The First Priority Bank of Bradenton has closed, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the state Office of Financial Regulation announced today. ...more

August 1, 2008

An Avon Park maintenance man formerly employed as a subcontractor with Maronda Homes was free Friday on $43,000 bail, after he was arrested on charges of defrauding another subcontractor out of $43,827.26 by diverting his checks, according to a sheriff's arrest report. ...more

July 14, 2008

What's your address? That seemingly simple question is baffling eight homeowners on a quiet street in Wellswood. All came home to letters from the city last month explaining their address had been changed and most major utility companies and the post office had been notified. ...more

July 13, 2008

When Jason Bartlett went on the disabled list July 3, the Rays called up not one but two shortstops to replace him. They haven't come close to doing the job. ...more

July 13, 2008

Dear Edith: Awhile back you had someone ask you about reverse mortgages. I lost the article; therefore, would you please let me know how to attempt the process of getting a reverse mortgage. I will be 62 on December 26 of this year. Does your credit standing have to be excellent or will a person with fair credit be acceptable? Also, right now I have a payment agreement with my mortgage company until a year from July. ...more

July 13, 2008

IndyMac Bank's assets were seized by federal regulators on Friday after the mortgage lender succumbed to the pressures of tighter credit, tumbling home prices and rising foreclosures. ...more

July 12, 2008

AVON PARK -- An Avon Park maintenance man formerly employed as a subcontractor with Moronda Homes was free Friday on $43,000 bail, after he was arrested and accused of defrauding another subcontractor out of $43,827.26 by diverting his checks, according to a sheriff's arrest report. Charles Michael Detore, 60, also known as "Chuck" of 2420 State Road 17 S., Avon Park, was booked into the Highlands County Jail on Thursday, on charges of grand theft $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, fraud – swindle obtaining property $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, fraud – impersonation by misrepresenting himself to commit personal ID fraud, forgery of or altering a bank bill, note, check or draft and fraud by issuing a false bank bill, note, check or draft. ...more

July 11, 2008

There are still plenty of spaces available for the second of three softball camps hosted by Plant City High coach Heidi Kouveras. ...more

July 9, 2008

TAMPA - A woman on probation for felony organized fraud and other offenses is accused of bilking a local business out of as much as $100,000 through forged checks, police said. ...more

June 12, 2008

Plant City High coach Heidi Kouveras is hosting three softball camps for ages 9 to 14, with the first one set for June 13 and 14. ...more

June 4, 2008