Central Florida News
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LakelandLocal.com - Above the Field
Posted: 31 May 2009 05:21 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/above-the-field/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading Above the Field
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MetroI4News.com - Today?s Sunday Editorials Along The I-4 Corridor
Posted: 31 May 2009 05:17 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/todays-sunday-editorials-along-the-i-4-corridor/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
The question of high speed rail and wheather Florida should be in the running for federal monies to help make it happen between Tampa and Orlando is the focus of two of this mornings editorials, and the hope that state child protection officials and their local providers can continue to work together without playing the blame game following a review of the shocking murder of a three month old child who was thrown out of Continue reading Todays Sunday Editorials Along The I-4 Corridor
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LakelandLocal.com - May 30 Lakeland 7 - Palm Beach 6
Posted: 30 May 2009 10:28 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-30-lakeland-7-palm-beach-6/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Box Score | Game Recap 12345678910RHE Lakeland20000220017103 Palm Beach0000210300693
Continue reading May 30 Lakeland 7 - Palm Beach 6
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LakelandLocal.com - Lakeland Flying Tigers Mission Notes: at Palm Beach
Posted: 30 May 2009 10:18 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/lakeland-flying-tigers-mission-notes-at-palm-beach/
Wayne Koehler - LakelandLocal.com
This is the first in what we hope to be a long series of Mission Notes on the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Wayne Koehlers extensive stats on the local Florida State League team give him a special perspective Continue reading Lakeland Flying Tigers Mission Notes: at Palm Beach
Central Florida News
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LakelandLocal.com - Postcard from the 50s
Posted: 30 May 2009 05:49 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/postcard-from-the-50s/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: roadsidepictures Continue reading Postcard from the 50s
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LakelandLocal.com - Religion in the City - Integrity of the Word
Posted: 30 May 2009 05:29 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/religion-in-the-city-integrity-of-the-word/
Chris Craig - LakelandLocal.com
Last Saturdays Religion in the City column was written around my impressions around defeatist media and faith community messages. And last Sunday I had the honor of having veteran columnist and reporter Billy Townsend explore my thoughts and column on the subject. Continue reading Religion in the City - Integrity of the Word
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LakelandLocal.com - May 29 Jupiter 9 - Lakeland 3
Posted: 29 May 2009 06:59 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-29-jupiter-9-lakeland-3/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Lakeland dropped the second game of their doubleheader 9-3. The Flying Tigers managed only to take one game of the four game series against the Southern Division Jupiter Hammerheads.
Box Score | Game RecapMay 29123456789RHE Jupiter1242000xx9143 Lakeland1002000xx363
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading May 29 Jupiter 9 - Lakeland 3
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LakelandLocal.com - May 28 Game Completed May 29 LFT Loses 10-1
Posted: 29 May 2009 06:28 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-28-game-completed-may-29-lft-loses-10-1/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Friday evening, the Flying Tigers dropped Thursdays rain postponed game to Jupiter 10-1. It could have been worse as the Hammerheads rocked Lakeland with 21 hits, but left 13 on base.
Box Score | Game RecapMay 28123456789RHE Jupiter20022400010210 Lakeland000100000181
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading May 28 Game Completed May 29 LFT Loses 10-1
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Chat Shows For May 31
Posted: 29 May 2009 05:14 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-may-31/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com You and I probably know the two big stories that will be discussed this weekend on the national talk circuit will be President Obamas decision to nominateappeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayorto the United States Supreme Court, and the ever-closer move by General Motors to a controlled bankruptcy.
ABC NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:U.S. Senators andmembers of that bodys Judiciary CommitteeChuck Schumer (D - NY) and John Cornyn (R - TX) will discuss the Sotomayor nomination and Continue reading The Sunday Chat Shows For May 31
Central Florida News
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Studio 305 Opens With ?Edgy? New Theatre Productions
Posted: 29 May 2009 06:32 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/studio-305-opens-with-edgy-new-theatre-productions/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Theres a new theatre company in town thats operating a little under the radar right now, but hopes to grow into something larger. Studio 305 is a outgrowth of Florida Dance Theatre that intends to produce edgy, raw, sometimes controversial theatre pieces that give our local, talented actors a place to really stretch their talents.
I found out about the group through my involvement with Florida Dance Theatre and I just Continue reading Studio 305 Opens With Edgy New Theatre Productions
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LakelandLocal.com - And the Heavens Opened
Posted: 29 May 2009 05:08 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/and-the-heavens-opened/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading And the Heavens Opened
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LakelandLocal.com - Thursday Game Postponed for Friday Doubleheader
Posted: 29 May 2009 03:45 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/thursday-game-postponed-for-friday-doubleheader/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Thursday nights game against the Jupiter Hammerheads was postponed due to rain. The game will continue today at 5 pm as the first game of a doubleheader. The second game will be shortened to seven innings. Continue reading Thursday Game Postponed for Friday Doubleheader
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MetroI4News.com - As If We Needed The Reminder?
Posted: 28 May 2009 04:54 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/as-if-we-needed-the-reminder/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
The television meterologists have been hammering it into our communal brains during the past couple of weeks that Monday marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. But nature just didnt feel like waiting around.
The seasons first tropical depression formed off the Mid-Atlantic coast early today, and at latest report was located about 305 miles south-southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
It is forecast to possibly become a minimal tropical storm late tonight or early tomorrow, at which Continue reading As If We Needed The Reminder
Central Florida News
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LakelandLocal.com - May 27 Flying Tigers Split Doubleheader
Posted: 28 May 2009 04:54 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-27-flying-tigers-split-doubleheader/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Game one of the Lakeland - Jupiter doubleheader was a continuation of the game postponed Tuesday night. The teams started game with the Hammerheads batting in the top of the third. The Flying Tigers quickly jumped into the lead with a Audy Ciriaco grand slam and a Jeramy Laster two-run home run in the bottom of third.
