By Andrea Holata BRIGHTON — Twenty-one young girls and boys competed for the honor to represent the Brighton Reservation as Seminole royalty on May 24. In addition to the customary titles of Jr. Miss and Miss Brighton, Little Mr. and Miss were added to the competition. "During the planning stages for this

BRIGHTON — After years of planning and much anticipation, the Department of Elder Services opened the doors to its new senior center, a 17,500-square-foot facility set on 7.5 acres on the Brighton Reservation, on May 24. Hundreds gathered outside the building, braving the midday heat to celebrate the occasion. "It took over

By Braudie Blais-Billie BIG CYPRESS — Picture a trio of chefs who travel the world, conquer cooking challenges and throw a spear at a target with about 20 percent accuracy. Tribal member Sam Tommie got the chance to witness just that as he taught chefs of the TV show No Kitchen

BRIGHTON — Featuring a unique, "diabetes friendlier" menu, the new Brighton Trading Post Subway store officially opened June 18 with music and a popular, hands-on nutrition display by the Tribe’s Health Department. A free lunch was provided for a gathering of several hundred Tribal members, friends, tourists and staff beneath

By Judy Weeks "In God we trust" has always been a part of the foundation of the Seminole culture. The Seminoles are a spiritual people with a strong belief in the power of their Creator, Breath Giver or God, who has given life to the land and its inhabitants of which

By Ryan Watson WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Seminole Police Explorers traveled to Washington, D.C. for National Police Week from May 13-16. Twenty-two Seminole Police Department (SPD) personnel accompanied 66 Explorers and 21 family members on the trip. "It’s an opportunity to fellowship with all the staff, not only with the Explorers, but

BIG CYPRESS — In recognition of National Foster Care Month during May, the Family Preservation program of the Family Services Department recognized the nearly 70 Tribal families who have opened their homes to foster children. The parents and staff met at the Big Cypress Community Center on May 30 for a

WHITE SPRINGS — Way up along the Suwannee River, the Florida Park Service put on the 60th Florida Folk Festival during Memorial Day weekend. The event combined sterling performances by folksinger Arlo Guthrie and country star John Anderson with a near-record heat wave and a big, fat, unpredictable pile of

By Judy Weeks IMMOKALEE — The old adage that all good things are worth waiting for summed up the enthusiasm of Immokalee Board Liaison Dorothy Scheffler as she accepted the keys to her new house on the Immokalee Reservation. "It’s been seven years since I decided it was time to do something