The Week in Words

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 6, 2008

"It's like having a newborn baby. You don't know what it's going to do, and you just better be there when it decides it needs something. You have to make sure you don't fall asleep."

- Bill Peterson, a Dade City area farmer tending to blueberries the night before the temperature dipped below freezing.

"I don't think anyone is going to take on Heather. The way I see it, it's going to be hers unless something happens that is unexpected."

- Dr. Marc Yacht, retired Pasco health director, after deciding not to challenge elected school superintendent Heather Fiorentino.

"The chief law enforcement officer in Pasco County is going to have some incredible challenges to deal with."

- Robert Sullivan, a retired Pasco sheriff's lieutenant who announced he is running in the Republican primary against incumbent Sheriff Bob White.

"I believe my vote will say something. It doesn't depend on what happens in Iowa because I believe the people of Iowa have a different culture than the people of Florida do."

- Fern Williams, a retired nurse in Zephyrhills, explaining why she voted early in the Florida presidential primary, scheduled for Jan. 29.

"Think about it: Up north right now, there's 10 inches of snow on the ground. Then a coach comes down here with these teams and this weather, he's going to love it. He gets to spend the weekend recruiting in Florida and see a lot of talent."

- Kevin Warnock, assistant coach with the Tampa Tribe and St. Leo University lacrosse teams. Wesley Chapel was the stage for the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions international lacrosse tournament.

Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events, in the words of the newsmakers.

[Last modified January 5, 2008, 21:07:30]