Look at the state of affairs in this country and we see what dire straits our economy is in. The deficit is at an all-time high and employment is at an all-time low. In order to boost the economy, the banks are still offering adjustable rate mortgages, which in the long run will cause more foreclosures. ...more

December 26, 2009

In response to the column by Raleigh Whiteman dated Dec. 3, I'll take the bait. The fact that your children (spouses and grandchildren) are unable to spend Christmas with you is a good sign. They are setting up their own family traditions. It is a tribute to you and their mother. Feel blessed. Forget shopping. You will be wasting a lot of time and money trying to find things they don't need or want. They will also be doing the same for you. As the patriarch of the family, you have an opportunity to change things. Return the real meaning of Christmas; it will be the greatest gift of all. Here are some suggestions: Rather than gift cards, make a donation to a cause they believe in, in their name. Do they love animals? Cancer, diabetes, heart association and Alzheimer's associations are donations well spent (let them know ahead of time that this is your plan this year so they don't waste all their time and money on you.) ...more

December 8, 2009

Retailers reported dismal sales figures for December on Thursday as even Wal-Mart Stores, one of the bright spots in the industry, finally buckled under the pressures of the deteriorating economy. ...more

January 9, 2009

A little church has taken on a big project to help people in need. Refuge Baptist Church, with about 30 members, has started a "Yard Give-Away" program, collecting household items, furniture and clothes and setting them out on the church lawn on selected Saturdays, free to anybody who can use them. ...more

December 31, 2008

New county boss says budget demands it ...more

November 27, 2008

When he ran for county commissioner, James Adkins loudly proclaimed his stance as a fiscal conservative. ...more

November 27, 2008

It appeared to be here-we-go-again time for LHP Scott Kazmir after two innings Saturday. ...more

August 24, 2008

Just for a minute let's set aside all the bad things plaguing the financial world. Even in these gloomy times, there's some good news worth checking out. ...more

July 31, 2008

NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. The league and union, however, insisted the next three seasons won't be interrupted by a contract dispute and both sides are working toward a new deal. ...more

May 20, 2008

TAMPA - Cherene Clarke and her fiancé, Tommy Hill Jr., had just finished watching "Species: The Awakening," and had begun to slumber just before 7 a.m. Sunday in the living room of her East Tampa apartment. Then, the walls literally came crashing in. ...more

October 21, 2007