Marcia Lightsey of Lake Wales, whose family owns several Central Florida cattle ranches known for their progressive environmental practices, has been selected to receive the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award for 2009. ...more

December 27, 2009

With 76 percent of the vote, the Florida citrus growers overwhelmingly voted to continue funding a self-imposed tax to conduct canker and greening research for another six years. Consensus was reached through a statewide referendum that concluded Wednesday. ...more

December 14, 2009

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continues to expand the global market reach of Florida products with a new promotion that will feature Florida strawberries in Ireland during December. The Ireland-based grocery chain SuperQuinn has partnered with the department and will promote Florida's premier winter berry crop to shoppers. ...more

December 13, 2009

Its charity status with the state expired in July. As far as the Better Business Bureau is concerned, it is "no longer in business." ...more

December 13, 2009

The issue: Union fundraiser spends 85 percent of collections on salaries and other expenses. Our opinion: A disgraceful practice that unions should cease and lawmakers should investigate. ...more

December 13, 2009

A telemarketing agency collected nearly a half-million dollars on behalf of area fire unions in 2007. ...more

December 3, 2009

Those considering opening their hearts and wallets during this holiday season are advised to do a background check before donating to charities. ...more

December 3, 2009

Average number of permit applications per month in Hillsborough County from July 1 to Feb. 28, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. That's up from an average of 312 a month from July 2007 to June 2008 and just 287 a month the year before. ...more

April 1, 2009

TAMPA Fear has some people turning to guns for protection. ...more

April 1, 2009

The Tampa Bay area is on pace this year to exceed permit applications from previous years, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Some people are worried about the recession; others believe a new president will mean bans on weapons. ...more

March 30, 2009