Their day in court [Times photo: Maurice Rivenbark] Justin Biron, 8, and his third-grade classmates from Eastside Elementary School listen attentively to proceedings in Hernando County Circuit Court during a field trip this week. Hernando Beach is changing Editor: Re: Group had bothered area business owners, community in the past, May 5 letter to the editor: Inmate hurt in jail fight One inmate is missing part of his ear and another inmate faces a charge of aggravated battery after the two got into a fight at the county jail Sunday.

Fire consumes academy Moments after sparks send young gymnasts scurrying, the building explodes into a roaring fire. Time to reset those lawn sprinklers Citing an overburdened system on the weekends, Swiftmud assigns weekday watering days based on house addresses. Fuel prices bloat school budget The rising cost of diesel fuel for school buses will add $450,000 to the district budget. Driver follows hunch to save a life She saw an elderly driver swerve and wildly accelerate. She knew something was terribly wrong. She was right.

Eagles off to state
After a disappointing showing at last week's regional meet in Clearwater, Springstead will be represented by just three athletes at today's Class 3A state track meet in Gainesville.

Kennedy Park Little League crowded but marveling at its rebirth
BROOKSVILLE -- The fields are not exactly pristine, the park is not nearly big enough for all the teams, and the older-division baseball clubs cannot play at night anymore because termites gnawed through the light fixtures.

Central girls program best of year in GCAC
On the strength of a strong spring season, Central vaulted ahead of Citrus to win the 1999-2000 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's girls all-sports trophy. It's a strong improvement for the Bears, who finished fourth out of seven teams last year.

Children's singing group plans classical concert
The Nature Coast Boys' Ensemble will combine with the girls' ensemble for three concerts featuring pieces by Haydn, Mozart and Rutter.

'Rumors' flies when actors take stage
The Neil Simon play is a tale of what happens when three couples try desperately to protect the reputation of their friend.