NEW PORT RICHEY -- One thing you can count on is that time turns into seasons, which turn into months. Progress Energy Gallery, a not-for-profit organization has placed a call to artists and photographers for their yearly calendar contest. Proceeds will benefit the gallery, which is in historic downtown New Port Richey. ...more

July 23, 2008

SEBRING — Teachers overwhelmingly approved their employment contract Friday, which represents about a 9 to 11 percent increase in salary and benefits over an 18-month period starting Dec. 1. Also, the number of pay steps have been reduced for the second consecutive year, which helps teachers move up the pay ladder faster, said chief negotiator and union president Steve Picklesimer. Two years ago there were 19 steps. Last year two steps were eliminated. This year's agreement cut out four more steps resulting in a total of 13 steps. The 18-month contract roughly represents a 3 - 4 percent increase in salary and benefits this year and a 6 - 7 percent increase in salary and benefits next year, Picklesimer said Monday. ...more

November 6, 2007