 2007

One of my ongoing prayers is for clarity and comprehension. 'Clear my mind, Lord,' I ask. 'There is so much that I need to understand.' I ask for wisdom, too. ...more

September 22, 2007

One of my ongoing prayers is for clarity and comprehension. 'Clear my mind, Lord,' I ask. 'There is so much that I need to understand.' I ask for wisdom, too. ...more

September 19, 2007

One of my ongoing prayers is for clarity and comprehension. 'Clear my mind, Lord,' I ask. 'There is so much that I need to understand.' I ask for wisdom, too. ...more

September 17, 2007