Box Score | Game RecapMay 27123456789RHE Jupiter1020000xx370 Lakeland0000000xx022
The Flying Tigers missed their opportunity to reach .500 after dropping the 7 inning doubleheader nightcap 3-0. The difference in the game was a pair of home runs for the Hammerheads.
Box Score | Game RecapMay 27123456789RHE Jupiter1020000xx370 Lakeland0000000xx022
Continue reading May 27 Flying Tigers Split Doubleheader
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LakelandLocal.com - Just Don?t Look
Posted: 28 May 2009 04:35 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/just-dont-look/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading Just Dont Look
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LakelandLocal.com - Flying Tigers Updates on Twitter
Posted: 27 May 2009 07:37 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/flying-tigers-updates-on-twitter/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
With all the rained out games, I thought Id take the opportunity to mention that we update Lakeland Flying Tigers game information through our Twitter account @lakelandlocal
Last night you would have received this tweet:
Lakeland Flying Tigers postponed again. Tonights game to be made up as 5pm game 1 of doubleheader Wed night
During games we tweet the score every three innings or so. (More often would be against the rules of Minor League Baseball.) Continue reading Flying Tigers Updates on Twitter
Central Florida News
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LakelandLocal.com - Invitation
Posted: 27 May 2009 05:08 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/invitation/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading Invitation
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LakelandLocal.com - PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest
Posted: 26 May 2009 10:02 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/pcso-reports-on-steroid-arrest/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
As a member of the fourth estate, we receive the media alerts from the Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Some well follow up and some we read for background and move on. There simply isnt time to cover every story when youre part of the not-for-profit press. However, there are the occasional alerts we feel readers would find interesting. Weve presented a few in the past, and will continue to do so when appropriate. Please understand that the text inside was written by the PCSO, and is presented for your information. Continue reading PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest
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LakelandLocal.com - So, Rep. McKeel, Would You Have Voted For The Stimulus?
Posted: 26 May 2009 06:22 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/so-rep-mckeel-would-you-have-voted-for-the-stimulus/
Billy Townsend - LakelandLocal.com
I noted the following in The Ledgers account of the Chamber legislative wrap-up gala:
We made the decision that K through 12 be held as harmless as possible during the budget cutting, said Rep. Seth McKeel of Lakeland, who chairs and is on several education committees.
Many of us broke with a pledge not to raise taxes to do that. We also took $3.5 billion in federal stimulus package funds. We could not have held education harmless without it, but that money runs out in two years, he said. Continue reading So, Rep. McKeel, Would You Have Voted For The Stimulus?
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LakelandLocal.com - In Every Land
Posted: 25 May 2009 09:34 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/in-every-land/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Flags decorate the graves of U.S. service members on Memorial Day 2008 at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Madingley, England
photo credit: defenseimagery.mil Continue reading In Every Land
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LakelandLocal.com - Searching For Lt. John Fuller
Posted: 25 May 2009 08:25 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/searching-for-lt-john-fuller/
Billy Townsend - LakelandLocal.com
On Aug. 12, 1969, inside Vietnams Hobo Woods, my dad, a staff sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division, was wounded in the knee and the chest by grenade shrapnel thrown during a militarily unremarkable skirmish with the North Vietnamese Army. As Dad lay exposed on the small battlefield, a lieutenant named John Fuller, who had taken over the unit only a couple of days earlier, fought off several Vietnamese soldiers and helped pull my dad to cover, likely saving his life. The army soon shipped my dad off to Japan for treatment at a military hospital, and then it sent him home. He never saw or spoke to John Fuller again. Continue reading Searching For Lt. John Fuller
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LakelandLocal.com - How To Make a Random Wilco Post Local
Posted: 24 May 2009 01:30 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/how-to-make-a-random-wilco-post-local/
Billy Townsend - LakelandLocal.com
I never got around to writing about my trip to the New Orleans Jazz Fest last month. A shame. But I recently stumbled across this YouTube video, apparently shot by somebody standing next to me as Wilco played California Stars. It shows maybe the best five minutes of maybe the best concert Ive ever attended. It reminds me that the sun does shine, people do smile, and as Jeff Tweedy says, We must get back to the music. Continue reading How To Make a Random Wilco Post Local
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MetroI4News.com - Swim With The Fishes
Posted: 24 May 2009 01:10 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/swim-with-the-fishes-by-darbysea-%e2%80%93-w-video-tbtweet-floridaaquarium-sigepjedi-myfoxtampabay-juliagorzka-lkld/
Darby Critendon - MetroI4News.com
Yesterday, I was able to get into the half million gallon Coral Reef Exhibit at The Florida Aquarium to swim with the fish! Keep reading the full article for more about this experience and to watch the video. Continue reading Swim With The Fishes
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LakelandLocal.com - Defeatism, Honesty, and Atonement
Posted: 24 May 2009 08:09 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/defeatism-honesty-and-atonement/
Billy Townsend - LakelandLocal.com
Chris wrote another terrific column Saturday, lamenting the corrosive effect of sensational reporting - and preaching - on the bonds of community. I find his equation of the functions of preaching and reporting a valuable insight that Im not sure had ever occurred to me as clearly as Chris states it. However, I do think Chris piece might have benefitted from a bit more specificity about the reports to which he objects. Continue reading Defeatism, Honesty, and Atonement
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LakelandLocal.com - Yet Again
Posted: 23 May 2009 05:20 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/yet-again/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Yes, the Lakeland Flying Tigers game at Daytona was rained out: Due to the heavy rains and unplayable conditions the Daytona Cubs and Lakeland Flying Tigers scheduled game for Saturday, May 23 has been postponed. The game will be made up at a later date. Tomorrows double-header in Daytona is scheduled to start at 5:05. Wish them luck. Continue reading Yet Again
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MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election - Federal And Statewide Races (UPDATE 1)
Posted: 23 May 2009 10:26 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-2010-election-federal-and-statewide-races/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Here it is, bigger and better than before. For those of you political freaks wanting to know who has filed to run for federal or statewide office in 2010, this is the page to check out. This information is thanks to the Florida Division of Elections Website, and they note it is an unofficial listing.
