People: The bone collector [Times photo: Skip O'Rourke] Ruskin paleontologist Frank Garcia's passion has netted about 30 discoveries of unknown prehistoric species.

Lunch with Ernest: Fighting racism on his terms
Lawyer Delano Stewart is one of the longtime leaders of the black community. A founding member of the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs and the George Edgecomb Bar Association, he has dedicated his life to eradicating segregation in Hillsborough County. He also has raised six kids at his home, which is neatly tucked away in a small black community in Thonotosassa. Over lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill, we talked about segregation, family and his love of cooking.

Farmworker mission to widen fund drive
The mission, which serves migrant farm families, wants to expand services, so it is appealing throughout the bay area.

I Live Here: Brandon
Janet Moucha loves to stop and smell the orange blossoms in the quiet charm of Brandon.

Daytripper: A day at the park
Freshwater anglers are drawn to the 770-acre reservoir at Edward Medard Park the way that wiggly worms attract hungry fish.

Farmer's Market: Growing neem, banking green
Organic farmers now run a bustling export business to sell their tree extract, which is used in insecticides and soaps.

What's in a name: Paul Sanders Park
The park is named for Paul Sanders, who organized the city's first Boy Scout troop and Little League team.

Here & Gone
Here's a look at some new businesses in the area:

Community Report:
Sun City Center: Residents remember 40 years of Sun City
Personal essays and photographs trace the story of the community back to its developer.

Brandon: Turn lane a critical issue for patients
A new, solid median in Lakewood Drive concerns an assisted living facility.

Parade's showcase home near completion
LITHIA -- Hannah-Bartoletta Homes has begun putting the finishing touches on the Showcase Home for the Tampa Bay Parade of Homes 2003.

Zoning: Zoning request focuses on Bloomingdale traffic
Editor's note: This column follows zoning petition requests for new commercial, retail and residential developments to provide you with specific information about what's being planned in your community. We'll also alert you about public hearings so that you can make your voice heard. Petition numbers are provided in bold to help you get more information from the county.

Gardening: It's that time: Protect yards from weeds, pests
A friend, Keith Capriola, read about my ongoing front-yard renovation and drove by to take a look. Then Keith, the Service Center Manager at the Port Richey Lesco store, called about my plans.

Front Porch: A nest for living, creating
Erika Greenberg-Schneider dreams of an artist's home.

Porch people let it all hang out
Therapy for sane living: Relax, observe, muse, chat if you wish. Front porches connect a cloistered world.

Prep notebook: Brandon area is favored in state poll
BRANDON -- If there were any doubts about how Brandon-area softball is perceived outside the region, the state's latest softball poll answered them. Bloomingdale, Riverview and Durant all ranked in the state poll and playing well heading into the second half of the season.

Swim club marks 40th anniversary
BRANDON -- In 1963, a Brandon doctor named G.R. Greenwell had a half-million dollar idea he thought would yield a priceless return.

Residents: Controlled zoning of road is key
Planners ask the public for ideas and building limits for a stretch of Lithia-Pinecrest Road near State Road 60.

Lane Ranger: Worth the wait: a chance for a golf cart inspection
Safety first.

Letters: Reader Letter: Spouses of military men need support
I am involved with the Bereavement Ministry at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico. In this ministry we assist "those left behind" and confronted with the loss of a loved one.