A Feb. 2 arraignment date has been set for a Sebring man accused of stealing almost $125,000 from an area pawn shop. John Anthony Hernandez, 29, of 1209 South Canal Blvd., Sebring, was arrested Sunday on warrants charging grand theft of $100,000 or more, five counts of third-degree vehicular grand theft and one count each of dealing in stolen property, obtaining property of $50,000 or more and uttering a false instrument. ...more

January 13, 2009

If the FDA regulated the media, it would require all stories about the economy to carry this warning: "Dizziness and pangs of existential angst may result. Do not read if you suffer from gloominess or are prone to bouts of anxiety. If you are near retirement age or work in the auto industry, consult with a physician before reading." ...more

January 1, 2009

Florida Strawberry Festival officials say they are alarmed that scalpers are asking steep prices for tickets to the festival's headline concerts, even though tickets remain for each show. ...more

December 17, 2008

We are the United States of Stuff Buyers. Seventy percent of our gross domestic product is tied to consumption. But these days, many of us are also short on cash, either literally or psychologically. ...more

December 14, 2008

The security game plan for Super Bowl XLIII involves screening the backgrounds of more than 30,000 vendors and volunteers and restricting flights around Raymond James Stadium, officials said Wednesday, when about 70 representatives from local, state and federal agencies met to prepare for the National Football League championship game on Feb. 1. ...more

December 11, 2008

TAMPA A man who stole scores of laptop computers across the country, then sold them on eBay, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today. U.S. District Judge James Moody imposed the maximum statutory sentence on Eric Brandon Almly, 34, exceeding federal sentencing guidelines by two years. ...more

December 10, 2008

I've been known to cry in the supermarket when I hear "I'll Be Home for Christmas." When I'm really touched, I sob. Other people don't like sobbing in public, as I found out when I was asked to leave the movie "Imitation of Life," I was attending long ago with several high school girlfriends. So far I've never been chastised for crying over Walter Kent's well-known song. However, I'm sure I'm on borrowed time, as I make a blubbering nuisance of myself every year. ...more

December 10, 2008

Tough economic times are forcing some storage unit renters to stop paying their monthly fee. After they are given several warnings via certified mail, their stuff is auctioned -- and there are people waiting to bid. ...more

December 9, 2008

So many questions. One answer. Who will be the Southeastern Conference champion and most likely earn a shot at the BCS Championship Game? No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Florida have come to the Georgia Dome for today's SEC title game to decide the conference's first matchup between the top two teams in the Associated Press rankings. ...more

December 6, 2008

With the economy in a tailspin, consumers may be looking for every edge they can get this holiday season when they shop for bargains. ...more

November 26, 2008