Last spring, the cigar industry fretted that the federal government might tax so-called "little cigars" into oblivion. ...more

November 4, 2009

This proposed state tax on the cigar industry is outright gender bias. ...more

April 17, 2009

Cigar-rolling put Tampa on the map, but some cigarmakers say a new federal tax on tobacco could stub it out. ...more

April 2, 2009

MIAMI — Inside the rolling room of El Credito Cigar Company, the air is earthy and fragrant, a mix of coffee and nuts tinged with caramel and leather. Amid those sweet smells, though, workers are worried about a new federal tobacco tax that threatens Florida's $2 billion cigar industry. Starting today, the tax increased from 5 cents to about 40 cents on large cigars, a little less on smaller stogies. Cigar makers say the increase will torch jobs and profits — what's left of them in the recession. ...more

April 1, 2009

The Florida Senate appears to have come to consensus on a $1 a pack cigarette tax increase, plus comparable taxes on other tobacco products including cigars - news that raised an alarm for Tampa's cigar industry Monday. ...more

March 31, 2009

The state Senate appears to have consensus on increasing taxes on tobacco products. ...more

March 30, 2009

Ford Makes Deal On UAW Fund The United Auto Workers and Ford Motor Co. said Monday they agreed to let the automaker change how it pays for a health care trust fund for retired workers. Ford said the agreement allows it to make payments to the union-managed trust with up to 50 percent of company stock instead of cash. ...more

February 24, 2009

An anonymous donor has promised to give $1.5 million to the Tampa Bay History Center in the form of a challenge grant. ...more

February 17, 2009

An anonymous donor has promised to give $1.5 million to the Tampa Bay History Center in the form of a challenge grant. ...more

February 16, 2009

The U.S. House on Wednesday approved a major expansion of federally funded health coverage for children, a measure that would slam cigar manufacturers in Tampa and across the country with a big tax increase. ...more

January 15, 2009