A 13-year project to create an artificial reef off the Florida Keys for sport divers and anglers has culminated with the scuttling of a 523-foot-long former U.S. Air Force missile tracking ship. It took just a minute and 54 seconds Wednesday to sink the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg after demolition experts triggered a series of explosives that lined both sides of the ship's bilge area below the waterline. The ship settled on the bottom of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in an upright position. ...more

May 28, 2009

The Town 'N Country Garden Circle, Town 'N Country Rotary Club and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation have joined forces to raise money for enhancements to Shimberg Gardens, which is under construction next to the Town 'N Country Commons at Paula and Ambassador drives. ...more

March 25, 2009

In reference to Edgar R. Cronin, Mr. Hoyt and Melody Griffins' letters and others with like opinions, I'm sorry not to have responded in a timely manner, but here is my response. I'd like to give you statistics concerning the possible 45 million more human beings who might have been born and are a burden to today's society in the United States, with the economic, medical, social and life situations that cannot even properly take care of those who live here today within our world. ...more

March 17, 2009

Howard Hoyt Hilton Jr. of South Tampa, the mind behind the grievously flawed Great Tampa Snow Show of 1958, died Sunday. He was 82. ...more

August 28, 2008

Three months after cutting the ceremonial ribbon, the Carrollwood Cultural Center seems to be past its opening jitters. ...more

May 10, 2008

CARROLLWOOD Three months since cutting the ceremonial ribbon, the Carrollwood Cultural Center seems to be past its opening jitters. ...more

May 7, 2008

SEBRING — An Orlando man allegedly told authorities he knew he was driving with a suspended license after he attempted to elude Highlands County Sheriff's deputies Sunday afternoon by traveling against traffic at a high rate of speed on U.S. 27. ...more

February 11, 2008

Officials overseeing the transformation of a retired U.S. Air Force missile tracking ship into an artificial reef off Key West said Saturday that they are planning to sink the ship May 15. ...more

January 27, 2008

I read Terri Otterman's column on "A Change We Can Believe In," in Highlands Today and found it very interesting. With the primary elections at hand and all the candidates calling for change, your column was very timely. Without getting overly political, I am leaning toward a Mormon candidate. I wanted to know more about the Mormon church, their mission regarding Christianity and their view on politics. I was pleased to find out through the church's Web site that political neutrality is their position. The church's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. Many Christians believe the Mormon church to be a cult; it is not. The Mormon church is as much Jesus Christ-centered as any other Christian denominational church. In short, at this time, when we have many voters who lack knowledge of the Mormon church, you could apply your views to your readership. You also must stay neutral in your writings regarding politics. ...more

January 19, 2008

I really don't know where to start; I will try to keep it simple. This is regarding the former retired military man who wrote the "The Patraeus Report (Betray-us);" his rank, won't be mentioned because his venom towards the military and our president is only substantiated in his mind. At a time when support is desperately needed for our troops, this kind of accusation is almost criminal. However, he attained his rank is a mystery to me, as this former officer is apparently beyond understanding and needs help. With 37 years spent in reserve or active service, he has learned the word "I" usefully for his benefit. ...more

January 7, 2008