This proposed state tax on the cigar industry is outright gender bias. ...more

April 17, 2009

Cigarettes have been a relatively inexpensive addiction for smokers in Florida, even as a pack has neared $4 for most brands. ...more

March 27, 2009

State lawmakers say gambling bills that passed a Senate commitee today could plug a third of the state's $3 billion funding hole. ...more

March 25, 2009

Cigarettes have been a relatively inexpensive addiction for smokers in Florida, even as a pack has neared $4 for most brands. ...more

March 18, 2009

The 2009 regular session of the Florida Legislature is under way. The issue dominating the proceedings is the dwindling state government revenue stream. According to current estimates, planned spending for the state's 2010 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, will have to be cut by $5 billion. If not, there would be a budget deficit, which the state constitution bans. The Legislature could reduce the future red ink potential by asking the Florida voters to do away with the class size amendment to the state constitution they approved in 2002. Unfortunately, lawmakers may only delay class-size compliance a year and ask voters to approve a change in the way compliance is determined next year. ...more

March 4, 2009

Cases are piling up in Florida's courts. The prison population is growing. Assault, robbery, burglary and fraud are on the rise. ...more

December 17, 2008

My father recently died, and my siblings and I sold his house and split the profits according to his will. What would be the best way to keep from paying taxes on this gain? It's about $14,000. If I put it in a Roth IRA or regular IRA, would that shield me from the tax burden? Please give me some advice so it's not so devastating at tax time. ...more

August 21, 2008

As we write this reply, we always felt Hernando Today was very fair in reporting both sides of an issue. ...more

June 5, 2008