Doctors are "feeling good" about the 15-year-old girl who endured a brutal beating at a Deerfield Beach middle school. Josie Lou Ratley remained Monday in critical condition and in a medically induced coma at a hospital. Her family's attorney says doctors are optimistic after two surgeries to relieve pressure on her brain. Published March 22, 2010
Two men were killed in a Jacksonville fire, but authorities still aren't sure what caused the blaze. Authorities say 29-year-old Brian Collins and another unidentified man died Sunday when the fire swept through an apartment garage. By the time firefighters arrived, the small building was overtaken by smoke and flames. Published March 22, 2010
The elusive monkey has been spotted again in the Tampa Bay area. Renee Barth says she saw a monkey swinging from a tree Sunday and falling into her pool. Barth says the monkey took off with some grapefruits from her backyard in a St. Petersburg neighborhood. Published March 22, 2010
Investigators have arrested a 45-year-old man alleged to have used a crowbar to beat and rob a roommate and her 86-year-old aunt in Ellenton last week. Published March 22, 2010
A Palmetto man was Tazered and then arrested Sunday night after scuffling with a deputy. Vernon Edwards, 45, of 700 17th St. W. in Palmetto, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, disorderly intoxication and exposure of sexual organs. Published March 22, 2010
Police are looking for one or more people behind an afternoon heist at a Bradenton jeweler. The thief or thieves smashed out a window at Bartlett Jewelers, 7317 52nd Place East, and then broke into a number of jewelry cases to steal items, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Published March 22, 2010
Under the new legislation, the government would expand an existing direct lending program, eliminating the fees paid to banks. Published March 22, 2010
By remaining silent on the issue of punishment for church figures, the pope’s apology appeared insufficient to many in Ireland. Published March 22, 2010
President Obama lost the promise of a “postpartisan” Washington in which rationality and discourse replaced partisan bickering. Published March 22, 2010
The Museum of Modern Art in New York has deemed the symbol to meet its standards on form, function, values, cultural impact and innovation. Published March 22, 2010
With updates in the use of its powerful sensors, the U-2 spy plane has become the most sought-after spy craft in a very different war in Afghanistan. Published March 22, 2010
In a sign of the mounting power of the army, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will be the dominant Pakistani in meetings with Washington. Published March 22, 2010
A search for “Louis Vuitton” on Google’s British Web site turns up an advertisement for discounted designer handbags — to the fury of the luxury brand’s owners. Published March 22, 2010
On a 219-212 vote, and after a day of tumultuous debate the echoed the epic struggle of the past year, the House approved a historic health care overhaul for the nation Published March 22, 2010
Democrats said the 216 votes needed to pass the bill were within reach, but that the margin of victory would likely be razor thin. Published March 21, 2010
A man may have been hit or grazed by a bullet outside a bar on Sunday morning. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office: Miguel Madrid, 29, got into an argument with an unknown man inside a bar in the 800 block of U.S. 301 Boulevard East. Published March 22, 2010
Jason Old became smitten with the Honduran island of Roatan during the three years he spent there as a semi-professional soccer player in the early 2000s. Old, an assistant professor of Spanish at Southeastern University in Lakeland, has returned regularly to Roatan since his playing days ended. But each trip has been bittersweet. Published March 22, 2010
Stephanie Girard might appear to live a charmed life. Tall, well-spoken, with athletic good looks, she has spent her career as an art director and set designer for the movie industry. She has a wide circle of family and friends, a husband who adores her and a home in Celebration, one of the loveliest 'burbs in Central Florida. Published March 22, 2010
When you meet a stranger, what do you notice first? The twinkle in the eyes? The shy smile? Or could it be the accent? If your interest is piqued by someone's accent -- whether it's Southern or Brooklyn or London -- then an Orlando woman has the online dating site for you. Published March 22, 2010
Patrons at the Sarasota County Fair got a bit soggy Sunday, but for those who opted to stay home, a week of fair festivities remains. Today's activities include: a $20 armband special for unlimited rides from 2 to 9 p.m.; free gate admission from 2 to 4 p.m.; and the 4-H and FFA miniature horse show at 5:30 p.m. The fair is open through Sunday. Published March 21, 2010
The race to represent Lakewood Ranch in the Florida House of Representatives has become the most expensive in the state. The five candidates running to represent District 67 this fall have already combined to raise $392,000 -- about $2,000 ahead of the next highest race, which is in the Orlando region. Published March 21, 2010
