The FZ28 is a very good bridge camera! 18x optical zoom, wow.
I am a total beginner too but I jumped straight in with a DSLR, a Nikon D40, it costs about the same as the FZ28. I got it just before Xmas and haven't really used it for a month or two but now the weather is improving I will be using it again.
Do you have a Flickr account? I would recommend getting one to upload your photos to and you can join groups and ask questions and stuff.
This is my photostream
Flickr: stonebear's Photostream