UNITED STATES SENATOR
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Mel Martinez, who has chosen not to seek re-election.
DEMOCRAT
Tyrone K. Brown, Continue reading The 2010 Election - Federal And Statewide Races (UPDATE 1)
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MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election: Florida Legislative Seats Along The I-4 Corridor (UPDATE 1)
Posted: 23 May 2009 10:20 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-2010-election-florida-legislative-seats-along-the-i-4-corridor/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Are you happy with your state House and Senate representatives? Or do you believe theyve done a lousy job for you in Tallahassee? It promises to be an interesting year and a half, especially as we have another legislative session to consider before the 2010 election. Below are a list of the candidates seeking to fill the legislative seats along the I-4 corridor, as noted from the Florida Division of Elections Website. In the 2010 Continue reading The 2010 Election: Florida Legislative Seats Along The I-4 Corridor (UPDATE 1)
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MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties (UPDATE 1)
Posted: 23 May 2009 10:18 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-2010-election-hillsborough-pinellas-and-polk-counties/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Because of the amount of research and updating required, especially with keeping up with the statewide and legislative offices noted in the two related posts, I am focusing my look here on the immediate Tampa Bay area: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties. This information is drawn from the respective Supervisor of Election Web sites.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 1
DEMOCRAT
John Dingfelder (Attorney / Tampa): City Council Web Page Business Web Site Is serving his second term Continue reading The 2010 Election: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties (UPDATE 1)
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LakelandLocal.com - Isaiah
Posted: 23 May 2009 05:05 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/isaiah/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading Isaiah
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LakelandLocal.com - Religion in the City - Defeatist Faith
Posted: 23 May 2009 04:57 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/religion-in-the-city-defeatist-faith/
Chris Craig - LakelandLocal.com
What has happened to NPR? There used to be nothing like listening to Prairie Home Companion, Wait Wait, Dont Tell Me and This American Life on long car rides or while cleaning my room on a Saturday morning. Yet, as of late, all I hear when I turn on NPR, all I see when I turn on the TV news or open up a newspaper is depressing, defeatist messages. Continue reading Religion in the City - Defeatist Faith
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Chat Shows For May 24
Posted: 22 May 2009 07:56 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-may-24/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
ABC NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:The weeks featured guest: JointChiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen.Then, itsthe weekly political roundtable featuringDemocratic stragiest Donna Brazile, David Brooks of the New York Times, E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post, and George Will of the Washington Post Writers Group.
BAY NEWS 9 / Political Connections: Bay News 9 does not provide advance notice of the guests or topics for Political Connections.
CBS NEWS / Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer:This weeks Continue reading The Sunday Chat Shows For May 24
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LakelandLocal.com - New Way to Get Your Bagged Ice
Posted: 22 May 2009 03:57 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/new-way-to-get-your-bagged-ice/
Darby Critendon - LakelandLocal.com
There are boxes to get your movies, outside boxes to store your extra junk, and now a box to get bagged ice. Keep reading to see the pics. Continue reading New Way to Get Your Bagged Ice
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LakelandLocal.com - May 22 Another Rain Out for the Flying Tigers
Posted: 22 May 2009 02:30 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-22-another-rain-out-for-the-flying-tigers/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The Daytona Cubs decided to cancel todays game due to heavy rains and unplayable conditions. The teams are scheduled to play a double header tomorrow in Daytona. Continue reading May 22 Another Rain Out for the Flying Tigers
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LakelandLocal.com - Lakeland Police Change Beats
Posted: 22 May 2009 07:02 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/lakeland-police-change-beats/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The Lakeland Police Department is changing their beats to improve officer assignment and response flexibility. In the past, LPD utilized smaller single officer assigned beats. Two or three officers will be assigned to each of the new zones. LPD Lieutenant Jody Sisson, who participated in the remapping project, says the new beats allow officers to work together in between calls to target problem areas. Continue reading Lakeland Police Change Beats
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LakelandLocal.com - Twisted Mister
Posted: 22 May 2009 05:53 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/twisted-mister/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading Twisted Mister
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LakelandLocal.com - Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale Listed 05/10 to 05/16
Posted: 22 May 2009 05:49 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/lakeland-florida-homes-for-sale-listed-0510-to-0516/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
58 homes were listed for sale in Lakeland last week. We have an interactive map containing the usual data: bedrooms, square footage, bathrooms, and asking price. Each datapoint also links to the Google Street view of the address. Check our full post for the map and a report from Petra Norris Continue reading Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale Listed 05/10 to 05/16
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LakelandLocal.com - May 21 Flying Tigers Take Two from Tampa Yankees
Posted: 21 May 2009 08:03 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-21-flying-tigers-take-two-from-tampa-yankees/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The long string of rain outs seemed to charge the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Tonight in Tampa, they took both games of a doubleheader.
Game 1: Flying Tigers 5 - Tampa Yankees 2
Box Score | Game RecapMay 21123456789RHE Lakeland1310000xx560 Tampa0020000xx241
Game 2: Flying Tigers 6 - Tampa Yankees 0
Box Score | Game RecapMay 21123456789RHE Lakeland2200200xx671 Tampa0000000xx063
Continue reading May 21 Flying Tigers Take Two from Tampa Yankees
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Polk Museum of Art Announces Reduced Summer Hours
Posted: 21 May 2009 08:08 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/polk-museum-of-art-announces-reduced-summer-hours/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Polk Museum of Art is going to reduce its hours for the summer again this year. These hours will be in effect June 8 - August 31: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Normal hours will resume on September 1.
