NO. 7: AP WAL-MART, OLIVE GARDEN OPEN

Highlands County residents were more than happy to get a new Wal-Mart Supercenter in Avon Park and an Olive Garden in Sebring. ...more

December 31, 2008

2 Winter Haven Teens Killed In Crash Were Best Friends

The two 17-year-old Winter Haven boys were best friends. They had attended Lake Region High School together, and they hung out every day. On Monday night, Aldeir Mayorga and Troy Christopher Cockrum were returning from another night of socializing with friends when a car crash killed them both, Cockrum's mother said today. ...more

December 30, 2008

Orioles Decline Sarasota's Spring Training Offer

The Orioles, who had previously trained at the Ed Smith facility from 1989-1991, declined the city's formal offer of a $30 million renovation of the current facilities ...more

December 30, 2008

Boy Is Unintended Victim Of Gunfire

A 12-year-old boy was shot in the leg Monday afternoon as he and a friend unintentionally walked near two groups of people that were arguing, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. ...more

December 29, 2008

Relatives Of Missing Cruise Passenger Suspect Suicide

Authorities have suspended their search for a Winter Haven woman reported missing Friday from a cruise ship near Cancun, Mexico. ...more