It's said that a society is measured by how it treats its weakest members. If that's the case, Florida falls short. That's because the state has cut funding, and also mishandled funding, for disabled Floridians and their families. ...more

September 28, 2008

I am wondering what planet the heads of the county are on? There are banks that are ready to fold, people are without jobs, food is sky high and going up every day, gasoline is out of this world, eight to 10 foreclosures in the paper every day. There are people who don't have a loaf of bread on the table and have no where to turn; and they, the county, needs enhancement? ...more

September 25, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Transportation once again dominated the discussion at the sixth of seven town hall meetings Superintendent MaryEllen Elia is holding across Hillsborough County. ...more

September 23, 2008

Police with bullhorns plan to go street to street this weekend with a tough message about getting out ahead of Hurricane Gustav: This time there will be no shelter of last resort. The doors to the Superdome will be locked. Those who stay will be on their own. ...more

August 30, 2008

Dear Lyn: My husband has Alzheimer's. He's constantly forgetful and he loses, misplaces or breaks things. I understand it's all part of the disease. But he generally has an elaborate excuse for why he can't remember something, why he can't find something, or why something doesn't work. He even accuses me of taking something he can't find. I don't mean to be cross with him, but sometimes I am. I need coping strategies on this. - Little Patience ...more

August 30, 2008

I was so pleased to read Luis Viera's "No Excuse For The R-Word" (Other Views, Aug. 22). As the parent of a developmentally disabled adult, I find this word very offensive. As parents, we know our child is not "normal" and so does the child. My son has always maintained he is not "retarded;" he just can't do everything. He attends a great program at MacDonald Training Center, has his own apartment, with help, and goes to work every day. ...more

August 28, 2008

Elbert Mack had every excuse to fail. Mack was not expected to be successful throughout his football career because he was too small. After seeing his father leave his family, the odds were stacked against Mack becoming a successful man. ...more

August 22, 2008

Maybe embarrassment finally kicked in. Or pride. ...more

August 20, 2008

Nugent defends deputies' actions. ...more

July 23, 2008

The public's perception that a cover-up had a part in the delayed arrest of a sheriff's administrator is understandable. ...more

July 22, 2008