Post from: The Arts in Lakeland Continue reading Polk Museum of Art Announces Reduced Summer Hours
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LakelandLocal.com - May 20 Lakeland at Tampa Postponed Due to Rain
Posted: 20 May 2009 09:47 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-20-lakeland-at-tampa-postponed-due-to-rain/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The Lakeland Flying Tigers saw another game rained out this week. The team is scheduled to play a doubleheader on the 21st. Game one starts at 11 at Tampa. Continue reading May 20 Lakeland at Tampa Postponed Due to Rain
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LakelandLocal.com - Winning Mountain Dew TV Commercial Shown
Posted: 20 May 2009 06:44 PM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/winning-mountain-dew-tv-commercial-shown/
Darby Critendon - LakelandLocal.com
Back in March a few local college students caused some commotion when they were in the process of making a commercial for the Mountain Dew contest. (see video surveillance cam video)The winner was actually 2 guys from Minneapolis and one of them just happened to work at a TV station. Peter Nelson and Brock Lauritsens 24 second commercial was shown on the season finale of 24. They won a trip to LA and $2400. Read more and see the making of here, as reported from the Minneapolis TV station, WCCO. Continue reading Winning Mountain Dew TV Commercial Shown
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Find Shelter in PMoA?s New Exhibition
Posted: 20 May 2009 06:20 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/find-shelter-in-pmoas-new-exhibition/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Polk Museum of Art is opening three new exhibitions in June, and the first one is called Shelter. Since Ive been having a hard time putting the concept behind this exhibition into my own words, Im just going to quote PMoAs Curator of Art, Todd Behrens: Continue reading Find Shelter in PMoAs New Exhibition
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LakelandLocal.com - May 19 LFT Doubleheader Canceled
Posted: 20 May 2009 05:38 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-19-lft-doubleheader-canceled/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The May 19th doubleheader between the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Clearwater Threshers was rained out and will not be rescheduled.
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local Continue reading May 19 LFT Doubleheader Canceled
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LakelandLocal.com - Leaf Throwing Diptych
Posted: 20 May 2009 05:27 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/leaf-throwing-diptych/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
Robin Ervolina, funkyfotography, Inc. Continue reading Leaf Throwing Diptych
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - SummerJamz at Polk Theatre
Posted: 19 May 2009 01:56 PM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/summerjamz-at-polk-theatre/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
So, I just found out about a really cool, innovative series of events happening this summer. Id heard rumors of it, but this is the first Id seen that showed it was a done deal. Polk Theatre and Florida Dance Theatre are teaming up with some serious local talent to present SummerJamz at Polk Theatre. Three events are planned (June 19, July 17, and August 14) that will feature live music by Continue reading SummerJamz at Polk Theatre
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LakelandLocal.com - Tonight?s Polk County Social Media Meeting Moved
Posted: 19 May 2009 10:47 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/tonights-polk-county-social-media-meeting-moved/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
With the rain, the Lakeland Flying Tigers dont have high hopes for a game tonight. So we are moving tonights meeting/mixer to Mollys on Kentucky.
Well start at 6:30 and end about 9. Its a casual get together. There are many places close by for dinner if you like.
Well reschedule the baseball meeting and let you know when. Continue reading Tonights Polk County Social Media Meeting Moved
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LakelandLocal.com - Southeastern University Renames Its Jerusalem Facility
Posted: 19 May 2009 06:57 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/southeastern-university-renames-its-jerusalem-facility/
Lorrie Delk Walker - LakelandLocal.com
Southeastern University recently renamed its Jerusalem Studies Center. It now is called the George Wood Jerusalem Studies Center in honor of the Assemblies of God general superintendent.
The Southeastern University Board of Regents voted unanimously during their last meeting to change the name of the building, and a special ceremony honoring the name change will Continue reading Southeastern University Renames Its Jerusalem Facility
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MetroI4News.com - CSX Deal Post Mortem
Posted: 19 May 2009 06:26 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/csx-deal-post-mortem/
Billy Townsend - MetroI4News.com
In this economy, CSX will not lightly walk away from more than $600 million in cash and system improvements, liability or no. FDOT probably still wants to hand that money over to the company. In fact, its already done so to some degree in the form of ongoing overpass improvements in north central Florida. Buddy Dyer is out begging for $20,000 in legal expense money so lawyers can try to figure out a way around the senate. Democracy in action. (Funny that with all the money spent on John Thrasher and other uber lobbyists during the session, Dyer is reduced to panhandling for this. You would think GrayRobinson would just pick it up for him.) Anyway, this isnt over. But its worth taking a moment for some post mortem thoughts before this deal reveals itself as the undead zombie vampire that we fear it might be Continue reading CSX Deal Post Mortem
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LakelandLocal.com - CSX Deal: Relic of a [For Now] Bygone Era
Posted: 19 May 2009 06:03 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/csx-deal-relic-of-a-for-now-bygone-era/
Billy Townsend - LakelandLocal.com
In this economy, CSX will not lightly walk away from more than $600 million in cash and system improvements, liability or no. FDOT probably still wants to hand that money over to the company. In fact, its already done so to some degree in the form of ongoing overpass improvements in north central Florida. Buddy Dyer is out begging for $20,000 in legal expense money so lawyers can try to figure out a way around the senate. Democracy in action. (Funny that with all the money spent on John Thrasher and other uber lobbyists during the session, Dyer is reduced to panhandling for this. You would think GrayRobinson would just pick it up for him.) Anyway, this isnt over. But its worth taking a moment for some post mortem thoughts before this deal reveals itself as the undead zombie vampire that we fear it might be. Continue reading CSX Deal: Relic of a [For Now] Bygone Era
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LakelandLocal.com - May 18th Game Rained Out for Dblheader 19th
Posted: 19 May 2009 05:26 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/may-18th-game-rained-out-for-dblheader-19th/
Chuck Welch - LakelandLocal.com
The May 18th Flying Tigers game was rained out. It is scheduled now as the 5pm first game of a doubleheader for May 19th. Continue reading May 18th Game Rained Out for Dblheader 19th
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LakelandLocal.com - Remember When This Was Necessary?
