Getting back to normal in Imperial Polk County...well, almost.

School is out all week as the damage to facilities is being determines and repairs made as the cleanup continues in those areas slammed by the unwanted visitor named Charley, but the stores are being restocked and working folks are heading back to the job throughout the area. And Lakeland Ledger political columnist Bill Rufty is wondering in his piece today about the county's oldest continuing political rally: The Haines City Chamber of Commerce's Pig Roast

This is one of several similar events held throughout Polk County during the political season, where people can meet and greet candidates for a variety of public office, have a bite to eat and --- in some cases --- enjoy some down home entertainment. Most of these pig roasts, bar-b-ques, or whatever the sponsors care to call them, have a nominal admission fee which includes the cost of a dinner and also covers the costs incurred in putting on the event...$5-10 is average. However, the Haines City Chamber does it up BIG TIME, and their admission reflects it: $50 a person!

Not exactly the outing you used to take the family to that long ago, and certainly not an outing that a working person is able to afford today. It's actually just less than a ticket to get into Disney World! The Haines City Chamber does it at the Greenlefe Golf and Country Club, and Rufty wonders if it is the political rally it was founded to be, or now simply a annual fundraiser for the Chamber. Good question...we wonder, too!

And while on the political soapbox, last week there was supposed to be a radio debate between two candidates for the District 5 Congressional seat: Democrat John Russell of Dade City, and incumbant Republican Ginny Brown-Waite. It was to be broadcast on Auburndale/Lakeland radio station WTWB 1570, which is run by conservative activist and former Polk County Sheriff's Office PR spokesperson Lynne Breidenbach on a time share agreement with owner Carpenter's Home Church. Anyway, Congresswoman Brown-Waite was a NO SHOW, with no reason given or mention of her absence. Russell did get a debate, though, and held his own with Ms. Breidenbach --- who hosted the show the debate was to be held on --- for a good half hour on a variety of issues. Russell is a feisty young fellow who doesn't mind working with the other side when something good can come out of it, but will push back if pushed first.