Declining consumer confidence took a bite out of restaurants' sales and profits in 2008, leading to bankruptcy filings at casual-dining chains, such as Bennigan's, and the closure of more than 600 Starbucks locations. ...more

January 2, 2009

Cases are piling up in Florida's courts. The prison population is growing. Assault, robbery, burglary and fraud are on the rise. ...more

December 17, 2008

Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel patrons got a big surprise Thursday when the Seminole Tribe of Florida opened 104 tables for blackjack and baccarat games at 5 a.m. ...more

November 14, 2008

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened 104 Class III tables for blackjack, baccarat and other table games at 5 a.m. today. By 10:30, all of the tables had players, despite the fact that the casino did not advertise the additions. ...more

November 13, 2008

Say an absentee landlord owns the house next to yours. Neither of you keep up your mortgage payments. ...more

October 18, 2008

Krispy Kreme's signature glazed doughnuts may be best hot, but its sales have been anything but in recent years. Now the chain is hoping that going cold - with its new soft-serve ice cream - will be the catalyst it needs. ...more

September 23, 2008

Wondering what airlines will charge you for next? Try pillows and blankets. JetBlue Airways said Monday that it would sell a pillow and blanket set for $7 on flights of two hours or more. The set, which passengers can take home, includes a 10-by-12 inch pillow and a fleece blanket, which fit into a carrying case. ...more

August 5, 2008

Continental Airlines said Sunday it has abandoned merger talks with United Airlines and plans to remain an independent carrier, a blow to lengthy efforts by United to find a merger partner. ...more

April 28, 2008

I try to provide advice to keep people from plunging into debt during the season of shopping madness. ...more

December 2, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - At 9:30 this morning, the sheriff's office will open the bidding on land just off Collier Parkway that was approved for an office building in 2005. ...more

October 22, 2007