Posted: 19 May 2009 05:23 AM PDT
http://www.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/remember-when-this-was-necessary/
Tom Hagerty - LakelandLocal.com
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local
Continue reading Remember When This Was Necessary?
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
Posted: 17 May 2009 06:40 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor-2/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
The Legislatures actions during its session is the focus of todays editorials among the five largest newspapers serving the I-4 corridor from St. Petersburg to Daytona Beach. Here is a brief rundown of what the various newspaper editorial boards are opining:
Daytona Beach News-Journal: Dealing in Secrecy - The newspaper notes that the legislative session recently ended was not good for champions of open government and open records. The politicos in Tallahassee passed eight of between 50 Continue reading The Sunday Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Chat Shows For May 17
Posted: 15 May 2009 04:36 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-may-17/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Another week of lots of news, and that means lots of subjects to discuss on the Sunday morning chatfests. Lets find out who will be talking about what
ABC NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:Appearing the latest security challenges facing America, including what to do with the Guantanamo detainees, the presidents decision to reinstate military commissions and withhold photos of detainee abuse, as well as domestic issues that include the prospects for health care reform: Continue reading The Sunday Chat Shows For May 17
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Go Behind the Art of Gregory Barsamian at PMoA ? Again
Posted: 15 May 2009 02:09 PM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/go-behind-the-art-of-gregory-barsamian-at-pmoa-again/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
In case you missed it the first time, on Friday, May 29, Polk Museum of Art will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the artwork by Gregory Barsamian that is currently on display. For Behind the Art, Curator of Art Todd Behrens and Exhibits Specialist Gregory Mills will turn on the lights, turn off the machinery, and explain what makes this extraordinary artwork tick.
The program will Continue reading Go Behind the Art of Gregory Barsamian at PMoA Again
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MetroI4News.com - The Simplicity of Micro Irrigation Installation
Posted: 12 May 2009 05:14 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-simplicity-of-micro-irrigation-installation/
Beth Bodenstein - MetroI4News.com
For almost two years now Ive been preaching the gospel of micro irrigation. Estimates are that 50% of our total potable water consumption goes towards lawns and gardens. The use of micro irrigation is a valuable tool conserving our water resources.
But heres the catch Id never actually installed or used a micro system, and was thinking it was about time to rectify that situation. Continue reading The Simplicity of Micro Irrigation Installation
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MetroI4News.com - The Political News Begins To Heat Up
Posted: 12 May 2009 04:24 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-political-news-begins-to-heat-up/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Were still less than 18 months away from the next major statewide election, but were already seeing and hearing about politicos announcing their decisions as to their next step up the ladder.
At last evenings Polk County Democratic Executive Committee meeting in Bartow, Navy veteran Doug Tudor of Riverview announced that he filed the necessary paperwork on Friday to become a candidate for the 12th District Congressional seat being vacated by Republican incumbant and Agriculture & Consumer Continue reading The Political News Begins To Heat Up
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Mayfaire Best of Show Winners
Posted: 10 May 2009 10:47 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/mayfaire-best-of-show-winners/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Since I was out walking around MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake this morning, I figured Id go ahead and take a shot of the two Best of Show Winners:
3D Best of Show Winner: jewelry artist Kathleen Dennison
2D Best of Show Winner: mixed media artist Carol Napoli
Post from: The Arts in Lakeland Continue reading Mayfaire Best of Show Winners
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MetroI4News.com - From The Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
Posted: 10 May 2009 05:27 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/from-the-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
The Lakeland Ledger offers another edition of its Gigs and Garlands editorial series, in which it notes positive and negativedeeds bylocal people making news around Polk County.
This mornings editorial in the St. Petersburg Times says that Tampa Bay leaders and the state should work to revive Metro Orlandos idea of the SunRail proposedcommuter rail system. But while Central Florida as well as Tampa Bay should have commuter rail,it will require reworking financing and liability to Continue reading From The Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - A Couple of Images from Mayfaire
Posted: 09 May 2009 09:28 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/a-couple-of-images-from-mayfaire/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Just a couple of shots Ive taken so far at MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake. Its hot out here!! But the art is great and the food smells wonderful. Im actually debating between a couple of necklaces
The mister fans are a huge hit with everyone, including the pooches.Checking out the artwork in one the tents.
Post from: The Arts in Lakeland Continue reading A Couple of Images from Mayfaire
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Chat Shows For May 10
Posted: 08 May 2009 04:00 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-may-10/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
ABC NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:A discussion of national security issues with newly appointed National Security Adviser General James L. Jones (Ret.). Then, U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain (R- AZ) will offer his response to the latest on national security issues and the GOPs efforts to rebrand itself. And the weekly political roundtable featuring Cokie Roberts and Sam Donaldson of ABC News, former Secretary of Labour Robert Reich, and George Will of the Continue reading The Sunday Chat Shows For May 10
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - It?s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Mayfaire?
Posted: 08 May 2009 11:50 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-mayfaire/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Just a quick cruise around Lake Morton on the back of a golf cart got me these images. Now I have to stay out of the sun because I forgot my sunscreen! Continue reading Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Mayfaire
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - PMoA Taking Registration for SummerArt Camp for Kids
Posted: 06 May 2009 01:58 PM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/pmoa-taking-registration-for-summerart-camp-for-kids/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
Its that time of year! People with kids are looking at the looming summer vacation and thinking, What the heck am I going to do with them for three months?! Never fear, several local arts organizations have the answer, and Polk Museum of Art is one of those. SummerArt Camp is a must for any child who loves drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography. Continue reading PMoA Taking Registration for SummerArt Camp for Kids
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MetroI4News.com - Three Hillsborough County Schools Get An Extra Three Days Off (UPDATED 05/06)
Posted: 03 May 2009 02:22 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/three-hillsborough-county-schools-get-an-extra-week-off/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
It was announced earlyTuesday afternoon that three Hillsborough County schools that had been closedthis week due to the probablity of a case of the so-called H1N1 or swine flu virushaving affected one or more students in their attendance areas would reopen Thursday. Five probable cases have been reported in Hillsborough County, with one across the bay in Pinellas County.
