Brandontimes: Times writer honored by farming groups

Times writer honored by farming groups

Times staff writers
Published October 15, 2004

PLANT CITY - Brandon Times reporter Letitia Stein has been named the 2004 Media Person of the Year by the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. The annual award recognizes reporters who help further the public's understanding of agricultural issues.

Stein, 25, was cited for a story about the bureau's annual trip to Tallahassee during the 2004 legislative session. Farm Bureau members use the visits to educate lawmakers about the farming industry and the issues it faces. Stein also will be named Newsperson of the Year, a statewide honor, from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation during its annual convention Oct. 27-29 in Orlando.

It is the second consecutive year Brandon Times has earned the awards. Last year, the publication was honored for the Farmer's Market, a regular feature on agriculture in East Hillsborough.

Veterans to hold Kerry support meeting

SUN CITY CENTER - A collection of Sun City Center veterans is preparing for their second meeting to support John Kerry for president. The Sun City Center Veterans for John Kerry will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Denny's at 3747 Sun City Center Blvd. The group will discuss ways to turn out the vote and get their fellow residents interested in Kerry's campaign. For more information, call Sam Fridhandler at 642-9283.

Club for kids getting more than $28,000

SUN CITY CENTER - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office raised more than $28,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay at its third annual Golf Classic Oct. 8 at Club Renaissance. It was about $1,000 less than was raised last year, but Paddy Moses, development director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, said that given how busy the Sheriff's Office has been the last two months, this year's total was just as impressive.

"We're so delighted that they raised as much as they did with four hurricanes coming through," Moses said. "This is just unbelievable for us."

WCI Communities Inc. offered a free two-bedroom, $220,000 home to any golfer who made a hole-in-one on the par-3 seventh hole. No one scored an ace, but Bernie Barton, a partner with the law firm Holland & Knight LLP, came within 11 feet.