Familiar name, not face, among runners [Times photo: Ron Thompson] At dawn Monday the annual Key Training Center Run for the Money kicked off, but with one major change: Executive director Chet Cole, 55, stayed home. With flu-like symptoms and with his mother in the hospital, Cole was persuaded by concerned friends to call it quits after 23 years.

Robbers take ATM from ship
INGLIS -- Two armed robbers held up a security guard who was watching over the SunCruz gambling ship as it sat docked and empty at the Cross Florida Barge Canal early Monday, authorities said.

No surprises as qualifying deadline nears
INVERNESS -- The election picture started coming into focus Monday afternoon. By Friday, the full portrait will be clear.

County's wildfire tab totals $619,262
Citrus officials expect the federal government will cover about 70 percent of the cost of fighting 38 wildfires.

Rainout in Dade City leaves some glasses full
When I make public appearances and have to answer the standard question "Why is there so much bad news in the newspaper?" I have a couple of fairly standard answers.

Compensation is available for retirees
To be eligible for the special compensation, military retirees must have completed at least 20 years of service and received a disability rating of 70 percent or higher at the time of separation or within four years after leaving service. Qualifying retirees will receive payments of $100 to $300 per month, depending on the highest disability rating attained within four years after retiring ($110 for 70 or 80 percent rating; $200 for a 90 percent rating; $300 for total disability).

Another School Board candidate abandons race
The political nature of the race and lack of support force Rich Hoffmann to withdraw in the bid for the District 1 seat.