Coastal cleanup [Times photo: Carrie Pratt] Joseph Rodriguez, 12, helps collect trash in the Gulf of Mexico along Green Key Road in New Port Richey Saturday morning as part of the Florida Coastal Cleanup 2000 project, which is run by the Center for Marine Conservation.

'How could we all be so blind?'
The death of a Ridgewood High student spotlights the widespread use of the drug Ecstasy among high school students.

As storm nears, residents prepare
Home Depot and Publix have busy days as people stock up on emergency supplies in preparation for Tropical Storm Gordon.

County wildlife corridor not set in stone
A Buccaneer official says wetland mitigation sites may be bought in Polk and Orange counties, disrupting Pasco's plans for a wildlife preserve.

Not much boasting these days by Port Richey City Council
Two years ago, incumbent City Council candidates in Port Richey boasted of the restored calm around City Hall. The personal bickering had subsided and the city, after voters turned down a proposed merger with New Port Richey, was inching forward with a more professionally run government.

Substandard roads should not be allowed
Editor: For many years in Pasco County, and even up to this day, developers have been allowed to use substandard paving practices in subdivisions under certain circumstances. This practice of building substandard roads began in the late '60s and was allowed to continue up to this very day, even after proper building codes were established. How, you ask?

Land O'Lakes deals Mitchell first-ever loss
LAND O'LAKES -- Okay, so the Mitchell Mustangs are not going to win every game in their first season.

Heroes and happenings
Central's defense harassed Land O'Lakes freshman quarterback Drew Weatherford throughout the contest. Weatherford only managed to complete 2-of-5 passes for 1 yard and threw an interception, which the Bears' David Egan snagged when it bounced off the hands of a Gators' receiver. Weatherford was also sacked four times; three times in the fourth quarter. Lance Holland had two sacks and helped John Sirvent record another. Doug Crowley also recorded a sack.

Great games, but first . . .
Another bizarre Friday of high school football, come and gone.

Land O'Lakes deals Mitchell first-ever loss
LAND O'LAKES -- Okay, so the Mitchell Mustangs are not going to win every game in their first season.

Small plane crash-lands in field; no one injured
ZEPHYRHILLS -- Three people walked away without injuries Saturday morning after the single-engine airplane they were riding in crash-landed into a field about a half-mile north of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.