FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A Florida bug expert says banana spiders up to 4 inches long, common in the state's parks and recreational areas, aren't dangerous, but are nutritious. Florida - Fort Lauderdale Florida - United States - FORT LAUDERDALE - Biology

Name in Database Spurs Miami Airport Shutdown

MIAMI | The suspicions airport security officials had when they saw the metal canister grew when they learned about the man who brought it in from the Middle East: a scientist who sparked a bioterrorism scare after he reported missing vials of plague samples seven years ago.

Key West swims past Marathon

Although it was the opening meet, Key West High's Brandon Cyr and A.J. Hally looked in mid-season form Wednesday at the Florida Keys Community College pool. Cyr, a senior, and Hally, a junior, both swam personal bests in finishing one-two in the 100-yard freestyle (Cyr in 53.53 seconds, Hally in 54.18) as they led the Conch boys team to an easy 115-37 victory over a Marathon team that had only ...

Key West swims past Marathon

Although it was the opening meet, Key West High's Brandon Cyr and A.J. Hally looked in mid-season form Wednesday at the Florida Keys Community College pool. Cyr, a senior, and Hally, a junior, both swam personal bests in finishing one-two in the 100-yard freestyle (Cyr in 53.53 seconds, Hally in 54.18) as they led the Conch boys team to an easy 115-37 victory over a Marathon team that had only ...

FWC rejects spearfishing for permit, for now

As one of Florida's "rock-star game fish," permit need more protection, state fishery managers decided Thursday.

Southwest Florida beach conditions report

Get the latest information on Southwest Florida beach conditions courtesy of Mote Marine Lab.

Citizen complaints lead to drug arrest in Fort Myers

Bimbo, Sedrick D. FORT MYERS : One man is in custody facing felony charges after several citizen complaints led police to a suspected drug house, according to a Fort Myers Police Department release.

Fans Fight At Miami Football Game (VIDEO)

A bunch of college students brawled at the University of Miami football game against Florida A&M on Thursday night. The fight broke out in the upper deck of the stadium.

Conchs look good but fall to Pace

No Key West High School volleyball team had ever played better. "Absolutely," said senior Jess Bodmer. "Without a doubt," said coach Jessy Hulme. Key West didn't win Thursday's non-district match before its rabid fans at the Bobby Menendez Gym -- Monsignor Pace prevailed, 25-22, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21 -- but the Conchs never backed down against the perennial volleyball power from Opa-locka.

Unremarkable start for golfing Conchs

The promising Key West High golf team opened the season in an unpromising way Tuesday, finishing sixth among 12 teams at the Westminster Christian Invitational at the Biltmore Hotel course in Miami.

Florida soldier killed in Afghanistan

A Florida man was among four soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week, the Pentagon announced Friday. Enemy forces used a roadside bomb on Tuesday to attack the vehicle in which Pfc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, was riding in Logar province, a Department of Defense announcement said. He was promoted to the rank of Specialist posthumously.

Border Patrol beefs up for holiday weekend

In anticipation of a busy Labor Day weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents were fanning out in teams to specific South Florida marinas to process small vessel arrivals, including in-person immigration processing.

USF Scientists revisit oil spill zone

Marine scientists from the University of South Florida are taking another trip out to study the effects of the Gulf oil spill.

Fort Myers man arrested on drug charges

A Fort Myers man was arrested Friday during the search of an apartment on Metro Parkway.

Florida celebrates: Life's a beach again

PENSACOLA BEACH — Hotel rooms are nearly sold out here for the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend, bolstering expectations that this will be the busiest weekend since the BP oil spill in April.

LeBron James Needs to Quit Acting like a 13-Year-Old Girl

LeBron James is once again back in Ohio, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Florida Marlins Say Altercation With Washington Never Happened (Satire)

The Florida Marlins have publicly stated that whatever media sources are reporting a brawl during their game last night are false. Major League Baseball says that since there were no fans at the Marlins game last night, there are no witnesses to prove otherwise.

Weekend Time Schedule

All Times EDT Saturday BASEBALL American League Toronto at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox at Boston, first game, 1:05 p.m. L.A. Angels at Oakland, 4:10 p.m. Texas at Minnesota, 4:10 p.m. Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox at Boston, second game, 7:10 p.m. Detroit at Kansas City, 7:10 p.m. Cleveland at Seattle, 10:15 p.m. National League N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs , 1 ...

FSU aims to 'make some noise'

After a disappointing campaign in 2009, the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team enters this season invigorated by an influx of young talent and the return of several key players.

Florida education news: Longer school days, graduation requirements, failing schools and more

MORE TIME ON TASK: Pinellas Gibbs High School considers adding an extra hour of class time daily to help improve the F-rated school's academic performance. NOT SO BAD: Hernando school enrollment rises to a financially acceptable level after initial numbers came in well below expectations. LITTLE OVERSIGHT: The Florida Department of Education doesn't regulate private schools , leading to ...

Florida education news: Longer school days, graduation requirements, failing schools and more

MORE TIME ON TASK: Pinellas Gibbs High School considers adding an extra hour of class time daily to help improve the F-rated school's academic performance. NOT SO BAD: Hernando school enrollment rises to a financially acceptable level after initial numbers came in well below expectations. LITTLE OVERSIGHT: The Florida Department of Education doesn't regulate private schools , leading to ...

Florida education news: Longer school days, graduation requirements, failing schools and more

MORE TIME ON TASK: Pinellas Gibbs High School considers adding an extra hour of class time daily to help improve the F-rated school's academic performance. NOT SO BAD: Hernando school enrollment rises to a financially acceptable level after initial numbers came in well below expectations. LITTLE OVERSIGHT: The Florida Department of Education doesn't regulate private schools , leading to ...

