The system for funding Social Security is "a disgrace" because it forces young Americans to pay into a program that is unlikely to benefit them in its current form, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain said this week, wading into politically touchy territory. ...more

July 10, 2008

SEBRING –– Some Highlands County roads may sit a while longer before they're repaved, and other proposed projects may be pushed back due to an anticipated shortfall in sales tax revenues. The local one-cent sales tax that shoppers pay is used to build and maintain many of the roads, bridges and some other buildings throughout the county. For this fiscal year, County Budget Manager Tim Mechling said he expects only $7.8 million of the $9.1 million in sales tax revenue to come his way. The 15-percent anticipated drop in revenues mean that the county's infrastructure fund will have to do with less. . Though Mechling declined to mention specific projects that could be on the chopping block because the the county commissioners have not decided yet, Mechling said the county may delay several planned road resurfacing and some new construction. "It's something we're still working out," he said. ...more

July 6, 2008

The Tampa Bay Rays were right to recognize the time wasn't right to push ahead on their proposal to build a waterfront ballpark in St. Petersburg. ...more

June 27, 2008

Normally, government officials need to be very cautious when they plan to spend millions of dollars on a project. But in the case of a proposed hurricane shelter in Hudson, Pasco County officials would be very wise to expedite construction. ...more

June 11, 2008

One thing's for sure: The state did not fulfill its promise to hold education harmless. ...more

June 4, 2008

One thing's for sure: The state did not fulfill its promise to hold education harmless. ...more

June 3, 2008

SEBRING — Falling sale prices for homes in Highlands County, as is happening in most parts of the country, will put Michael Wright on the proverbial hot seat right away. On Monday, Wright started as the county's administrator and learned he'll have to recommend to the commissioners either budget cuts or an increase in the tax rate. Officials with the school board and the cities of Sebring and Avon Park also face the same tough choices due to the troubled economy and falling home values. The taxable property values overall in Highlands County dropped 9.2 percent from last year, according to the preliminary report by county Property Appraiser Raymond McIntyre. ...more

June 2, 2008

He's not 100 percent sure, but he's close. Spring Hill Fire Rescue Board Chairman Charles Raborn said it is highly unlikely he will campaign to keep his seat. ...more

May 30, 2008

SPRING HILL FIRE BOARD CHAIRMAN STILL PLANS TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE DISTRICT ...more

May 29, 2008

Travel and tourism is vital to Pasco County prosperity. During National Tourism Week, which is recognized nationwide May 10-18, we join hundreds of cities and states in an annual salute to the economic, social and cultural benefits of travel. ...more

May 12, 2008