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

Costco Wholesale Corp., which had been one of the few bright spots in retailing, said Wednesday that its earnings will miss Wall Street expectations, as it struggles with higher energy costs that are crimping its bottom line. ...more

July 24, 2008

a rising billion in China and India determined to own automobiles and air conditioners. This increased demand for oil, natural gas and coal has almost nothing to do with the policies of America or the designs of OPEC. ...more

July 14, 2008

The economy remained "generally weak" heading into summer as rising costs for energy and food pounded consumers and forced some companies to push their own prices higher. ...more

June 12, 2008

Tax rebate checks gave consumers a little extra money in their pockets during May, but most were still spending conservatively, buying necessities such as food and gas and shying away from splurging on clothing or furniture. The result was some better-than-expected sales for the nation's retailers, with lower-priced merchants such as discounters and wholesale clubs showing the strongest gains. ...more

June 6, 2008

It was a small increase, but an increase just the same. Faced with rising energy costs to keep New Port Richey illuminated at night, city staff had recommended the city council raise the street-lighting fee by 22 percent. ...more

June 5, 2008

Dow Chemical Co. will raise its prices by up to 20 percent almost immediately to offset the soaring cost of energy, and the chief executive officer of the chemical giant lashed out at Washington on Wednesday for failing to develop a sound energy policy. ...more

May 29, 2008

TAMPA BAY AREA Hotel Building Ballroom The Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel in downtown Tampa has begun construction of a $3 million riverfront ballroom as part of $6 million in upgrades since Virginia-based Crescent Hotels and Resorts bought the hotel in September. ...more

May 21, 2008

The Pasco County Public Transportation system is facing an interesting dilemma. Just when rising gasoline prices might be tempting some to park their private vehicles and climb aboard a bus, PCPT officials are seeking County Commission approval for 100 percent fare increases for the county's fixed-route bus system and paratransit service for people with disabilities. PCPT, not surprisingly, is not immune from rising energy costs. ...more

February 12, 2008