WASHINGTON - Brace yourself: The recession is projected to worsen this year. The country stands to lose a sizable chunk of economic activity in 2009 as consumers at home and abroad retrench in the face of persistent economic troubles. And the U.S. unemployment rate - now at 7.6 percent, the highest in more than 16 years - is expected hit a peak of 9 percent this year. ...more

February 23, 2009

TAMPA - It was played out. ...more

January 16, 2009

HIDE AND PEEK Don't fool yourself; peekaboo bra straps aren't pretty and they aren't fashionable. The Bra Barrette, is. This decorative, S-shaped device holds your bra straps together comfortably beneath your spaghetti strap dresses and tank tops. It's also a stylish piece of jewelry you can show off with your favorite evening wear or when layering winter favorites. They're available in five colors; some are decorated with jewels and charms and are interchangeable. Prices start at $4.99 at brabarrette.com. ...more

November 16, 2008

In his first full day on the job, Washington Mutual Chief Executive Officer Alan Fishman pledged to return the Seattle savings-and-loan to profitability even as investors grew more doubtful about its prospects. ...more

September 10, 2008

The biggest adventure going on at Safari Wild exotic animal park in Lakeland seems to be the effort to bushwhack through the bureaucratic mess that halted the project. ...more

August 18, 2008

The city of Tampa's budget theme for the 2009 fiscal year is "Commitment to Progress." Despite shrinking property tax revenue and a sluggish economy, we believe that the city should aggressively repair, maintain and improve its infrastructure. It is also important to maintain high levels of public safety and basic core services that the public depends upon. ...more

August 15, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama called Monday for using oil from the nation's strategic reserves to lower gas prices, the second time in less than a week he has modified a position on energy issues as he and Sen. John McCain seek to find solutions to a topic that is increasingly dominating the presidential race. ...more

August 5, 2008

Sen. John McCain's reversal of his position on offshore oil drilling diminishes his reputation as a straight-talking maverick. On this issue, he is offering a false promise of quick fixes to today's high gas prices. ...more

June 19, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - Less than a week after federal officials suspended a developer's right to develop part of its property, Cypress Creek Town Center officials today outlined plans to correct problems that last month flooded a nearby creek with muddy water. ...more

February 7, 2008

Valerie Iengo of Port Richey says the nation's economic problems are severe, contradicting Ernest Lane's letter "No Crisis." ...more

January 29, 2008