How ironic that Republicans, one of whom I first supported over 20 years ago, and one who pledged never to impose new taxes when he came seeking my assistance in running his first campaign several years ago, would be the leading proponents of a new tax that could siphon as much as $300 million per year from the residents of Hillsborough County. ...more

December 1, 2009

In 1985 Gov. Bob Graham's administration placed an important legal framework in place in Florida to control rampant, undisciplined growth that threatened wetlands, induced traffic congestion and promoted random sprawl. Until that landmark legislation, developers virtually built where they pleased, and taxpayers had to follow with schools, roads, sewers and the rest of the infrastructure that necessarily followed development. ...more

November 29, 2009

Helping the poor Regarding "Taxing the rich" (Letter of the Day, Nov. 22): I am so sick of people whining about the poor rich having to pay more taxes! Don't they read the Bible? It clearly states, from those given much, much is expected. They have had so many tax breaks in the past 30 years, it's time they pay their dues. ...more

November 24, 2009

The message for many small business owners wondering how they will be affected by a White House aid plan for small business owners announced Monday is to wait - for now. ...more

March 17, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist's prepared remarks to the Florida Legislature, as released by the governor's office: ...more

March 3, 2009

A millage cap of 2.75 would likely pass, said the state representative who decided last month to cut it. ...more

January 16, 2009

The bottom line is that it's our money, and we want to keep more of it. ...more

November 28, 2008

The St. Petersburg City Council voted 5-2 Friday to annex 18 acres in Tierra Verde, a move that paves the way for a former resort and marina to be torn down and replaced by a high-rise condominium complex. ...more

November 22, 2008

By a 5-2 vote, the St. Petersburg City Council this afternoon voted to annex 18 acres in Tierra Verde -- a move that paves the way for a former resort and marina to be torn down and replaced by a high-rise condominium complex. ...more

November 21, 2008

When she was in her mid-20s, Denise Grimsley, now 48 and a registered nurse, never dreamed she would get involved in politics. That changed when her father became ill in the mid-1990s and she stepped in to run his petroleum and convenience store businesses. ...more

October 12, 2008