Class of 2001 faces toughest standards Legislation passed in 1997 has drastically raised standards for this year's graduating class. Going beyond basics Many schools will offer programs geared toward themes such as technology, geography or Spanish.

Residents anguished over HMOs leaving
A group warns politicians they won't let two HMO companies leave the county without a fight.

Residents growl about track
RIDGE MANOR WEST -- About a mile north of State Road 50 just west of Interstate 75, down a narrow lime rock and dirt path called Remington Road, stands a dormant mining pit imprinted with motorcycle tire tracks.

Man held on charges of sexually abusing boy
BROOKSVILLE -- A Spring Hill man has been charged with seven counts of sexual battery upon a person less than 12 years old ina series of encounters that allegedly occurred from October to March.

Plaza's opening creates 'hot area'
When Coastal Way shopping center opens Wednesday, it will anchor an intersection some are calling the retail capital of Hernando County.

Longing for the days of real judicial unruliness
Gee, why does Hillsborough County get all of the neat judges? Newswise lately (although we had our glory days with Gary Graham in Citrus, L.R. Huffstetler in Hernando and Dan Rasmussen in Pasco) we're lucky to get someone accused of being arrogant or soft on criminals.

U.S. 19 work imperils safety
Editor: Re: Construction along U.S. 19 bad for business, July 25 letter to the editor: