One theme of this year's "American Idol" fits in with the economic downturn. It's the season of the hard-luck story. ...more

March 10, 2009

Big patches of empty seats under the Atlanta Motor Speedway press box Sunday prompted Jeff Gordon to say he was "a little baffled." ...more

March 8, 2009

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the difficult economic times facing our citizens and the county. As you have probably read, Pasco County faces a $28.8 million shortfall in revenue due to the decline in property values. ...more

March 8, 2009

One by one on a recent Saturday, cars entered the empty parking lot and slowly circled Buffalo's Southwest Cafe. Eventually, the drivers noticed the printed sign taped to the front door before driving away: ...more

March 8, 2009

The United Food Bank is still tallying up the figures, but it appears a fundraiser featuring celebrity chef Jon Ashton brought in at least $40,000. ...more

March 4, 2009

Greg Sausaman was on Dunkin' Donuts' fast track in management in 2003 when he was summoned from Tampa to a meeting in Orlando. ...more

March 1, 2009

The economic downturn is forcing America's households to learn a tough lesson: how to fend for themselves. ...more

February 28, 2009

As the local economy continues to lose steam, Hillsborough County commissioners are pushing county officials to cut red tape so hundreds of building permits can move forward. ...more

February 26, 2009

As the local economy continues to lose steam, Hillsborough County commissioners are pushing county officials to cut red tape so hundreds of building permits can move forward. ...more

February 25, 2009

I read with interest the Tribune's Feb. 22 article regarding closure of the Smithfield Foods facility in Plant City. Like many communities across this great county, Plant City has had to cope with unprecedented challenges to our local, state, national and global economies. Our budgets are stressed by declining depository interest rates and rising operating expenses. We see our neighborhoods negatively impacted by the foreclosure crisis. We feel the pain when layoffs are announced. ...more

February 25, 2009