When Carmen Ciricillo started telling jokes about home builders, unemployment was low, confidence was high and construction boomed along the Gulf Coast. But the housing crisis has turned everything upside down, undermining the very foundation of Florida's economy. What's so funny about that? Published March 21, 2010
Legislation hailed by supporters as the most significant changes to college student lending in a generation was included in the health care reform legislation taken up by the House of Representatives on Sunday night. Published March 21, 2010
ORLANDO Parking garage worker arrested Police have arrested an Orlando International Airport parking garage worker who is alleged to have used a credit card-scanning device to skim money from customers. Published March 21, 2010
Failures of local, community- based banks continue, bringing in more outside investors and adding to our bank colony reputation. Published March 21, 2010
A report on the underrepresentation of women in science and math by the American Association of University Women, to be released today, found that although women have made gains, stereotypes and cultural biases still impede their success. Published March 21, 2010
With timely offense and solid goaltending, the Florida Panthers finally found a way to win on home ice. Nathan Horton, David Booth and Cory Stillman scored in the first period and the Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 on Sunday. Stephen Weiss and Radek Dvorak added third-period goals, and Scott Clemmensen made 29 saves for Florida. Published March 21, 2010
Tina Charles and Connecticut cruised to a first round win and its 73rd straight victory. Charles scored 22 points and Maya Moore added 21 to help No. 1 UConn beat Southern University 95-39 in the women's NCAA tournament Sunday. Published March 21, 2010
J.J. Hickson and Anthony Parker combined for 20 points in the decisive third quarter and Cleveland beat Detroit 104-79 on Sunday to give the Cavaliers their first season sweep of the Pistons in 30 years. Published March 21, 2010
A last-minute compromise that swung a half-dozen anti-abortion Democrats behind President Barack Obama's health care bill -- virtually ensuring its passage -- failed to placate outside activists on either side of the issue, and drew derision from Republicans. Published March 21, 2010
Frustrated with the pace of action to overhaul the country's immigration system, thousands of demonstrators descended on the nation's capital Sunday, waving American flags and holding homemade signs in English and Spanish. Published March 21, 2010
It can be difficult to write software for a gadget without being able to touch it. But that has not stopped developers from rushing to create applications for the Apple iPad. For small startups and big Internet and media companies alike, the iPad, and tablet computers in general, beckon as the next wide open technology frontier. Published March 21, 2010
Tiger Woods acknowledged “living a lie,” saying he alone was responsible for the sex scandal that caused his downfall and that no one in his inner circle was aware of his misdeeds. Published March 21, 2010
PALM HARBOR — Jim Furyk showed the nerves of a player trying to win for the first time on the PGA Tour. Considering how long it had been since his last victory, it felt that way. Published March 21, 2010
Determined and undaunted, 6-foot-3 Chris Kramer bulled past one defender 4 inches taller than him. He flipped a layup over another 6 inches taller. Seconds later, he was getting pounded by his own teammates. Published March 21, 2010
Suddenly, Jordan Crawford is more than just the guy who dunked on LeBron James. Crawford scored 27 points, including a breakaway dunk with just over two minutes remaining, to help Xavier beat Pittsburgh 71-68 in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday night. Published March 21, 2010
The weather played havoc with the City of Sarasota Women's Individual / Partners Championship on Sunday at the Bobby Jones Golf Club. Debbie Mook Sang of Valrico won the individual title in the event shortened to nine holes because of thunderstorms. She had a 39 for nine holes and beat defending champ Wendi Golden by two strokes. Published March 21, 2010
Two Sarasota sailors won their classes in the 2010 Sarasota Sailing Squadron's One Design Michelob Light Midwinter Championship over the weekend. Some 51 boats and 145 sailors from seven states and Canada competed in the weather-shortened event. It was held on two courses on Sarasota Bay. Published March 21, 2010
The Minnesota Twins got some good news and some bad news Sunday. They learned their All-Star closer, Joe Nathan, will miss the 2010 season because of a right elbow injury that will require surgery. Meanwhile, their AL MVP catcher, Joe Mauer, agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension. Published March 21, 2010
Turns out Da'Sean Butler's familiarity with pressure trumped whatever defense Missouri could muster against West Virginia and their star player. Butler, who has six game-winning baskets already this season, played his best during the first 20 minutes for the second-seeded Mountaineers on Sunday. Published March 21, 2010
NEW YORK — Better luck picking next year, Mr. President. A day after his bracket was busted by Kansas’ stunning loss to Northern Iowa, President Barack Obama went 5-3 in the men’s NCAA tournament Sunday. Published March 21, 2010
