Imam meets pastor ahead of planned Quran-burning

The Orlando Sentinel GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, emerged Wednesday from a meeting with the Rev. Terry Jones and said he was hopeful that the fervently anti-Islam church leader would call off plans to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday’s anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Miami baseball player found with marijuana, HGH

A Miami baseball player has been arrested and accused of selling marijuana to undercover police officers on university grounds. Frank Ratcliff is also facing a charge of possessing 19 vials of human growth hormone. Ratcliff was booked early Thursday into Miami-Dade corrections custody on $17,500 bond.

Orlando Imam meets with pastor of planned Quran-burning: '...the man wants to do the right thing'

Paddle boarder hopes to raise $100K for charity with Cuba-Key West trip

Cynthia Aguilar is already an accomplished and award-winning paddle boarder.

Florida officials worried about public safety over plan to burn Quran

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — As Florida officials worried about public safety surrounding a small church’s plan to burn the Quran, President Barack Obama added his voice to the chorus of opposition to the church’s intention to burn copies of Islam’s holiest text to mark the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

2 Miami-Dade men sentenced to prison in major Medicare fraud case

Two Miami-Dade men who bribed assisted living facilities, home healthcare agencies and patients in an elaborate scheme to bilk $2.8 million from Medicare for bogus rehabilitation services were sentenced Wednesday to several years in federal prison.

Three local banks improve in financial ratings report

BRADENTON — Three local banks improved their financial security ratings in the second quarter ending June 30, according to Bauer Financial’s bank star ratings released today.

Sink, Scott opening the special-interest floodgates

TALLAHASSEE — This weekend, Republicans and lobbyists for Florida’s biggest industries and interest-groups will gather around their new gubernatorial nominee and open their wallets to fund Rick Scott’s expected $50 million general election campaign at a plush resort in the heart of Walt Disney World. Likewise, Democratic nominee Alex Sink is already beating the bushes in Tallahassee to [...]

George Crossley -- Orlando preacher, convict, champion -- dies

Orlando lost one of its most unique personalities. George Crossley -- the fiery radio personality who went from die-hard conservative to jailhouse convict on his way to being a champion for the downtrodden -- passed away.

Florida: Quran Burning Sparks Security Concerns

Florida officials are growing increasingly worried about public safety surrounding a small Gainesville church's plan to burn the Quran this weekend. In addition to dealing with 90,000 fans and even more tailgaters expected for the Florida-South Florida football game, the Gainesville Police Department will have a number of officers on hand at the Dove World Outreach Center if its pastor Terry ...

Florida: Quran Burning Sparks Security Concerns

Florida officials are growing increasingly worried about public safety surrounding a small Gainesville church's plan to burn the Quran this weekend. In addition to dealing with 90,000 fans and even more tailgaters expected for the Florida-South Florida football game, the Gainesville Police Department will have a number of officers on hand at the Dove World Outreach Center if its pastor Terry ...

Robert Is Here Talks Exotic South Florida Fruit

Miami's own Robert is Here talks about his favorite local fruit. Miami - United States - Florida - Metro Areas - Miami-Fort Lauderdale

Hurricanes Baseball Player Arrested

A baseball player for the University of Miami was arrested Wednesday and accused of selling marijuana.

Florida Arrests Two Insurance Executives for Lying on Statements

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today the culmination of an extensive insurance fraud investigation with the arrest of Luis M. Espinosa, 60, and Rene M. Cambert, 55, on eight ...

Homestead-Miami Speedway off 2011 IRL schedule

Homestead-Miami Speedway is off the 2011 Indy Racing League schedule, a decision that some of the series' top drivers are not thrilled about ...

UM Ball Player Accused Of Selling Pot To Cop

A University of Miami baseball player was arrested after he allegedly tried to sell an undercover police officer marijuana. Coral Gables police spokeswoman Officer Kelly Denham said Frankie Ratcliff, 19, was taken into custody Wednesday night when he tried to sell one of their officers 21 grams of marijuana for $220 on the university's campus.

Florida State Vs. Oklahoma Preview: Five Matchups That Will Determine The Winner

On Saturday, Florida State will travel to Norman, Oklahoma to attempt a feat that, in the time of Bob Stoops, has only happened twice in 68 attempts—beat Oklahoma on their home turf. There may be no better time than now for Florida State to schedule Oklahoma. Why? First, early in the season some teams have not reached their peak and struggle against quality opponents. In this case, Oklahoma ...

