Hispanics are nearly twice as likely as whites to be left without television service following the nationwide transition to digital broadcasting next year, according to a new survey. ...more

February 15, 2008

The "Digital Age" is coming to our TV sets. Beginning in February 2009, full-power broadcast stations will transmit digital-only signals, meaning that people who get their television programming over an antenna will be out of luck. That's going to mean acquiring new technology to make the switchover, whether that requires a government-issued converter box or a new television set, purchased on your own dime. Unfortunately, Hispanics are nearly twice as likely as whites to be left without television service after the nationwide transition to digital broadcasting next year, according to a new survey. Broken down by race, 8.8 percent of whites would not be ready; 11.7 percent of Asians, 12.4 percent of blacks and 17.3 percent of Hispanics. ...more

February 15, 2008

The senator took off his glasses, leaned forward in his chair and looked up at the five members of the Florida Public Service Commission above him on the dais. ...more

February 13, 2008

The Bush administration and six large mortgage lenders unveiled a plan Tuesday to offer 30-day reprieves to some homeowners facing foreclosure. ...more

February 13, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Florida Public Service Commission is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal from a private utility that could more than double its customers' bills. ...more

February 11, 2008

Despite remarkably quick passage, the government's economic aid plan and its cash rebates may come too late to prevent a recession this year. For many experts, however, the $168 billion boost to the lagging economy may mean the difference between a short downturn and something much more serious. ...more

February 10, 2008

TREASURE ISLAND - It's safe for members of roughly 30 households to drink their tap water this morning, two days after an underground water main break prompted a mandatory boil-water edict. ...more

February 7, 2008

TREASURE ISLAND - Members of roughly 30 households will have to boil their water for two days because a 16-inch underground water main broke early this morning, Pinellas County Utilities officials said. ...more

February 5, 2008

We're No. 2 in the nation. And while that sounds good, it's not. Florida ranked second in the country for its 2007 foreclosure rate, according to data released Monday from Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac, which monitors foreclosure activity. ...more

January 29, 2008

SEBRING — Riverside Bank has announced a sweepstakes in which winners will have one month's mortgage or rent paid for by the bank. The contest is created in response to a slumping economy at a time when most households are feeling the results of holiday spending. "We understand that many people in the home towns we serve are feeling the pinch of the difficult economy. We thought by presenting this sweepstakes, we could ease their pain a little," said John Williams, regional president in Highlands, Polk and Okeechobee counties. "By eliminating the responsibility of one month's mortgage or rent payment, winners can use their funds toward paying off other bills or whatever else they choose." ...more

January 27, 2008