South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is in charge of how "our" water from this area is to be taken and used in the areas south of us. When there were not as many users of "our" water, supplying them was not the problem as it is today, everyone should realize that the low levels of the lakes in Highlands County is testimony that we can no longer supply the South Florida area with the water they need to exist, and it is now time for them to explore other avenues to get the water they need elsewhere. Nature is not cooperating, and supplying the amounts of water necessary to be able to share with our neighbors to the south without doing major damage to our own ecosystem is no longer possible. SFWMD wants to be able to lower the level of Lake Istokpoga to a level that could easily destroy the lake as we know it today, it's just that simple. We need to forget the politically correct rubbish and just look at it as it is, an impending disaster. ...more

December 8, 2007

Recently there appeared several articles about the privately owned sewage plant off Thunderbird Road, serving a small subdivision in this area. Let me share facts and thoughts about this debacle. The present owner appears to be David Plank, who inherited this facility from his now deceased father, Seth Plank, about six years ago. The elder Mr. Plank subdivided and platted this area mostly consisting of Sunbird Circle, about 50 to 60 lots zoned for mobile home single- and double-wide units. Understand, as a developer a business was created to make a profit on the sale of lots. Part of the plan was to provide a treatment plant to serve this development. A cheap, substandard plant was built with a planned obsolesces to be 20-25 years. ...more

December 6, 2007

Don't you hate these election times of stress when you can't believe anybody, whether a trusted official or someone with high hopes of higher places? Reading the cherished columns in Sunday's papers would leave you wondering just who is telling the truth and who is electioneering! Two writers state the country is going to pot in a handbasket if we keep on with the "now" regime. A couple of wordy culprits think all's fine and all we need is common sense and some fine-tuning. So far, we can't help but observe that we still do have a republic here and we are a long ways from becoming a kingdom or a Muslim nation. This country will survive no matter who raises the most money or is elected in the driver's seat, but God help the man or woman who says we need to wear long gowns and face the East. Predictions ... The so-called war will continue regardless of whom is elected, because our responsibilities run too deep. ...more

December 5, 2007

The Florida Public Employees Relations Commission's recent dismissal of the deputies union unfair labor practices charge against Pasco County Sheriff Bob White is a victory for taxpayers and common sense. ...more

December 5, 2007

Whatever happened to good common sense? It seems to have largely departed from the scene. Make no mistake. When we depart from common sense, we will be left with nonsense. If the Supreme Court of the Land were to hand down a decision saying, "After long deliberation and much soul searching, it has been concluded that the law of gravity is hereby declared unconstitutional," many trusting souls, including some Republicans, would say, "Oh goodie! I will now climb a high building, flap my elbows, and float freely all over the county!" "Ridiculous!" you say. "Everybody knows that the perpetrator would suddenly hit the ground with a loud splatt!" We could not repeal the law of gravity by judicial edict. But similar nonsense is solemnly pronounced with straight faces by courts high and low. ...more

December 5, 2007

Today's Birthday (11/23/07). This year, you could work harder than you ever have before. You won't make a fortune, either, but it's sure good for your character and your physique. ...more

November 25, 2007

These days, many parents opt to "understand" their children when they misbehave. Seems this has backfired and created a generation of "understood" kids who are self-righteous and still misbehaving. However, some parents get it right and their kids turn out lovely. Here's the difference and why a consequence to misbehavior is important. ...more

November 23, 2007

Part Of Nature Regarding "Hometown Democracy Gives Voters A Say In Development" by Arthur Hayhoe, My View, Oct. 21: ...more

November 7, 2007

Before your little goblins, ghouls and fairy princesses go out on their quests for Halloween treats, the Plant City Police Department urges parents and caregivers to use common sense and remember key safety tips. ...more

October 24, 2007

Regarding 'Bracing For Boom, Bridges On Alafia' (Metro, Oct. 8): Fifth-graders know when a council allows zoning changes at the beck and call of developers, infrastructure has to be considered in advance. Simple things like water supply, power, environmental problems and traffic movement must be considered. I know warnings were given repeatedly by the Tribune on all these subjects and were ignored by the 'first-graders' on the commission. ...more

October 12, 2007