College Football: Five Keys To A South Carolina Victory Over Georgia

This is the first big SEC game of the season. Number 24 South Carolina is visited by the number 22 Georgia Bulldogs. Could FIRST in the SEC East be at stake? Everything is a question mark with Florida's shaky play in week one. Georgia looked good against a terrible Louisiana Lafayette team, and South Carolina looked good against a pre-season hyped conference USA team. Either way, this game ...

Business Observer 09.09.10

+ Young professional wins statewide awards Willis A. Smith Construction public-relations specialist Elise Lipoff recently received an award for Outstanding Public Relations Program at the Florida Public Relations Association’s 2010 Golden Image Awards ceremony, in Naples.

Brave toddler’s in fantasy land thanks to Coleen Nolan

Plucky youngster Lleyton Coombes has finally jetted off on the holiday of a lifetime in Florida. Three-year-old Lleyton captured everyone’s hearts when his family began a campaign to raise enough cash to send him on a dream trip to Walt Disney World.

Orlando Mom Mistaken For Alleged Prostitute

Left: The fugitive Paola Londono, wanted for prostitution. Right: The innocent Paola Londono, mistakenly arrested while on vacation with her family. KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- An Orlando mother was arrested after disembarking from a cruise ship, mistaken for a suspected prostitute wanted in central Florida.

Mashonda to Keys: Don’t Have My Son Calling You Mommy

*Swizz Beatz’ ex-wife has a vent session in the October issue of Sister2Sister, firing back at those who believe his marriage to Alicia Keys was not rooted in an affair, and making it clear how she feels about Keys allegedly wanting her son to call the Grammy winner “mommy.” Mashonda Tifrere – who was married [...]

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show Opens Sunday in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - September 9, 2010) - Restaurant and foodservice industry professionals from throughout Florida will have the opportunity to gain ideas to boost their business, taste hundreds of new foods from all over the world, see dozens of new products, watch cooking demonstrations, and gain valuable information during the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show taking place at the ...

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show Opens Sunday in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - 09/09/10) - Restaurant and foodservice industry professionals from throughout Florida will have the opportunity to gain ideas to boost their business, taste hundreds of new foods from all over the world, see dozens of new products, watch cooking demonstrations, and gain valuable information during the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show taking place at the Orange County ...

USF excited about opportunity to face UF

TAMPA - Skip Holtz relishes the opportunity to take South Florida into The Swamp for the Bulls' long-awaited shot at playing Florida.

School beating suspect has Facebook supporters

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The 15-year-old Florida boy charged with stomping the head of a teenage girl and nearly killing her has a growing list of supporters on the...

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has safety concerns over 9/11 Quran burn

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's governor is concerned about safety at home and around the world, a feeling shared by national and world leaders, over a plan by the head of a small church to burn copies of Islam's holiest text to mark the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Florida's Pouncey looking to rebound from rough start

If you watched Florida's 34-12 victory over Miami (Ohio) in Week One (and your username starts with blitz...), Mike Pouncey's ball-snapping skills, or lack thereof, probably made you want to pull your hair out. Good news: Pouncey got the memo...

Florida's Pouncey looking to rebound from rough start

If you watched Florida's 34-12 victory over Miami (Ohio) in Week One (and your username starts with blitz...), Mike Pouncey's ball-snapping skills, or lack thereof, probably made you want to pull your hair out. Good news: Pouncey got the memo...

VEX Robotics World Championship to Be Held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on April 14-16, 2011

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich.----Dedicated to inspiring today’s youth to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education through robotics, the non-profit Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, in conjunction with VEX Robotics, today announced that the 2011 VEX Robotics World Championship will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World® Resort near ...

Suspect In School Beating Has Supporters

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The 15-year-old Florida boy charged with stomping the head of a teenage girl and nearly killing her has a growing list of supporters on the Facebook social networking site.

Florida vs. South Florida: Comparing QBs John Brantley and BJ Daniels

When the South Florida Bulls visit "The Swamp" to take on the Florida Gators, a very interesting matchup between two very talented players will take place on the Gainesville gridiron. While they will not be on the field together at any point during Saturday's contest, their performances will be compared and contrasted throughout the game. John Brantley and B.J. Daniels will lead the Gators and ...

Qubad Talabani in Orlando Reports on Democracy and Economic Progress in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Addresses Orlando Committee on Foreign Relations Thursday Evening

University of Florida graduates return for Black Alumni Weekend

Black University of Florida graduates were reminded about the struggle it took to attend the university, the importance of staying connected with their alma matter and having their stories about attending the school recorded at an annual event that featured a performance by the first black artist to perform at a long-standing Gator homecoming event.

