Alex Billos of New Port Richey offers his observations on the current financial turmoil. ...more

December 3, 2008

Gov. Charlie Crist announced today that Florida banks and mortgage lenders have agreed to delay certain foreclosure proceedings – an agreement industry leaders described as a "reaffirmation" of their practices rather than a major change. The announcement fell short of expectations that built up around Crist's initial comments last week about declaring a moratorium on foreclosures, possibly by executive order. Today, Crist made clear that the 45-day foreclosure freeze would be voluntary on the part of bankers and other participating lenders, giving homesteaded property owners the opportunity to renegotiate their payment plans. ...more

December 1, 2008

Given the economic problems dominating the headlines these days, it would not be surprising if people are feeling glum. At such moments of seeming gloom we should recall that the first Thanksgiving was held during the Civil War. ...more

November 26, 2008

Those desperate for a change can heave huge sighs of relief with President-elect Obama's victory, but must be realistic about significant change. Current bailouts have shown only relief for Wall Street bankers. ...more

November 26, 2008

Given the economic problems dominating the headlines these days, it would not be surprising if people are feeling glum. Housing sales continue to fall, thwarting hopes for a turnaround for a key component of the local, state and national economies. The "Big Three" U.S. automakers are jetting, hats in hand, to Congress and asking for money to help them stave off bankruptcy. Banks and other financial institutions need help from the Treasury clearing bad loans and other dubious investments from their books. With all this and more going on, retailers are worrying that the black in the traditional post-Thanksgiving Black Friday start to the holiday shopping season will refer to more than just the mood of shoppers battling large crowds and overflowing parking lots. ...more

November 26, 2008

The record profit Florida's home builders made during the boom years has given way to massive problems with cash flow and credit that builders blamed Monday on banks hoarding billions in federal bailout dollars. ...more

November 25, 2008

The record profit Florida's homebuilders made during the boom years has given way to massive problems with cash flow and credit that builders in a news conference today blamed on banks hoarding billions of federal bailout dollars. ...more

November 24, 2008

Those desperate for a change can heave huge sighs of relief with president-elect Obama's victory, but must be realistic about significant change. Current bailouts have shown only relief for Wall Street bankers. ...more

November 24, 2008

Raymond James Financial Inc. said this week it has applied to be part of a federal plan to boost capital in financial institutions and spur lending. ...more

November 22, 2008

Now the big three tells us they need an infusion of cash to the tune of about $25 billion. ...more

November 22, 2008