Parents have been notified via automated telephone message of the reopenings. Duringthe closureeach of the schools werecleaned in Continue reading Three Hillsborough County Schools Get An Extra Three Days Off (UPDATED 05/06)
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MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Editorial Pages Along the I-4 Corridor
Posted: 03 May 2009 04:58 AM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/the-sunday-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
Lakeland Ledger - Florida Forever: Time For Reason- A call for legislators to end cynical games which threaten the state programme to purchase enviromentially threatened lands.
Orlando Sentinel - Shake Up Space Florida- Its time to make major changes at the state agency responsible for spearheading efforts to bring jobs to the Space Coast after the space shuttle programme ends next year or in 2011, beginning with replacing its president, Steve Kohler.
Tampa Tribune - Build Trains With Continue reading The Sunday Editorial Pages Along the I-4 Corridor
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MetroI4News.com - A Good Idea, But A Crappy Proposal
Posted: 02 May 2009 02:23 PM PDT
http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/05/a-good-idea-but-a-crappy-proposal/
Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com
It looks as though SunRail, the proposed commuter rail system which would serve the Orlando area, will remain an idea for the near future after legislation which would have funded the project failed for the second straight day Friday in the Florida Senate.
I personally like the idea of commuter rail. In addition to the obvious advantage of overall fuel savings from (hopefully) fewer vehicles on the highways, SunRail and similar systems would give those of Continue reading A Good Idea, But A Crappy Proposal
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - PMoA?s Executive Director to Critique Local Artists at May View & Review
Posted: 01 May 2009 11:45 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/05/pmoas-executive-director-to-critique-local-artists-at-may-view-review/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
If you know Daniel E. Stetson, Polk Museum of Arts Executive Director, you know that usingthe word talkative to describe him is an understatement.Theman is extremely passionate about art and the arts, but ironically, hes often very reluctant toreview orgive criticism of artists work.So, its a rare and exciting treat to know that hehas agreed to be the guest critic at PMoAsnext View & Review on May 15 at 6:00pm.
Museum Directors Continue reading PMoAs Executive Director to Critique Local Artists at May View Review
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Arts.LakelandLocal.com - Endure Excitement Around PMoA Today
Posted: 28 Apr 2009 06:58 AM PDT
http://arts.lakelandlocal.com/2009/04/endure-excitement-around-pmoa-today/
Meredith Spresser - Arts.LakelandLocal.com
As I was coming in to work this morning, I got to the end of College Street and was greeted by film crews and a blocked road. And then, in the Museums parking lot, this scene:
trailers-in-parking-lot
Endure has plopped itself on Palmetto for a couple of days and theyre using PMoAs parking lot for some of the larger trailers. Okay, so its not the most exciting picture in the world, but compared to Continue reading Endure Excitement Around PMoA Today
Lakeland Local
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LakelandLocal.com - PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest
Posted: 26 May 2009 10:02 PM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/ejQAW1MIg7U/
As a member of the fourth estate, we receive the media alerts from the
Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Some well
follow up and some we read for background and move on. There simply isnt
time to cover every story when youre part of the not-for-profit press.
However, there are the occasional alerts we feel readers would find
interesting. Weve presented a few in the past, and will continue to do so
when appropriate. Please understand that the text below was written by the
PCSO, and is presented for your information.
We doubt well cover this story, and look forward to seeing what Jeremy
Maready puts together.
From the Polk County Sheriffs Office (May 26, 11:12pm):
Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Narcotics detectives, in conjunction with
agents from ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement), served a search
warrant at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May
26, 2009, after ICE received information that the homeowners, Richard and
Sandra Thomas, were due to receive a large shipment of illegal anabolic
steroids. After serving the search warrant, both Richard and Sandra were
placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for several counts
of possession of illegal steroids, firearms, and maintaining a dwelling for
drug use.
The following are comments made by Sheriff Grady Judd at a news conference
held Tuesday evening in reference to these arrests:
PCSO detectives developed information from ICE agents in Philadelphia that
there would be a package of illegal anabolic steroids delivered to the
residence of Richard and Sandra Thomas at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in
Lakeland. After the delivery of the steroids, PCSO undercover Narcotics
detectives and ICE agents executed a search warrant and recovered the
steroids. In addition, they recovered Valium and thousands of anabolic
steroid pills, injectable liquids, and syringes. Detectives also seized an
AR-15 assault rifle, shotguns, and numerous semi-automatic handguns, all of
which were loaded.
Detectives asked Richard Thomas about his suppliers, and he stated that he
purchased them from all over the world. He then stated that he was the
biggest dealer of anabolic steroids in the central Florida area. Thomas
further stated that he imported steroids from Iran, Pakistan, Slovakia,
Russia, China, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, and Germany. Detectives specifically
asked Richard if he had sold anabolic steroids to professional steroids,
and he replied, “You name the sport, and I’ve sold steroids to athletes who
play it.” He claims to have sold steroids to professional baseball players,
hockey players, and football players.
Richard and his wife Sandra were semi-professional body builders
themselves. One anabolic steroid they were found to be in possession of was
Oxymetholone (from Iran), which they stated that “cops are afraid of this
steroid because it makes people so crazy they can flip a car.” Richard
further stated that he was the largest steroid dealer in the state of
Florida ten years ago, but now he is the biggest dealer only in the central
Florida area. Richard’s mother told detectives that steroids is all he has
ever known, and that his father introduced him to steroids. When Richard
was asked if he was addicted to steroids, he replied, “It’s all I’ve ever
known.”
