As the state's economic slump continues, Florida consumers are cutting back on everything from buying cars to eating out. ...more

September 3, 2008

State lawmakers heard Wednesday that they will face a $3.5 billion hole in the state budget next year, raising concerned cries in both parties about the future of Florida's health, education and criminal justice systems. ...more

August 28, 2008

Top economists from Wachovia and Regions banks say there's little doubt Florida has fallen into a recession. ...more

August 7, 2008

Money for programs that help children, the elderly and business groups was restored Thursday by Hillsborough County commissioners as they struggled over what to cut and what to keep in a tough budget year. ...more

August 1, 2008

Hillsborough County commissioners today restored millions of dollars in cuts to services for children and the elderly and created a property tax grant for veterans who rent their homes. ...more

July 31, 2008

Hillsborough County might have an $87 million budget deficit, but it won't make up the shortfall by reducing or eliminating a popular after-school and summer recreation program, commissioners pledged Thursday. ...more

June 6, 2008

Floridians are being urged to prepare for the hurricane season that begins Sunday, but this year, those stocking up on items such as plywood, tarps and flashlights won't get a break on sales taxes. ...more

May 27, 2008

When the state lowered its revenue predictions this spring, lawmakers chose not to renew the annual sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies this year. ...more

May 19, 2008

SEBRING — In Lake Placid, a hiring freeze. In Sebring, no money for the Boys and Girls Clubs. At the South Florida Water Management District, web casts instead of off-site meetings. In recessionary times, with constitutional budget cuts and reduced sales tax revenues, governments are saving money any way they can. Highlands County Last year, Vicki Pontius, Highlands County's parks and recreation director, closed the R.K. Butler Campground on Route 721. "It's a nice facility," Pontius said. "People can still use the boat launch and the basketball court, and there's a picnic table." ...more

February 15, 2008

Now that Florida voters have overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1, city and county governments are finding themselves faced with a double-whammy: Amendment 1 will cut property taxes next year while many of the other sources that fund their budgets also are falling. ...more

February 9, 2008