SEBRING — Highlands County Clerk of Courts Luke Brooker announced Friday morning that he would not seek re-election in 2008. According to Highlands County Courthouse Director of Court Services Bob Germaine, Brooker made the announcement during an employee of the year meeting, saying that he wants to focus on his family after his term expires in January 2009. "Luke's been here for a long time, and he's been an excellent boss," said Germaine. "I think it came down to wanting to be able to spend more time with his family. He wants to focus on his grandchildren and his health." Brooker, who has been elected to serve for four terms, could not be reached for comment Friday. Brooker originally took office in January 1993. He ran unopposed in 1996 and had opposition in 2000 and 2004. ...more

December 22, 2007

SARASOTA - The county commission today banned smoking on the county beaches. ...more

December 11, 2007

Fans of the three local government and public access channels will have to look elsewhere - and maybe even pay a little more - starting today. ...more

December 11, 2007

Regarding "Vegans Give Thanks On 'Tofurkey' Day" (Metro, Nov. 23): Why do vegans and others that cry about the suffering of animals make dishes that mimic the taste, look and smell of dishes made from animals? They also wear faux leather, letting the unknowing think they still don't mind killing animals. ...more

November 27, 2007

Shortly after dawn on Wednesday, workers began removing speed humps from River Road, less than a day after the city council voted to get rid of them. ...more

November 8, 2007

A damaging phrase has crept into our political vocabulary and pushed the level of our public discourse a little lower. ...more

October 26, 2007

Alarmed by slipping support for free trade even among Republicans, President Bush is arguing that protectionism will cut Americans out of chances for more - and better - jobs. ...more

October 14, 2007

TAMPA - Waterfront residents in South Tampa who want to tax themselves to pay for canal dredging say their proposal has strong support as it heads toward an Oct. 25 review by the Tampa City Council. ...more

October 7, 2007

We're a quarter of the way through the season, and Bucs rookie DE Gaines Adams doesn't have a sack. The first-round pick out of Clemson hasn't started a game, either. ...more

October 6, 2007

The city council has given initial approval to a beer and wine license for a proposed sports bar on Nebraska Avenue. ...more

September 26, 2007