It will be difficult, dangerous and plain foolish to balance next year's budget through spending cuts alone. So why is there no discussion of an increase in the county gasoline tax? With every single source of revenue in decline, and little reason to expect a reversal anytime soon, the BOCC must look for additional sources of income. Five cents per gallon would generate $20 million for Hillsborough County. Such a broad-based tax would create significant revenue while minimizing the pain. It is hard to argue an additional $1 per tankful is an unmanageable burden when gas was $2 a gallon higher just a few months ago. But this is more than a source of badly needed funds. It is the type of policy we need to wean ourselves off oil and reduce emissions. No one likes a tax increase, but compared to some of the budget cuts being proposed, it is the lesser evil. As one local baseball manager might say, 5 cents equals $20 million. ...more

May 2, 2009

A state lawmaker says Florida should place restrictions on brokers like two Pinellas County companies that are accused of pocketing deposits made on big trucks and heavy equipment. ...more

January 7, 2009

Charlie Amaral of New Port Richey wants Pasco County to be careful in investing its public funds. ...more

November 19, 2008