My son is a first-grade student in Polk County. He has a wonderful teacher who has over 25 years experience as a first-grade teacher. I volunteer in her class two days per week, therefore I have seen how great she is with the students.... more»

Recently, the prestigious Pew Charitable Trusts and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health concluded that factory farming takes a big toll on human health and the environment, undermines rural economic stability, and fails to provide humane treatment of livestock. Capping a two-year study,...... more»

On a recent Tuesday, for the final time, I drove my students to The Ledger's Lakeland office to finish our page for the April edition of your Celebrate Schools campus pages. I didn't know it was the last time when we started out that morning. But - staffing decisions, budget cuts - there's always...... more»

A few weeks ago, on a Thursday night, I was dropping off some things at Goodwill on South Florida Avenue when I tripped and fell quite hard on the concrete. There were two other people there, a mother and a daughter, who immediately came to check onme.... more»

The recent farm bill agreement is good for Florida farmers, and federal lawmakers from our state would be wise to support it.... more»

I am disheartened after reading your editorial on our U.S. Military Academy graduates being released from their commitment [U.S. Army Goes Pro," May 3]. This commitment binds allservice-academy graduates to serve their country upon graduation in return for a top-notch education that cost 50 percent...... more»

Regarding your editorial of May 4 concerning vouchers ["Radical Initiative On Ballot"], you state that vouchers would "aid religious groups." I disagree.... more»

A while back, I was held hostage in Plant City 23 minutes with those ahead waiting still longer. A CSX train westbound turned north at the Plant City rail intersection. An idling train on the eastbound track turned north when the first one cleared without waiting for traffic to pass before...... more»

In response to Dale Braiman's May 7 op-ed column, "Resist Superficial Influences on Nation," he made a point to differentiate between the pornographic appeal of corporate-celebrity-product fetishism and real political issues. But what difference does the division make if we allow advertising firms...... more»

Congratulations to the two band directors, Rob Lambert and Matthew Davis, and the entire Harrison Center Symphony Orchestra.... more»

I used to feel blessed to be an American when I sang the closing words to our national anthem."O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."... more»

I salute David Stein for his brilliant op-ed column "Protect Girls Accused in Beating" on April 24. I choked when I read "Circuit Judge [Keith Spoto] Vacates Gag Order." How can the eight teens charged as adults get a fair trial?... more»

During a recent Lakeland doctor's office visit for a physical exam, I found out that doctors apparently have a license to defraud. Upon receiving the billing, I discovered that I was billed for an extra office visit in addition to the physical (in which the doctor failed to listen to my heart,...... more»

After years of working, raising a family, serving their country, they are invited down to relax in the Sunshine State.... more»

Parents who pick up their kids at Mulberry High School lost one of the only parking spots available to them. Buses start arriving at the school at approximately 1 p.m., so by 1:30 p.m. cars can't even get up into the regular school parking lot.... more»

It's unfortunate when the media neglects to do its due diligence before publishing a story such as "Algae, Weeds Are Anything but Idyllic in W. Haven's Lake Idyl," published Tuesday on page B1.... more»

The selection for the coming presidential election goes down this way for this voter. Only the top reason for each choice is cited. If it is Obama vs. Clinton, Clinton gets my vote. I "clung to my religion" long before this economic crisis, in fact, all my life.... more»

In response to the letter regarding The Lakeland Center by Marthann Miller ["Entertainment Series The Best, but Parking, Safety Are Wanting," April 20], I want to say how "on the mark" she was about the various problems of parking and access to seating areas.... more»

I read with interest that, once again, Dr. Gail McKinzie has received a glowing performance review ["School Superintendent Gets High Marks on Job," April 30] from the members of the School Board, several of whom were directly involved in her selection as our first board-appointed superintendent.... more»

The May 2 sobriety checkpoint in Haines City funneled limited state and federal grant money away from measures that have proved to be most effective in combating drunken driving ["DUI Checkpoints Planned Today," May 2].... more»

I see the politicians want to do a temporary suspension of the federal tax on gas. Let's do some math.... more»

The article "Federal Reading Program Hasn't Helped, Study Says" tells us nothing more than what we already knew as educators.Some specific comments on the article and the law:... more»

I am the teacher who was hired in 2002 and then recently told six years later that I have been receiving the wrong salary. I feel it necessary to clear many misconceptions of what happened so the public doesn't think I was aware of the miscalculation that was made.... more»

This is in response to Dean Ray's April 17 letter titled "Apply Taxes to Churches." The church is for spiritual healing like the hospital (I believe it gets out of paying a lot of taxes) is for physical healing.... more»

I read or, better, skimmed a recent edition of the paper and realized that it is becoming less and less of an enjoyable experience. Why?... more»

A dear friend passed away Saturday, the result of an automobile accident caused by a lady thoughtlessly using her cell phone while driving and pulling in front of the car in which my friend was a passenger. My friend took great care of herself. She exercised every day and she ate right. She was...... more»

Compassion and care are alive and well in Polk County. During this week when nurses are recognized for their caring and compassionate ways, I want to take time to commend hospice nurses. We are fortunate to have such caring angels in our county.... more»

Are you a family caregiver? Are you often frustrated by your caregiving duties and responsibilities? Have you experienced stress and depression recently? Are you looking for information and resources to help you meet the many challenges that face you each and every day? Are you looking for help and...... more»

Along with all the thanks in the recent Voice of the People column regarding the CSX fight in the Legislature, I would like to give a special thank you to Sen. Paula Dockery [R-Lakeland] who had to stand up to most of her colleagues to convince them that it was wrong for all the citizens of Florida...... more»

We have come to the Y in the road of fiscal policies for the state of Florida. One fork in the road calls for fiscal discipline. The other calls for more taxes and uncontrolled spending. The state budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 was $47 billion and, in six years, the state budget ballooned to...... more»