118 Number of new drug applications approved by the FDA in 2007 that investigators examined ...more

January 12, 2009

We are considering buying a townhome in a community and would like to obtain the minutes from past meetings as well as financial information, such as the funds in reserve for building maintenance and repairs. Are we entitled to this information before we make an offer and if so, can you tell us how to go about obtaining it? ...more

December 14, 2008

Q: Can a board of directors approve a special assessment simply to balance a budget? The members have been assessed what amounts to an additional fiscal quarter because the new board members have determined that there is a shortfall. Shouldn't a full membership vote be required for any assessments not deemed an emergency by the governor? BR, Naples ...more

October 5, 2008

Dear Savvy Senior What resources are available for researching charities? My husband and I recently received a nice inheritance from my mother and are interested in making a financial contribution but want to be sure the money is well spent. What can you tell us? ...more

July 9, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - The annual step increases in pay for Pasco County School District employees will be postponed for at least a month as negotiators for the employees' union and the school district wait to get a better handle on the budget. ...more

July 1, 2008

School Employee Step Increases Postponed By RONNIE BLAIR The Tampa Tribune LAND O' LAKES The annual step increases in pay for Pasco County School District employees will be postponed for at least a month as contract negotiators for the employees' union and the school district wait to get a better handle on the budget. "We're not even going to discuss that matter any more until the end of July until we get better financial information," Terry Rhum, the district's director of employee relations, said Monday. The school district and negotiators for United School Employees of Pasco agreed to postpone the pay increases and discussions about them during negotiations Monday. Rhum said in the next few weeks the district's finance department will be closing down the 2007-08 fiscal year, which ended Monday, and the financial picture for 2008-09 should become clearer. ...more

June 30, 2008

The receptionist's job can be an excellent steppingstone, entry-level job leading up the organizational ladder. The career gurus don't tell you that thousands of successful people started out as receptionists. ...more

December 16, 2007

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check out charitable organizations before making any donations. As the holidays get under way, charities are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Many collect about half their annual donations in the short time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Florida law requires most charities that do business in the state – regardless of where they are headquartered – to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures. There are 12,597 charitable organizations registered with the state. ...more

December 9, 2007

Dear Abby: While dining out these past couple of weeks, I have noticed something troubling. I have overheard several elderly people talking very loudly on their cell phones and giving out personal information. ...more

November 25, 2007

In regard to the recent article in the Tampa Tribune about Sen. Grassley's inquiry into mega churches financial information, you quote Alick Clark, a board member from Without Walls International Church. He states "I'm sorry to see all this happening. How many of these guys would be in ministry if there was no money in it? Not many, I can tell you." That statement says it all! ...more

November 22, 2007