Boy, 1, nearly drowns in central Pasco lake [Times photo: Douglas R. Clifford] LAND O'LAKES -- The four children seemed safe behind the fenced-in play area near the shore of Dupree Lake, so Iris Baez decided she had a few minutes to check the laundry.

Cannon accepts job as public defender
The outgoing sheriff accepts a position in Hillsborough representing juveniles who face felony charges in adult court.

Schools may get in-house prosecutor
The School Board will vote Tuesday on a program that would have a prosecutor working full time in Pasco's nine middle schools.

Can we watch Rep. Fasano donate $13,000 furniture?
Editor: While watching the New Port Richey Christmas parade I was surprised to see state Rep. Mike Fasano in person. I had seen him on every network on television and suddenly there he was in person.

11,227 seized pills set record for bust
The Ecstasy was found at Outer Space Storage on U.S. 19. The man renting the space was arrested.

Man pleads guilty in sex abuse case
Theodore "Bear" Kellogg received a 25-year prison sentence.

All-State volleyball team includes three Cobras
For the third time in four seasons the Hudson volleyball team has placed its best player on the Class 4A All-State team. And this time, she has company.

Wildcat not afraid to shoot
Wesley Chapel shooting guard Scott Sorensen is living up to his job title -- and leading the county in scoring as a result.

Rams finally find true point guard
Freshman Crystal Ayers is helping the post players score by breaking presses and slashing to the basket.

Man who terrorized couple is convicted
The man jumped into the winter visitors' car at a grocery store, held them at gunpoint and took a purse.

$1,200 bird stolen from Port Richey shop
PORT RICHEY -- Pasco County sheriff's deputies are searching for a missing bird.

On a roll, champions will show their stuff
Featured performers Adam White and Melissa Quinn will join several other regional and national skating champions in the Christmas of the Millennium skating show at SpinSations Family Roller Skating Center in Port Richey.

Pasco happenings
TODAY: A Christmas arts and crafts show and sale concludes at the West Pasco Art Guild, 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey.

Toy drive organizers seek last-minute gifts
The Pasco County Foster Parent Association's annual drive to gather Christmas gifts has been met with an alarmingly small response this year, president Pam Gary said.

2 Toys for Tots centers to help needy this year
An expanded Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation will open a Zephyrhills distribution center this year in hopes of serving twice as many children as last year, co-chairman Bob Loring said.