Lessons in leadership from Tampa's former mayor Pam Iorio

The new book from former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Straightforward: Ways to Live and Lead, continues to earn local and national praise.

Judy Woodruff of the PBS NewsHour recently saluted Iorio's call for people in the political middle to re-engage instead of ceding control to groups on the far left and far right.

She's right. Many of us agree more than we disagree on key issues, but we let the disagreements derail progress. Times are too difficult for divisiveness. …

The Pinellas County Dental Association will support pro-fluoride candidates in 2012. In a related note, the Cavity Creeps have formed a political action committee and seeks donations. …

Seen on a bumper sticker: Knowledge Speaks. Wisdom Listens. …

The Lightning continues its seasonlong Community Heroes program Tuesday at the Flyers game. It recognizes an individual at every game with a $50,000 grant for a nonprofit.

But with registration for the second wave of nominees ending on Jan. 3, team officials want people to know that winners can come in all forms.

Anyone can make a nomination, and your choice doesn't have to be backed by a well-known nonprofit. It easily could be a friend or neighbor who keeps their superhero status a secret but deserves recognition.

Go to lightning.nhl.com. …

My daughter loves "The Elf on the Shelf," a mythical doll that served as Santa's eyes and ears, ensuring that she remained nice, not naughty leading up to Christmas. She named him Benjamin. It's cute, but to be honest, Benjamin gave me the creeps. With his constant glares, I'm glad he's back in his box.

That's all I'm saying.