The Hillsborough County Commission instructed its staff this morning to start drafting language for a referendum on a 1 cent sales tax for transportation projects, including light rail. ...more

April 1, 2009

Residents in Sun 'n Lakes of Sebring might see a big change in the way they elect their board of supervisors, depending on what Highlands County Commissioners hear at their April 7 public hearing. It should be compelling information, and we hope this matter eventually ends with a better way to elect board members. ...more

March 29, 2009

Mayor Pam Iorio, displeased with the Tampa Sports Authority's dismissal of longtime Executive Director Henry Saavedra, has told the city's public access television station to start televising the authority's board meetings. ...more

March 26, 2009

We live in a world filled with scandal and corruption, at least that's what some people believe. And some folks make the same claims right here in Highlands County. In fact, they thrive on making such claims and insinuations. Sometimes there is a hint of truth in what they say, but mostly it's blatantly untrue. The damage, however, is real whether it's true or not, and it's up to all of us to keep the conspiracy seekers at arm's length. ...more

March 25, 2009

According to Gary Ritter, director of South Florida Water Management District, SLID is responsible for the water management system for Spring Lake, including the golf course. So if that is the case, there is no reason for SLID to buy the golf course. The current owner has stated SLID has every legal right to clear the water ways. They have an easement, he stated, at the meeting last Wednesday. If SLID buys the golf course for $3.4 million, how much more is it going to cost to clean out the ponds, canals and lakes? All the SLID board members have talked about is buying the golf course. How is this going to fix the problem without dredging the water ways? ...more

March 24, 2009

While attending the Spring Lake Improvement District's board meeting, I was disappointed to hear the statements of a group of people who apparently banded together to dominate the microphone during the open discussion period. Many times, there were rounds of applause after one of the group members made statements based on their agenda opposing the SLID purchase of the golf course. In most all cases, their points or references to them had been already addressed and answered by the qualified experts: Gary Ritter, director of South Florida Water Management, Craig Wrathell, the district's financial advisor, and Gene Schriner, district engineer. The board members made many statements and points indicating their extensive involvement and research regarding the purchase of the course. ...more

March 24, 2009

It's often difficult to knowwhen elected representatives should make tough decisions and when the people should have the final say. Both ways have merit, and in Spring Lake, it's clear what must be done. ...more

March 22, 2009

Martha Murray says officials of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast officials were barking up the wrong tree in her surprise dismissal as executive director. SPCA board members say they wish Murray well, but call interim Executive Director Gail Armstrong a "visionary leader" in a press release. ...more

March 18, 2009

Henry Saavedra has resigned as director of the Tampa Sports Authority. ...more

March 16, 2009

I do not understand why we have to resort to calling 911 when our neighbors are disturbing others in the building. I understand it when the disturbance occurs during the night; I had to call the police at 1 a.m. on a few occasions. ...more

March 15, 2009