Groups return to South Florida hotels

Slowly, and often at the last minute, the group hotel business that has been a mainstay of South Florida's visitor industry is creeping back. But corporate meetings look a little less grand than they did in the pre-recession era. Gone are lengthy affairs packed with golf mornings, spa afternoons and lobster-and-champagne dinners. In their place: shorter meetings arranged with an eye toward cost ...

Florida pastor's plan to burn Muslim holy book sparks opposition across South Florida

Counter events planned across region Virgil Villalta believes his son, a U.S. soldier who left last week to return to his post in Kuwait, is fighting for many things dear to our country, including a Florida pastor's rights to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

Florida pastor's plan to burn Muslim holy book sparks opposition across South Florida

Counter events planned across region Virgil Villalta believes his son, a U.S. soldier who left last week to return to his post in Kuwait, is fighting for many things dear to our country, including a Florida pastor's rights to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

Defiant Florida church says Koran burning to go ahead

A small Florida church has shrugged off global outrage and vowed to go ahead with a Koran burning ceremony amid growing fears it will ignite a wave of Islamic rage.

FloriDUH: Appellate judge's ruling could put DUI breath tests at risk

n appeals-court decision delivered Friday largely upholds Monroe County Court Judge Peary Fowler's ruling that limits local prosecutors' use of the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath-testing machine results in many drunk-driving cases. Judge Fowler ruled last year the state must be able to prove that results from machine are accurate, reports the Florida Keys Keynoter.

Florida education news: Kindles, class size, religion in schools and more

LOOK AT ALL THOSE KINDLES: Clearwater High prepares to go paperless , and questions still remain if Kindles really can replace books. (Times photo, Jim Damaske) CLASS SIZE CHALLENGE: The Florida Education Association gets its day in court to argue that Amendment 8 misleads voters and should not appear on the ballot. • Meanwhile, Marion schools (like most others) begin shuffling teacher and ...

Florida education news: Kindles, class size, religion in schools and more

LOOK AT ALL THOSE KINDLES: Clearwater High prepares to go paperless , and questions still remain if Kindles really can replace books. (Times photo, Jim Damaske) CLASS SIZE CHALLENGE: The Florida Education Association gets its day in court to argue that Amendment 8 misleads voters and should not appear on the ballot. • Meanwhile, Marion schools (like most others) begin shuffling teacher and ...

South Florida theater icon Brian C. Smith dead at 70

South Florida's theater community lost one of its pioneering figures when producer-director Brian C. Smith died at his Fort Lauderdale home just before midnight Tuesday.

North Tampa school events

Times staff Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Free weekend admission for teachers: In appreciation for Florida's K-12 teachers, the Tampa Bay History Center is offering free weekend admission to all teachers with a valid school identification through September. For others, admission is $12, $10 students with ID, $7 children ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 ...

FSU linebacker arrested, released on bail

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State starting linebacker Mister Alexander is in hot water with the law for missing a court date for driving without a license.

SE Florida Evangelism Conference to offer inspiration and instruction

MIAMI (FBC)—Small group seminars, presentations and discussions on successful and effective church evangelism efforts will be highlighted during the Southeast Florida Evangelism Conference set this month in Broward and Dade counties.

Florida imam hopeful church will call off Koran-burning event

Imam Muhammad Musri of Orlando meets with the Rev. Terry Jones and says they found common ground in the denunciation of terrorism. Jones, however, still plans to burn the Muslim holy book. Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida in Orlando, emerged from a meeting with the Rev. Terry Jones on Wednesday hopeful that the fervently anti-Islam church leader would call ...

FSU film animation school plans revealed

In West Palm Beach, plans to bring the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts, a digital animation college in conjunction with FSU’s Film School, was made public on Monday, Sept. 5, and is now waiting for the city’s approval.

FSU students set clothing aside, opt for underwear

Students at Florida State University will literally strip down on campus at the first annual Undie Run on Friday night, Sept. 10, to help benefit a Goodwill donation center in Tallahassee.

West Valley volleyball shuts down Shasta

The West Valley volleyball team proved it knows how to close out a match with its four-set home win over Shasta on Wednesday.

Denison to face Florida's Belle Glades Saturday

Each week in the Denison locker room, there are fliers hanging in the stalls referring to the upcoming opponent. This time around, there is a noticeably different tone to the slogan standing out on lime-green paper, since it refers not to a specific team or mascot but an entire state.