Richard said he was once detained at the border of Mexico and the U.S. in
1995 and paid a fine to the Mexican authorities for possession of steroids.
Richard and Sandra are both being charged with:
10 counts Possession Anabolic Steroids With Intent to Sell or Distribute
(F-1)
10 counts Importation of Anabolic Steroids Into the State of Florida
1 count Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Sales
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest
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LakelandLocal.com - So, Rep. McKeel, Would You Have Voted For The Stimulus?
Posted: 26 May 2009 06:22 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/GmdjHzfXwf4/
I noted the following in The Ledgers account of the Chamber legislative
wrap-up gala:
We made the decision that K through 12 be held as harmless as possible
during the budget cutting, said Rep. Seth McKeel of Lakeland, who chairs
and is on several education committees.
Many of us broke with a pledge not to raise taxes to do that. We also took
$3.5 billion in federal stimulus package funds. We could not have held
education harmless without it, but that money runs out in two years, he
said.
If Seth McKeels forceful use of we to describe who decided to save Florida
education funding includes Congressional Democrats and Barack Obama, then
he is correct. Yet, somehow those pesky identities dont show up in the
actual sentence. At least McKeel, a Republican, publicly credits stimulus
funds for holding education harmless. But its worth remembering that not a
single Republican in the US House of Representatives had any interest in
helping Florida hold education harmless.
Its also worth noting that if the Teabaggers that would-be congressman
Dennis Ross eagerly addressed a few weeks back had gotten their way, there
would be no holding Florida education harmless. That likely would have led
to either hundreds of teachers layoffs or a four-day school week.
Understand that a four-day school week imposes a new tax on working
parents, who must come up with the money or time to account for their
children on the weekday when classes are shut down. So the Teabaggers,
probably without realizing it, are all for new taxes on working families.
Life is not a bumper sticker, folks.
All of this raises a question for McKeel and Ross and any other Republican
legislator or politician: Would you have voted for the stimulus plan? Or
would it have been better to let Florida cut thousands of teachers and make
life more difficult and expensive for Floridas working families?
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as So, Rep. McKeel, Would You Have Voted For The
Stimulus?
Lakeland Local
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LakelandLocal.com - In Every Land
Posted: 25 May 2009 09:34 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/en6n__pW0VE/
Flags decorate the graves of U.S. service members on Memorial Day 2008 at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Madingley, England
photo credit: defenseimagery.mil
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as In Every Land
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LakelandLocal.com - Searching For Lt. John Fuller
Posted: 25 May 2009 08:25 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/DoGrch3Yi1A/
On Aug. 12, 1969, inside Vietnams Hobo Woods, my dad, a staff sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division, was wounded in the knee and the chest by grenade shrapnel thrown during a militarily unremarkable skirmish with the North Vietnamese Army. As Dad lay exposed on the small battlefield, a lieutenant named John Fuller, who had taken over the unit only a couple of days earlier, fought off several Vietnamese soldiers and helped pull my dad to cover, likely saving his life. The army soon shipped my dad off to Japan for treatment at a military hospital, and then it sent him home. He never saw or spoke to John Fuller again.
At various times, my family has unsuccessfully tried to track down Lt. Fuller, who may have become Major Fuller, or Col. Fuller, for all we know. We are sure that hes not on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Hopefully, hes out there somewhere. And maybe someone reading this in our interconnected culture might know somebody who knows somebody who knows something about him. If you do, please email me at bitown1@gmail.com. My dads children and grandchildren would like to thank him.
Memorial Day exists to remember and honor our war dead. For me, its also a time to reflect on what might not have been for my family and what isnt for so many others. Thanks to John Fuller, my Dad is alive, my mother is my mother, my sister is my sister, and our kids are their grandkids. I think this is a day for considering the enormity of that.
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as Searching For Lt. John Fuller
Lakeland Local
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LakelandLocal.com - How To Make a Random Wilco Post Local
Posted: 24 May 2009 01:30 PM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/tOaRRpkSw2E/
I never got around to writing about my trip to the New Orleans Jazz Fest last month. A shame. But I recently stumbled across this YouTube video, apparently shot by somebody standing next to me as Wilco played California Stars. It shows maybe the best five minutes of maybe the best concert Ive ever attended. It reminds me that the sun does shine, people do smile, and as Jeff Tweedy says, We must get back to the music.
Some vital background: the green dudes who dominate the video were in town for a weekend bachelor party, of which green mesh shirts were the official uniform. All had grown moustaches in honor of the groom. They were waving a moustache flag and standing next a flag dangling a plastic pork chop. All of this is relevant. Oh, and see if you can spot my brief cameo appearance. A great day.
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as How To Make a Random Wilco Post Local
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LakelandLocal.com - Defeatism, Honesty, and Atonement
Posted: 24 May 2009 08:09 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/Ymn4dRSHTsk/
Chris wrote another terrific column Saturday, lamenting the corrosive effect of sensational reporting - and preaching - on the bonds of community. Its a gutsy piece of writing.
This part is particularly trenchant:
You cannot turn on the TV or radio without hearing about impending job losses, crime and murder. We are inundated with the idea that someone wants our stuff! Someone is going to take your stuff! You better guard your stuff and yourself! The premise is, arm yourself, hide your money and trust no one!
I find Chris equation of the functions of preaching and reporting a valuable insight that Im not sure had ever occurred to me as clearly as Chris states it. Like all the best insights, it seems obvious to me now.
However, I do think Chris piece might have benefitted from a bit more specificity about the reports to which he objects. Standard television news is generally a lost cause. I rarely watch any. And unless theres a weather emergency, I never watch local news, which seems to exist solely as a way for us to wallow in the criminal sexual deviancy that has existed in every society since cavemen started to form families. But I continue to place some hope in print/online reporting - and even in some of the more serious investigative units of television. Thats where reporting - rather than coverage - still exists. I value rigorous reporting. And much of it focuses on depressing facts and realities, the stuff that we as a people dont like to acknowledge, much less confront. At its best, great reporting, like great preaching, can force people of good will to confront themselves honestly and to atone. To me, thats the opposite of defeatism.