Korie Lucious hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a frenetic finish and give injury-depleted Michigan State an 85-83 victory over Maryland on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Published March 21, 2010
There's an aura about Bristol Motor Speedway, a track that drivers and fans love equally for its electric, throwback-style racing. Jimmie Johnson never chalked it up as one of his favorites. The four-time defending NASCAR champion could never get a handle on the .533-mile bullring, where he struggled far more than he ever succeeded. Published March 21, 2010
Cornell players jumped up and down near midcourt, exchanging chest-bumps and high-fives, then ran toward their fans. And stood around. Forgive those Ivy League guys for not knowing how to celebrate. After all, they've never experienced anything like this before. Then again, maybe they're waiting for something bigger and better. Published March 21, 2010
Iraq's president Sunday called for a recount in this month's parliamentary elections, which have turned into a tight race between the prime minister and a secular rival amid accusations of fraud. A new count could further extend political wrangling in the contentious race. Published March 21, 2010
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel would not restrict construction in east Jerusalem -- sticking to a position hours before he sets off on his first trip to Washington since a diplomatic row erupted between the two allies. Published March 21, 2010
Wade Davis did little to help his chances in his bid to be the Rays' fifth starter this season. Davis lasted two innings, allowing nine hits and seven runs (five earned) in a 12-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday in front of a sellout crowd of 8,053 at Hammond Stadium at the Lee County Sports Complex. Published March 21, 2010
Aug. 11, 2009, Afghanistan: After the blast, something did not feel right, so 1st Lt. Joe Guyton looked down through the swirling dust. His right leg was gone, instantly vaporized, his uniform ending at the knee. Published March 21, 2010
The tiny Russian village of Anatevka is just as it always was, a rickety collection of shops and houses where the villagers have established their way of life through eons of tradition. All that is about to change as the 20th century dawns, to the consternation of Tevye, the village milkman and fortunate father of five daughters. The girls are... Published March 21, 2010
Dear Annie: My husband and I have a 22-year-old daughter who still lives at home. "Ashley" has been dating the same guy for five years, but we can count on one hand the number of times he has come to our house. We go out of our way to make him feel comfortable and have tried to get to know him, but nothing helps. He seems to have a serious social... Published March 21, 2010
Publix Super Markets and Tropicana Products Inc. increased their contributions for the 2009-2010 United Way campaign, according to United Way of Manatee County. Together, the companies account for nearly $1 million of the organization's fund-raising campaign. Publix, United Way's largest contributing company in Manatee County, and its employees... Published March 20, 2010
'I AM JUST A 40-YEAR-OLD civil engineer trying to make a sound investment for the future," Craig e-mailed me about a rental apartment property that he wants to acquire. "The property is being purchased for much less than the appraised value." It is a buyers' market in Southwest Florida, and similar scenarios are playing out here. Published March 20, 2010
MEGALODON CHARTERS, 509 C, N. Tamiami Trail, (under the Hatchet Creek Bridge), Venice. Family owned and operated by Capt. Steve and Amelia Jones, the full-service charter business offers dive and boat-cruise experiences. Published March 20, 2010
TODAY Credit counseling workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, Venice Area Board of Realtors, 680 Substation Road, Venice. One of three free workshops offered by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Conducted by Sandra Rains, financial educational specialist. Reservations: 484-0614. Published March 20, 2010
Q: I am 67 and work part time. My 60-year-old brother works full time, makes $27,000 a year and lives with my husband and me. My 70-year-old husband is retired. When we agreed that my brother could live with us, he was to contribute his share to the household income, which he did until recently. Published March 20, 2010
THE AUTOPSY ON THE LATE First State Bank of Sarasota faults the board of directors and management for failing to control its growth strategy and aggressive lending. Published March 20, 2010
OVER THE YEARS, ONE OF THE things that I have observed regularly is that people use more due diligence when they choose a professional to watch over their cat or dog then when they choose a professional to watch over their investments. For the former they check several references and have the person meet their pet. For the latter a free meal,... Published March 20, 2010
Barbara Mei has joined Surfside Properties in Sarasota as a broker/associate. Diane Shane and John Garner of Roberts Realty Inc. in Sarasota earned the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification from the National Association of Realtors. Published March 20, 2010
