Ever notice how the mainstream press calls for and directs organized cheering for the Obama Administration? The cheerleader does so by deliberately choosing its words to convey support, present government policies positively and enhance the administration's public stature with the intent to influence popular opinion.

Posted - Wednesday, May 15, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

Letter carriers' nationwide food drive is Saturday.

On Saturday, May 11, the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct the nation's largest single-day food drive.

The nation's 175,000 letter carriers --- including those in South Florida --- will collect food donations left at mailboxes in more than 10,000 communities and deliver them to food banks and other hunger relief organizations, such as pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Posted - Friday, May 10, 2013 02:31 PM EDT

The Hurricane Hole would like to thank its customers, friends and families for pulling together to raise more than $14,000 in two separate benefits in April.

Posted - Friday, May 10, 2013 02:34 PM EDT

Publix store managers and associates present $117,763 check to United Way of the Florida Keys.

Next time you shop at a Publix store, take time to thank an employee wearing a "Live United" sticker on his or her badge for giving back to our community.

A total of 138 Publix associates throughout Monroe County have collectively pledged $65,663 in payroll deductions to our local United Way campaign - up 60 percent from $41,096 pledged last year.

Posted - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 07:01 AM EDT

Staff at the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in Marathon thanks its volunteers with a reception last month. Most volunteers are seasonal and serve as guides on the trolley, which offers visitors insight into the history and natural environment of the Keys.

I would like to acknowledge the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for a great job they did helping us with some cleanup work at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.

I needed some heavy lifters for a project at the Crane House. I called the Sheriff's Office in Marathon and Lt. James Sheagren and Sgt. Juan Morales immediately stepped up to help.

Posted - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 07:01 AM EDT

Movie Night in the Marathon Community Park was a huge success. The first-ever movie under the stars was seen by 150 Marathon residents.

Posted - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 07:01 AM EDT

Stanley Switlik Elementary School would like to thank Publix of Marathon for donating cupcakes each month as part of a schoolwide reading recognition program.

Posted - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 07:01 AM EDT

I have been a resident of Marathon since the fall of 1989. The people in this city I found to be the best ever.

Posted - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 07:01 AM EDT

Nurses serve a vital role in delivering quality, patient-centered care. They comfort, advise, listen and serve as advocates for patients, providing the human touch in medical care. Continually at the bedside, nurses always place their patients' well-being above all else.

Posted - Saturday, May 04, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

Letter writer Mr. Blackburn of Marathon certainly has a right to his opinions and I am not familiar with his issue. I just wanted to clarify that the Ted Blackburn of Islamorada (on the Village Council) is not the same guy. Thanks.

Posted - Saturday, May 04, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

I'd like to extend a sincere thank you to Tommy Gilmartin, owner of Marathon Plumbing.

Posted - Saturday, May 04, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

Citing a 2013 Moody's report, state House Speaker Will Weatherford recently noted that Florida is poised to once again grow at the rate of 1,000 new residents each day. Given the history of growth and development issues in our state, that is either good or bad news, depending on your perspective.

Posted - Saturday, May 04, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

Having served 30 years in the Miami-Dade Fire Department and retired as a battalion chief, I have never heard of a fire department run by management that was elected by the firefighters.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:50 AM EDT

The American Heart Association is supporting House Bill 525 and Senate Bill 392, which limit liability for schools that voluntarily open their playgrounds and facilities to community groups and individuals during non-school hours. HB 525 passed the Florida House.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

Eighty-five years ago, the Tamiami Trail opened to much fanfare. Showgirls on horses, civic boosters in hats and hundreds of Model Ts paraded down the two-lane road that promised untold riches.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

I am a local businesswoman and a Keys resident for more than 20 years. When I moved to Marathon about seven years ago, then-Marathon animal shelter Director Katie Bentley was one of the first locals I met.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:40 AM EDT

Earth Day was a good day to go to the beach and celebrate our good luck that it's oil free.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

I am amazed at the lack of understanding by the board of directors of Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys in the fiasco concerning the former director, Katie Bentley.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:40 AM EDT

It was disappointing and upsetting to see that the board of Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys evidently decided to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The forced resignation of Director Katie Bentley was made by a board that I would guess has few members who have participated in the actual operation of the shelter.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

The management and staff of Bahia Honda State Park would like to thank everyone who helped make the park's 18th annual Earth Day celebration a success.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 11:00 AM EDT