West County booters poised for strong soccer season

The West County has long been a hot-bed for boys high school soccer, thanks in large part to the strong El Mo teams of the early 90’s, and the nearly two decades of dominance enjoyed by Analy.

Florida is growing again, but very slowly

Florida may have seen a slight population increase between 2009 and 2010, but experts at the University of Florida say the small boost indicates the economic recovery has a long way to go.

Keys to the game

The game Kentucky (0-0) at Louisville (0-0)When: 3:30 p.m.

Private equity players bet big on Florida banks

By Jeff Harrington, Times Staff Writer Friday, September 3, 2010 Dan Healy and his old friend John Kanas have covered a lot of common ground since their North Fork Bank in Long Island, N.Y., became part of Capital One a few years ago. Both jumped into Florida banking by matching private equity dollars with fizzling banks. Kanas' group bought the failed BankUnited last year and recapitalized what ...

Wealthy step up purchases of ultra-luxury cars

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sales of some exotic luxury automobiles have revved up this year as affluent Americans indulge more freely in these pricey pleasures.

Central Florida awaits Coyotes

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of South Dakota football team, striving to get the passion of Coyote Nation to burn a little hotter, will face an NCAA Division I bowl-eligible team today that has dealt with the same challenge on a larger scale. The Coyotes open the season at Central Florida, which joined the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks in 1996, joining a prominent and successful group of ...

Central Florida gives birth to a Christian film industry

ORLANDO, Fla. - The movies already have a Hollywood and a Bollywood, but some local filmmakers see Central Florida staking its claim as "Holywood."

It's Gameday: Florida State vs. Samford

Saturday afternoon marks a new beginning for the Florida State football game. It will be inaugural game with...

Skip Holtz era begins at home for South Florida

TAMPA — The Skip Holtz era is set to begin at South Florida, and the new face of the Bulls can hardly contain his enthusiasm.

LAWRENCE: Local teens have an âAmerican Idol Experienceâ

A trip to Disney World is a dream come true for many young persons. For Avery Epstein of Princeton and her friend Taylor Blanton of Lawrenceville, the dream came true, along with an unexpected role in the park’s “American Idol Experience” and a chance to audition for the hit television show.

FSU's Fisher making coaching debut vs. former school

Jimbo Fisher says he has a lot of wonderful memories from his playing and coaching days at Samford. Now he'd like to add another, but at the expense of the school that gave him his start.

Miami Hurricanes De-Fang Florida A&M: Rattler Band Prevails

The luxury of not having to kick off the 2010 college football season against the Bobby Bowden-less Florida State Seminoles is a benefit. Starting off against the Rattlers of Florida A&M perks up the benefit that much more for the Miami Hurricanes. Only one condition. Miami understood good and well that a statement was in order playing Florida A&M. Blow the scoreboard out of control, move the ...

Florida's defensive front has much to prove

GAINESVILLE – Miami University may not be the most demanding test for Florida’s unproven defensive line this season. But this much is undeniable: It is the first. The fourth-ranked Gators’ defensive front has much to prove beginning today when...

Florida High Rolls Over FAMU High Rattlers

The Florida High Seminoles scored 35 points before halftime Friday night.

Class A Tampa clinches division title

Sean Black has allowed two runs over 13 2/3 innings for Tampa. (Mark LoMoglio/MiLB.com)

FSU's Fisher anxious as coaching debut draws near

Jimbo Fisher's last play on a football field was for Samford. His first play as a college coach will be against the same small Alabama school.

TDC asks BP for $1 million

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has asked BP for $1 million to help put the word out that Florida Keys beaches and waters are oil-free. read more

New waterfront plan takes shape

Key West residents and city officials are calling for less talk and more action at the Truman Waterfront, and a new citizens group is ready to act. read more

Pizza a highly prized commodity on streets

KEY WEST -- Two people told police they were attacked on Southard Street early Thursday by a man demanding a slice of their pizza. Officers could not find the suspect, who was described as 40 to... read more

Citon perfect as Bagatelle blasts Saturday's on Tuesday

KEY WEST -- - Michelle Citon had a perfect night at the plate for Bagatelle, going 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two triples, and her team's defense was flawless as Bagatelle handed Saturday's a... read more

Dengue fever is a serious threat that should not be lightly dismissed

As a longtime member of Florida's Interagency Arboviral Task Force and an expert on mosquito-borne diseases, I have been monitoring the dengue outbreak in Key West with more than a passing interest.... read more

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Thumb up: Environmental foundation wants to lower lionfish population

NO MOOD FOR LION: The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Reef Environmental Education Foundation has announced plans for a series of derbies to be conducted this month in which divers can win prizes for removing invasive lionfish from waters in the Keys.

USF begins Skip Holtz era

TAMPA — Skip Holtz looks around the practice field and prefers to see hope rather than allow himself to be blinded by question marks.

Center where 2-year-old girl died to close

FORT LAUDERDALE -- The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County helped dozens of parents find new child care services before ending its contract today with Katie's Kids Learning Center in Delray Beach. The nonprofit group was paying for about 45 children to attend the day care center, where 2-year-old Haile Brockington died last month after being left alone for six hours in a hot van.

Hollaway named Sarasota's new police chief

Mikel Hollaway, Sarasota's new police chief, became a police officer by accident.Years ago,

In Florida, scant oversight of private schools

Bradenton Preparatory Academy owner Hendrik Lamprecht recently told parents the school had received

Sarasota Redskins: 50 years of football

Larry Kennedy would become a star at the University of Florida, but first he was a sniveling little