For a case in point, consider the revelations of the US torture regime. A number of US military personnel convicted in the torture of prisoners in Iraqs Abu Ghraib prison sit in prison today for applying interrogation techniques that White House lawyers approved and that Dick Cheney continues to insist are legal and moral and, according to much reporting, largely conformed to the orders/guidance of supervisory interrogators.
We, the people of the United States, ordered those soldiers to Iraq. We paid them. We OKd torture through the legal advice of our national lawyers, who we also paid. And then we sent these men and women to prison when reporting revealed what enhanced interrogation techniques or taking the gloves off looks like when someone catches it on camera. Is it depressing to still read reporting on US torture, years after Abu Ghraib? Absolutely. But have we, the people, and our higher paid and more powerful representatives and public servants gotten off scot free while a bunch of unsympathetic yokel soldiers pay our price? I think so. And I think its a reporters obligation to pursue facts that reflect important national and moral truths accurately - even if they are dark. Honesty can lead to atonement.
I wonder what Chris thinks about this. Because ultimately, his column focuses on the abstract concepts of sensationalism and defeatism. In more concrete sense, what does he see as the duty of the reporter and the preacher? When does grim reporting or preaching become indulgent? When is it vital?
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as Defeatism, Honesty, and Atonement
Lakeland Local
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LakelandLocal.com - Yet Again
Posted: 23 May 2009 05:20 PM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/MUgs2vW8XHA/
Yes, the Lakeland Flying Tigers game at Daytona was rained out: Due to the
heavy rains and unplayable conditions the Daytona Cubs and Lakeland Flying
Tigers scheduled game for Saturday, May 23 has been postponed. The game
will be made up at a later date. Tomorrows double-header in Daytona is
scheduled to start at 5:05. Wish them luck.
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as Yet Again
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LakelandLocal.com - Isaiah
Posted: 23 May 2009 05:05 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/j3qhBC3AEeY/
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as Isaiah
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LakelandLocal.com - Religion in the City - Defeatist Faith
Posted: 23 May 2009 04:57 AM PDT
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LakelandLocal/~3/HNJ14h20oUM/
What has happened to NPR? There used to be nothing like listening to
Prairie Home Companion, Wait Wait, Dont Tell Me and This American Life on
long car rides or while cleaning my room on a Saturday morning. Yet, as of
late, all I hear when I turn on NPR, all I see when I turn on the TV news
or open up a newspaper is depressing, defeatist messages.
Jim Morrison of the Doors once said in his song, Unknown Soldier, Whatever
controls the media, controls the mind. I feel like sometimes our media
would be happy to have us lock ourselves in our homes and throw away the
key. Seeking sensationalism, each news story seems to be geared around
making us more and more fearful of our neighbors, community and the world
around us. Day in and day out, the media his saturating us with Chicken
Little stories that the sky is falling! Stories seem to be designed to
build barriers, with us against them— themes.
First, the entertainment pieces are designed to remind us that money and
power are the most important things we have as Americans! Then, the news
stories are followed up with tales of panic that we are about to lose the
very thing the media just told us was so important! You cannot turn on the
TV or radio without hearing about impending job losses, crime and murder.
We are inundated with the idea that someone wants our stuff! Someone is
going to take your stuff! You better guard your stuff and yourself! The
premise is, arm yourself, hide your money and trust no one!
Karl Marx once said religion is the opiate of the people; I wonder as of
late if media has not become the new opiate of the people? The truth is I
think the media has saturated our hearts and minds with such fear and
anxiety that it has polluted even our churches, attempting to break our
spirits, and supersede our individual faith in God’s loving creation.
Unfortunately, I also believe that this defeatist imagery is not only the
fault of our media, it is also the fault of the churches sermons,
theologies and religion we are taught. It is so much easier to tell a
congregation that their job losses, broken families and dreams are the
result of either their sin or a devil which is out to get them. That
message is so much easier than talking to a congregation about the
realities of a generation and a world which has sought to live above its
means for too long. Could it be that the USA has ramped divorce and broken
family values because religion and society has taught their congregations
to marry out of tradition rather than love?
What if our Mosques, Temples and Churches taught people on their Sabbath
days, to live into the abundance that they have, the gifts that God has
already given them? I fear at this point that our faith communities, like
our media, want to focus on our brokenness, focus on some end time to
come. With meditations that constantly irradiating a future time when
their people can be one-with-Gods love.
Keeping in mind that Jello Biafra once said Dont hate the media, become the
media. I commend to you these questions: what if Gods loving purpose for
you is unfolding right now? What if the message in Church Sunday was not
an apoplectic one, warning you to fear the evil and sin in your neighbor
and self? What if the message instead focused on the social justice of
loving thy neighbor as self?
Our faith communities often take Jesus expression or Buddha’s intent of
being in the world and not of the world and make it into a eschatological
message to isolate, be fearful and remove ones self from worldly problems
and people. It would seem that both our religion and media want us to
think that the world is going to get worse and worse until a Christ, a
Nirvana or even the Muslim idea of a Sunnah and Quran justice comes to save
them.
What if instead of justice in the future and fear in the present we were to
focus our spirits and prayers on grace in the future and hopefulness in
this very day? Would it allow NPR, our TV news as well as our Churches,
Synagogues and Mosques to still tell us stories of injustice but yet
simultaneously also unite people around hope? The messages of injustice
could help break through poverty, racism, sexism and crime. The new
message could be respect, not fear, your neighbor! The challenge is to not
let either the defeatist media or a despondent religious message isolate
you in fear.
As Gandhi said, “be the change you want to see in the world.”
Post from: Lakeland Local
Originally Published as Religion in the City - Defeatist Faith
