Though the final quarter of 2008 brought the sound of fewer hammers, a low not heard of in at least 23 years, they haven't fallen silent. ...more

February 5, 2009

While many Tampa Bay area home builders have put down their hammers, some continue to start construction on new homes – just not very many of them. Area builders started construction on 932 single-family homes in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to Houston-based Metrostudy, which tracks new home construction, That's a 32.9 percent decrease from last year and the first time in at least 23 years that housing starts fell below 1,000 in a quarter. Why are builders building any homes in this economy? If they want to stay in business, they say they have to keep building at least some homes. ...more

February 4, 2009

A brutal, stunning freeze is forecast to envelop nearly all of Florida tonight, with temperatures dropping into the 20s except in Pinellas County and along narrow ribbons on the southeast coast and the Keys. ...more

February 4, 2009

Bargain hunters may be snatching up distressed existing homes, but they still seem skittish of new homes, according to a report released Thursday from the U.S. Commerce Department. ...more

January 30, 2009

TAMPA BAY AREA (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties) ...more

January 24, 2009

Unemployment is on the rise in Florida and the Tampa Bay area ...more

January 23, 2009

The weakening economy hit area builders extra hard at the end of 2008, when new home starts hit a record low. ...more

January 23, 2009

In 2008, many real estate companies had to cut back on services and resources but not Prudential Tropical Realty. The company took advantage of the slow housing market to expand operations and improve its services, says Robert Hilliker, vice president of sales and marketing. ...more

January 16, 2009

Edward C. Johnson of New Port Richey was disturbed to read that the mothers of the first babies born in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties in 2009 were unwed young women. ...more

January 10, 2009

Progress Energy may need more right of way for transmission lines through Hernando County, but that need will be "limited," the company said Friday. ...more

December 27, 2008