Tragedies put focus on safety [Times photo:Stephen Coddington] In the aftermath of two recent nightclub disasters, fire officials say the risks in Citrus County are minimal.

Woman jailed after report of bomb threat
CRYSTAL RIVER -- A Tennessee woman was charged with making a false report, a felony, Saturday night. Employees at a Crystal River restaurant said the woman claimed a bomb she had hidden in a paper bag would explode if they didn't feed her for free.

Party clown relishes gig as party chairman
The new DEC chairman, who performs as Pinky the clown, has serious plans for the county's Democrats.

Citrus slices: Clothing trends pose a challenge
The School Board last week was debating new provisions to the dress code, and board members were shaking their heads over a proposal that would ban pajamas and house slippers as attire to wear to school.

For some kids, FCATs matter more this year
Third-graders who fail the reading portion might be kept back. Seniors who don't pass risk not getting a diploma.

Citrus business digest
ERA Suncoast Realty has announced that Steve Latiff is the top listing and top selling associate for January.

Letters: Board's sudden opposition to toll road reveals favoritism
Editor: The Citrus County commissioners have been 100 percent behind the toll road as long as it only affected the people like us who are less affluent and have no political clout. Now that Sugarmill Woods may be a target, they write a letter of opposition. What a bunch of self-serving hypocrites!