Thursday, April 25, 2013
One Bay area county is considering it and we’d like to get your take on the issue!
The days of smokers being able to light up in restaurants, public buildings and the workplace are long since over. After all, it’s common knowledge that smoking is bad for a person’s health and the health of others around the smoker. But, should smokers be denied employment? Pasco County is grappling with just that question as other Bay area agencies have made the switch to hiring only nonsmokers, citing skyrocketing insurance costs. Sarasota County already bans smokers from being hired. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has employed the anti-employment practice since 2008. Other employers, including hospitals and cities throughout the state have similar rules on the books. While the list of employers that won’t hire smokers climbs, the practice …
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The U.S. Senate voted down a measure that would require tougher background checks for those who purchase guns. We’d like to get your take on the issue!
President Barack Obama called the U.S. Senate’s April 17 vote denying stricter background checks for gun purchases “shameful.” The proposed law was shot down 54 to 46 with some Democrats joining Republicans in rejecting the measure, which was hoped to curb gun violence like that witnessed in the Newtown, Conn., massacre last year, according to the Huffington Post. The number of votes was less than the 60 needed to break a filibuster. If approved, the measure would have extended the country’s background check system to include gun shows and Internet purchases of weapons. The failure of the measure likely signals defeat for any other major legislation meant to clamp down on gun violence, the Post says. Other measures that “appear headed for …
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
As testing continues in classrooms across the state we’re wondering how your kids are holding up.
Quiet campus signs have gone up at schools across the Tampa Bay area as FCAT testing in Florida continues through April 26. Testing this week focuses on math, reading and science for kids in grades 3 through 10. The FCAT 2.0 writing tests were administered back in February for kids in grades 4, 8 and 10. During the week of April 22, more math and reading exams will continue for kids in grades 5, 6 and 9, according to the Florida Department of Education's website. In some grades, failure of an FCAT might mean a child is barred from progressing to the next grade level – or worse – denied the ability to graduate. While there are workarounds to help kids left behind catch up to their classmates, the fact of the matter is the test is a high-…
Monday, April 15, 2013
Here's a look at how our community is showing its support via social media.
As news broke Monday afternoon that at least two people died and another 22 were injured after two explosions occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, community members began to offer thoughts and prayers on Facebook. According to the Boston Marathon's website, at least on runner in this year's race listed Safety Harbor as her hometown. If you wish to search for 2013 Boston Marathon runners, click here. The following comes from our Facebook News Feed: Nolan's Pub The Crew here at Nolan's are praying for our brothers and sisters in Boston. As Americans we are resilient and we will perservere. Hold your family and friends tight. today and everyday. Cello's Charhouse Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston! Whistle …
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Jennifer Carroll’s resignation amid a racketeering investigation has Patch wondering if this affects your trust in government, Tampa Bay?
Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has resigned her post as a racketeering investigation into a nonprofit she was once affiliated with continues. That nonprofit, Allied Veterans, is accused of money laundering, siphoning profits and misreporting how much cash actually went to the charity, according to The Washington Post. The organization claims to help “fellow veterans in need,” according to its website. While no charges against Carroll have been filed, several people with connections to Allied Veterans have been arrested. Carroll resigned to prevent her “former affiliation with the company from distracting from the administration’s important work on behalf of Florida families,” a spokesman for Gov. Rick Scott is quoted as saying. The …
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Florida’s governor was adamant in his State of the State address that his policies have put us on the right path. What do you say, Tampa Bay?
Florida Gov. Rick Scott might have a new catchphrase. If his March 5 State of the State address is any indication that phrase is: “It’s working.” The governor gave his address as both the Florida House and Senate officially began their sessions. "We eliminated thousands of regulations on job creators. We paid down state debt for two years in a row," The Tampa Tribune reported him as saying. "We invested in priorities – like education. And, now our economy is on the rebound. It's working." Scott went on to defend his anti-tax and anti-spending policies. He also sent the message that his reforms have improved the state’s public schools. Throughout the address, he repeated the phrase: “It’s working.” Do you agree, Tampa Bay? What are your …
Sunday, March 3, 2013
We've got a terrific lineup of bloggers on Safety Harbor Patch. Here's a sampling of some of the more popular posts from the past week.
We enjoy the contributions of a number of bloggers each week on Safety Harbor Patch. Here are three of the more popular blog posts submitted to the site last week. An essay about a beloved pet from self-confessed 'cat lady'. By Melissa J. Dallago Inside the intimacy and charm of the downtown cafe. By Misann Ellmaker A look at the annual Safety Harbor Soup Cook Off. By Karen Vest
Sunday, February 24, 2013
We've got a terrific lineup of bloggers on Safety Harbor Patch. Here's a sampling of some of the more popular posts from the past week.
We enjoy the contributions of a number of bloggers each week on Safety Harbor Patch. Here are three of the more popular blog posts submitted to the site last week. Phyllis Shower, daughter of Safety Harbor Herald publisher Franklin Shower, visited the Safety Harbor Public Library last week. By the Safety Harbor Public Library staff. One woman's look at the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on America. By Amy Bryant Safety Harbor got some much deserved national recognition last week. By David Conkle
Monday, February 18, 2013
Mazzaro's Market in St. Pete is worth the gas and the time standing in lines. The prices are wonderful and it that "experience" that us foodies crave.
- OPINION
- On Patch
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Monday, February 18
Sunday, February 17, 2013
We've got a terrific lineup of bloggers on Safety Harbor Patch. Here's a sampling of some of the more popular posts from the past week.
We enjoyed the contributions of a number of bloggers each week on Safety Harbor Patch. Here are three of the more popular blog posts submitted to the site last week. Looking to add some spice to your love life? Then you must check out this blog post for an herbal inspiration to really get the sparks flying. By Julie Brannon An inside look at the popular downtown eatery. By Fritz Kirsch A troublesome signal light made one man see red. By David Conkle
1MommaG
5:40 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Of course government agencies should not hire smokers or drug abusers. Prospective government employees should submit to the same testing as prospective government welfare recipients. Oh, yeah, drug testing freeloaders was deemed discriminatory. Setting aside sarcasm now; all employers should be able to employ whoever they want, as long as they don't discriminate based on something a prospective … more ›