SALES Palmer Ranch Executive Office Center LLC has purchased a 17,013-square-foot building at 8588 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, for $800,000 from Palmer OB LLC. Nick DeVito II of Kleiber DeVito Real Estate Group represented the buyer and Mike Myers of NAI Tampa represented the seller. Published March 20, 2010
IT IS ALREADY ENOUGH OF A struggle for homeowners these days who are having trouble paying their mortgages and are seeking loan modifications from their lenders. Published March 20, 2010
A FORMER INTELLIGENCE operative once told me: "sometimes the best place to hide is in the open." To be sure, "spies" walk among us. But they mean us no harm. In fact, their presence bodes well for our local economy. Published March 20, 2010
ONE OF THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES for the region to put its money where its mouth is -- in terms of pushing for post-recession job growth -- is being proposed in Manatee County. Published March 20, 2010
David Beachy, a Sarasota real estate agent who has defaulted on eight loans totaling $2.27 million since June, has managed to come up with enough cash to buy a three-bedroom house at 206 E. Cornelius Circle in Sarasota on Feb. 17 for $54,000. Beachy bought the house from the bank that foreclosed on the property. Published March 20, 2010
The members of the Sarasota Branch of the American Association of University Women thank the Herald-Tribune for its excellent coverage of the recently concluded Academic Olympics high school competition. Published March 20, 2010
Regarding "Mother was seeking help": There was a time when the enforcement of our laws was tempered with common sense, compassion and the ability to judge intent. Not anymore. This case is a perfect example. Published March 20, 2010
There was a great item in the March 19 paper, "Official executed for currency work" in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korea executed an official of the ruling party, holding him responsible for unrest sparked by a botched currency revaluation. This official was shot for intentionally harming the country's economy. Published March 20, 2010
Tiger Woods should stay off the tour, including Augusta National, for at least one year. Whatever happened to the "gentleman's game" where players were honest, called penalties on themselves and had morals? What kind of example are we setting for the younger generation? Are a few extra bucks for advertising that important? Published March 20, 2010
With respect to "Going for Google," Sarasota should do everything in its power to give our city the best shot to become one of Google's pilot cities for its new ultra-high-speed Internet service. This new high-speed connection would give Sarasota many economic and social advantages. Not only would it make everyday life less stressful by not having... Published March 20, 2010
In millions of U.S. households, dogs and cats are treasured members of the family. Less loved are the noxious fleas and ticks that ride in with them. Published March 19, 2010
Congress should allow the U.S. Postal Service to take appropriate cost-cutting actions -- including elimination of Saturday delivery and closure of specific low-volume postal facilities -- to protect its core mission of providing universal service to Americans. ... Published March 19, 2010
BANGKOK It's beat-up-on-China time. While criticism of China's currency policy is rarely in short supply, it's reaching a fever pitch. Yet the powerful politicians, newspapers and economists beating the drum are missing the point. If you want China to budge, the pressure needs to come from the other direction. Published March 19, 2010
In regard to the Herald-Tribune's "Police Blues?" editorial March 18, I would like to add: The fact that the Sarasota Police Department's budget is a "large portion" of the city budget is true of any city with a police department, especially one without its own fire department. Published March 19, 2010
Maybe the most common question I get from readers is: What can I do? They've read about malaria, or mass rape, or AIDS orphans, and they want to make a difference. Should they call the White House? Write a check? Howl in hopeless despair? There's never a perfect answer, but here's one ingenious approach: Throw a party! Published March 19, 2010
The March 14 article "Not saving for a rainy day," referred to Sunshine State Insurance Co. and U.S. RE Corp. and stated that "profit goes to the man behind both ventures, Tal Piccione." This is not true. Published March 19, 2010
Break out the briefs and red cape, if you dare. More tales of "Captain Underpants" are coming. Author Dav Pilkey has agreed to write four more of the multimillion-selling series that helped establish the giggly genre known as "poop fiction." Published March 19, 2010
Money Mkt.6-mo CDs1-yr CDs5-yr CDsFinancial providerAcct. YieldYieldYieldYield Acacia Federal Savings Bank 473-0656NQ 1.000 1.600 3.250 Bank of Commerce 373-05221.000**† 1.200*†† 1.500*†† 2.250*†† Cadence Bank 923-05001.650*****1.150††† 1.300††† 2.900††† CNLBank 256-85001.010***†† 1.110†† 1.550††2.550†† Published March 19, 2010
59° L/RAIN,