Local business helps those on a budget. ...more

December 28, 2009

Q. I am rather new to this area, and as I have always worked for big corporations, I am very new to small business. I presently work at a business I would like to own. The owner has offered to sell me the franchise. I am very intrigued by the possibility of owning this business, but have zero experience from which to draw. I am 50 years old, in good health, willing to work hard and have very good credit (but no cash). My husband is very supportive of this idea and will be a very large presence in running this franchise. However, he is still years from retirement and generally puts 40 to 50 hours into his job weekly. Could you possibly direct me to the type of advisor that would be the most helpful? I don't know how viable an option this would be, and while I don't want to pass up an opportunity to increase our retirement nest egg, I don't want to jump into something that could become an albatross. I appreciate your time and input on this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you. ...more

December 23, 2009

Citigroup's surprisingly low pricing of a stock offer this week provides a clear sign that investors are still nervous about the banking giant's ability to regain its financial health. ...more

December 18, 2009

National health care has become the rule in every industrialized country in the world except for the richest one, the United States. This is a national disgrace that must end. Since the insurance industry has decided to place profitability before patient care, your help is necessary to end this morally reprehensible practice and once and for all guarantee Americans health insurance as a right. Many eyes are trained on Congress now and failing to carry out this popular mandate will surely jeopardize your personal chance for re-election. Do your duty and help protect the electorate which has allowed you the great privilege of service in Washington. Don't let yourself or your constituents down; you know what is right, and vote for health care reform. ...more

November 11, 2009

Patti Constantino-Martin of Spring Hill wants an end to bailouts and the government to seize the assets of the executives of failed financial institutions. ...more

February 25, 2009

Fresh off its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase, Washington Mutual has closed 11 locations in the Tampa Bay area. ...more

February 17, 2009

Sparton Corp. announced Friday it had cut 6 percent of its workforce - including 24 employees at its Hernando County location. ...more

February 7, 2009

USA3000 Airlines, which discontinued service to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in August because of high fuel prices, continues its re-emergence at the Pinellas County airport. ...more

February 3, 2009

USA3000 Airlines, which discontinued service to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in August because of high fuel prices, continues its reemergence at the Pinellas County airport. ...more

February 2, 2009

Retailers are suffering through one of the most difficult holiday seasons in years, slashing prices by 70 percent and 80 percent and offering other deals in a desperate effort to ring up more sales. ...more

December 24, 2008