Zolfo Springs News

A wild animal refuge in Hardee County received a little Miracle today. Miracle, a baby raccoon that was scorched in a roofer's tar-heating machine April 22, was taken by veterinarians to the Hardee County ...

As some of you may know, China has an atrocious practice of capturing wild Asiatic Black Bears , and confining them in tiny cages for life so that their bile may be obtained to use in traditional Chinese ... via Big Cat News

A pair of golf tournaments are planned to benefit Lighthouse Ministries. Ridge Association of Health Underwriters will sponsor a tournament at 1 p.m. May 9 at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland. via The Ledger

A 24-year-old woman was killed and a 21-year-old woman is in critical condition in a Tampa hospital after a one-car wreck Tuesday afternoon on Pine Level Road just north of the DeSoto County line, the Florida ... via North Port Sun

“Everyone involved in this case that is supporting Mr. Meus is absolutely ecstatic. They know that this is a major opportunity to right a wrong.”

Nearly five years after his controversial conviction for vehicular manslaughter, Jean Claude Meus found out today that he will be granted a new trial. via Tampa Bay Online

“From what I saw, renovation to the gym alone would top $40,000”

Hardee County is still reeling from the severity and extent of the recent gang-inspired vandalism that rocked the new $42 million Hilltop Middle School in Wauchula Hills. via North Port Sun

As of 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, the northbound lanes of U.S. 17 at Torrey Road in Zolfo Springs are closed due to a traffic crash, according to a press release from Lt. via North Port Sun

Two key witnesses in a hearing that could determine whether convicted trucker Jean Claude Meus gets a new trial, wrapped up their testimony today at the Hardee County Courthouse. via Tampa Bay Online

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, will have a meeting with Hardee County elected officials and local business leaders today, his office reported Friday. via North Port Sun

“In an effort to reduce the initial cost of the project, FDOT is considering a one-way pair concept that would involve construction of two new northbound travel lanes within the railroad right-of-way along the east side of The Bluffs golf course”

DeSoto County residents can take part in a Florida Department of Transportation workshop on U.S. 17 expansion north of the county line, and get a free barbecue dinner at the same time. via North Port Sun

“There are both benefits and drawbacks involved with this new proposal; therefore FDOT would like to receive public comments on the one-way pair option”

Proponents for U.S. 17 expansion in Hardee County are speaking with one voice, and telling state leaders it's "our turn." Congressman, state senators and the Florida Department of Transportation heeded public ... via North Port Sun

Louis D. Williams announced Friday he was running for Charlotte County sheriff. Williams, a Democratic Party candidate, has been a Charlotte County resident since 1980 and said he has worked at various times ... via North Port Sun

Today, former Zolfo Springs Police Chief David Scheid was sentenced to two years probation, ordered to surrender his police standards within 60 days and pay investigative costs to the Florida Department of Law ... via Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Business sweet for bee owners Peace River Bees will sell you honey. That is, the company will, not the bees. via HeraldTribune.com

“In the 19th century Florida cow country was all open range. Once every year the cow hunters rounded up the cattle to drive them to the deep-water port of Tampa to ship them to Cuba”

Giddy-up! `Cow hunters' still riding the range in Florida JUST THE FACTS THE RIDE: This year's Florida Cracker Trail Ride takes place Feb. via The Toronto Star

I just had a birthday and decided to ride a Century in celebration. My riding buddy Court mapped out a ride from Acme Bicycle Shop to the Betsy Ross Restaurant in Zolfo Springs and we are going to ride it this ... via HeraldTribune.com

“The case is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and I would feel more comfortable if those details were released by them”

Law enforcement officials have yet to release the name of the man who was killed by a lawman's bullet during a shootout Saturday night with the Zolfo Springs Police Department. via North Port Sun

“Just in terms of getting ground water that's good enough to drink, I can't see ever taking water out of an old mine site”

A phosphate mining company's plan to turn a portion of a mine site into a water supply resource in Hardee County fits neatly within the Southwest Florida Management District's long-standing strategy calling for ... via North Port Sun

“Cold weather doesn't hurt the cattle”

The consensus is Florida citrus growers dodged a bullet Wednesday night, but experts say some other crops may not have escaped unscathed, and only time will tell the true extent of the damage. via North Port Sun