LAND O' LAKES - John Vazquez was so angry that smoke was practically coming out his ears. ...more

April 2, 2009

A steep tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products will go into effect today. ...more

April 1, 2009

The Florida Senate appears to have come to consensus on a $1 a pack cigarette tax increase, plus comparable taxes on other tobacco products including cigars - news that raised an alarm for Tampa's cigar industry Monday. ...more

March 31, 2009

The state Senate appears to have consensus on increasing taxes on tobacco products. ...more

March 30, 2009

More than 400,000 people in the United States will die this year from a tobacco-related disease. For Kick Butts Day this year, SWAT students from Avon Park and Sebring high schools are taking a stand to stop youth from getting hooked on deadly tobacco products. ...more

March 23, 2009

Here's hoping that the most significant event to come out of the upcoming legislative session is not the formal debut of newly anointed House Speaker Larry Cretul. The Ocala Republican takes over for Ray Sansom, whose Funnel Vision finally caught up with him. ...more

February 11, 2009

Here's hoping that the most significant event to come out of the upcoming legislative session is not the formal debut of newly anointed House Speaker Larry Cretul. The Ocala Republican takes over for Ray Sansom, whose Funnel Vision finally caught up with him. ...more

February 11, 2009

A children's health care bill that set congressional Democrats against President George W. Bush's administration in 2008 now appears headed for passage with Florida's two senators splitting their votes. ...more

January 27, 2009

A children's health care bill that set congressional Democrats against the Bush administration last year now appears headed for passage – but with Florida's two senators splitting their votes. The bill uses tobacco taxes, including an extra 61 cents a pack on cigarettes, to expand an existing program providing health insurance for children of the working poor. It's one of the most divisive issues Congress has considered recently. The Democratic majority passed it in 2008 but couldn't muster the votes to override former President George W. Bush's veto. This year, President Barack Obama says he'll sign the bill. The House passed it Jan. 14, and it's expected to come up for a Senate vote this week. ...more

January 26, 2009