Pasco County commissioners this morning get their first look at the proposed 2009-10 budget – a spending plan that promises to make major changes in the way county government responds to residents. ...more

July 14, 2009

Dozens of orchestras across the nation can keep playing for now, kept in tune by federal stimulus dollars aimed at saving jobs. ...more

July 11, 2009

Job hunters might find what they're looking for at a magazine-sponsored fair this morning. ...more

July 10, 2009

The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits last week fell to lowest level since early January, largely because of the auto industry. ...more

July 10, 2009

Highlands County Administrator Michael Wright was quick to mention an increase in the millage rate from 7.1 mills to 8 mills to balance the county budget. This would be adding insult to injury for homeowners in Highlands County. ...more

July 7, 2009

The Tampa Police Department announced today that it will cut 36 civilian positions from its 2010 budget, although only four employees will lose their jobs. ...more

July 1, 2009

Enough is enough. I'm tired of high taxes and insurance rates. ...more

June 25, 2009

I try to keep up with the news every day, however I fail to see anything in it about the real reason for our depression: Lots of chiefs and not enough Indians. ...more

June 24, 2009

Last Friday, the Pasco County Commission began reviewing the county's proposed budget for fiscal 2010. With the collapse of the Florida real estate-housing sector, on top of the nationwide economic slowdown, the county's projected revenue could fall about $37 million short of the planned spending in the $900 million-plus budget. Commissioners have received a list of proposed spending cuts meant to close the budget gap. "This is going to hurt a lot of people, seriously," County Commissioner Pat Mulieri said after pondering the cut list. ...more

June 17, 2009

Forecasters predict a relatively mild hurricane season this year. If their projections bear out, it couldn't come at a better time. Floridians face the worst recession since the 1930s, with double-digit unemployment rates, broad job losses across several industries and a disastrous real estate market clogged with foreclosures and vacant homes. In a state reliant on tourism and housing, a major hurricane could plunge the economy into an even steeper decline. Perhaps we'll be fortunate again. If not, here's a look at the grave effects of a major storm on Florida's historically vibrant economic engines: housing, tourism and jobs. ...more

June 14, 2009