Crystal River launches manatee celebration [Times photo: Ron Thompson] The Florida Manatee Festival begins today, with manatee sightseeing tours, fine arts, crafts, food and music. Manatee swims off with ropes After playing with sanctuary boundary ropes, he heads for Crystal River -- ropes and all. Later he's found, untied and freed.

Human taint of waters affirmed
Research provides evidence of septic tank pollution of the Chassahowitzka River. The report is ammo for advocates of state aid for a sewer system.

Life is a bit sweeter as honeybell season begins
Fans of the tasty hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit wait all year for the chance to slurp these succulent delicacies over the sink.

Coast Guard Auxiliary educates, assists boaters
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of an occasional series of columns which are run periodically. Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla 15-4 of Homosassa, FL, call him at 628-0639.

Outdoors notebook

Trendy anglers win against odds
Beating the cold for a successful day on the water is all about finding a pattern or trend that produces hungry fish, then waiting them out.

A cold fact: dead fish
The extended cold has put fishing in the deep freeze.

Suncoast Parkway not fueling homebuilding
Fewer permits were issued in Hernando County for new homes in 2000 than 1999, records show, despite the Suncoast Parkway.

Friends of the Lakes Region Library to meet
INVERNESS -- The Friends of the Lakes Region Library will meet at 2 p.m. Monday in the community room at the Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road, Inverness.

Church embraces legacy of the Rev. King’s message
"His work transcended all the cultures and colors and ethnicities and personified love, and the Bible says that God is love," a pastor notes.