Sept. 29, 2009 ...more

September 29, 2009

On March 7, I was a model as a cancer survivor in the Celebration of Life Fashion Show. This was sponsored by the Heartland Realtors Association to benefit the American Cancer Society. It was one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had. I formed friendships that will last the rest of my life. I watched the ladies that worked with us, teaching, prompting and encouraging us pour their hearts into making the show a success. I received e-mail and phone call reminders from a wonderful lady who is dealing with stage 4 cancer of a loved one, yet she was faithful in making contact with us. Thank you, Jessica. There is no way to mention all who helped put this show together. Just to name a few, thank you to Holly from Allure Salon for the make up tips, to her sister who came from South Florida to help, and to Chastini who freshened everyone's lipstick. Thanks to the Bradenton Beauty and Barber School for the manicures and pedicures provided by their students. Marlene, thanks for being there to make sure the music was cued at the right time during practices. Thanks also to Impressive Pix Photography for donating their time during practice and the show. Lastly thanks to Libby for her dedication to helping us with the choice of clothing, to Dayna, our drill instructor, who was not satisfied with anything less than perfection, and to Sherrie Abraham for everything. ...more

March 14, 2009

A group of South Shore residents willingly signed themselves up for boot camp. ...more

October 22, 2008

Matt Grubb shuffled and leaped over barriers with the football cocked in a ready pose before firing the pigskin down the field. ...more

August 13, 2008

Six uniformed deputies in drill instructor hats march down the mile-long driveway. ...more

December 6, 2007

Kevin Cummings, a wiry 48-year-old father of three with one more to put through college, quit his job of two dozen years to do this. If he fails, he's unemployed. He's among the latest recruits hired by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the second class to embark on a new two-week training program at the Walter C. Heinrich Practical Training Center that administrators say will change the heart and face of the agency. ...more

December 5, 2007

Several women on the Suncoast remember their days in the Marine Corps, during World War II and the 1950s. ...more

November 10, 2007

Yeah, the Bucs 13-10 victory over Tennessee was - as the senior drill instructor in "Full Metal Jacket" so blithely observed - "so ugly it could be a modern art masterpiece." But who cares about looks? The Bucs were trying to put the taste of the whoopin' they got last week at Indianapolis behind, and they did that. ...more

October 14, 2007

The parents of a teenager killed at a juvenile boot camp in the Panhandle don't expect to see a fair trial, their attorney said Monday. ...more

October 3, 2007

The parents of a teenager killed at a juvenile boot camp in the Panhandle don't expect to see a fair trial, their lawyer said Monday. ...more

October 2, 2007