With little likelihood of getting state money next year for local projects, Hillsborough County commissioners instead asked legislators Tuesday to end state mandates that tie local governments' hands. ...more

December 3, 2008

If Pasco County schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino can persuade the school board to avoid a single layoff, maintain current salaries and not touch any classroom programs to combat an anticipated $16 million budget shortfall, she should be administrator of the year. ...more

May 11, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Guy Maxcy wants his fellow commissioners to consider an economic stimulus package for the local business community. We like that idea, and are game for anything that eases the desperate situation a growing number of businesses are in. We fear, though, that there is little that can be done on this level. Let's hope that isn't the case. ...more

February 20, 2008

It's obvious that state Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, has a real problem with young people showing their underwear. For three years he has filed bills that would require "fashion police" to patrol public schools and suspend kids wearing droopy drawers. Most of his efforts have failed in committee, but he's back with new legislation to deal with the adolescent crime of going beltless. ...more

January 20, 2008

It's become a familiar drumbeat among some Highlands County residents every time there is a mention of the downturn in the local real-estate market. Blame impact fees. Sure, impact fees add to the cost of a new home but what about hundreds of existing homes for sale. There is no impact fee weighing those houses down. The real-estate market in Highlands County is suffering for the same reasons that plague it nationwide. Buyers are waiting for prices to fall down further, the state's insurance premiums and property taxes are keeping homes out of the reach of average homeowners, and lenders have become extra wary of who they want to lend to. ...more

January 15, 2008