Festive Fourth [Times photo: Stephen J. Coddington] Despite lots of rain and reflections on terrorism, the barbecue fires and the area's patriotic spirit kept burning.

Jan Glidewell
Stats back a more 'adult' approach to commerce
If you play around with statistics long enough, strange ideas begin to emerge.

New world requires new maps at schools
The district is spending $35,000 a year over three years on new maps, globes and atlases to reflect the world's changes.

Race field grows tougher, larger
INVERNESS -- When Milton Lyons organized last year's Citrus Summer Showdown, he enlisted the help of the Internet. At Florida Runners (www.Flrunners.com), he spread word about a new race in Inverness that hoped to attract top runners from throughout the state.

Get in the game
Thought about running a triathlon, improving your golf swing or playing billiards for the first time? Why let others have all the fun? Here's a directory of sports-related events and activities in and around the county:

Folk musician bringing some friends
The American Roots Revival is coming to Floral City. This is no one-man show.

The new daily grind
The new coffee shop at Citrus Center offers a variety of styles and blends of the beverage, plus a selection of sandwiches and fruit slushies.

Jam is jampacked with fun activities
The Uncle Sam Jam on Saturday offers an array holiday festivities, including a bike parade, miniature locomotive, dance band and lots of food.