Pets are good medicine, but keeping up with their cost can be a challenge. ...more

March 9, 2009

At a time when it seems every company is slashing jobs, here's some encouraging news: nearly 700 new jobs are coming to Lakeland. ...more

March 9, 2009

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the difficult economic times facing our citizens and the county. As you have probably read, Pasco County faces a $28.8 million shortfall in revenue due to the decline in property values. ...more

March 8, 2009

There are unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.3 billion for those who did not file a federal income tax return for 2005, according to the Internal Revenue Service. ...more

March 8, 2009

The issue: Should county government continue to offer employees tuition reimbursement at taxpayers' expense? Our opinion: Ax the program during tough economic times. ...more

March 8, 2009

Depressive economic times call for a moment of relief. That's what the Dunedin Showcase Theater promises in its production of "Bye Bye Birdie." The play opens Wednesday at the Dunedin Community Center. ...more

March 7, 2009

Until recently for elementary students in Highlands County public schools, no lunch money meant no hot meal for lunch. ...more

March 5, 2009

Florida's judges and popularly elected clerks of the circuit courts. ...more

March 5, 2009

The 2009 regular session of the Florida Legislature is under way. The issue dominating the proceedings is the dwindling state government revenue stream. According to current estimates, planned spending for the state's 2010 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, will have to be cut by $5 billion. If not, there would be a budget deficit, which the state constitution bans. The Legislature could reduce the future red ink potential by asking the Florida voters to do away with the class size amendment to the state constitution they approved in 2002. Unfortunately, lawmakers may only delay class-size compliance a year and ask voters to approve a change in the way compliance is determined next year. ...more

March 4, 2009

The school district will hold on to 80 acres of land in Ridge Manor that could be the site of a new school. ...more

March 4, 2009