Here's a look at what holiday tips people were handing out last year when the economic downturn was in full swing. Consumer Reports, which conducted the study, expects giving to hold steady or decline this year. ...more

November 20, 2009

Highlands County's unemployment rate in September was 11.6 percent, up significantly from the 8.4 percent in September 2008. ...more

November 13, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is taking its first step toward trying to fix the ailing airline industry, mired in a severe economic slump and facing safety worries. ...more

November 11, 2009

The National Hurricane Center dropped all tropical storm warnings for the northern Gulf Coast. Winds in a weakening Tropical Storm Ida dropped enough this morning for the storm to be declared a tropical depression. Forecasters expect Ida to be swallowed by an approaching front on Wednesday. As Ida fizzles, its remains will influence weather in the Tampa Bay area. ...more

November 10, 2009

It will cost $400,000 in lawyer and consultant fees to figure out whether consolidating Hillsborough County's four public water systems makes sense. ...more

November 5, 2009

The developers of Cypress Creek Town Center have asked Pasco County for an extra 10 years to build their mall and associated retail complex straddling State Road 56 at Interstate 75. The county Development Review Committee will consider the request at its meeting Thursday in Dade City. ...more

November 4, 2009

The developers of Cypress Creek Town Center have asked Pasco County for an extra 10 years to build their mall and associated retail complex straddling State Road 56 at Interstate 75. ...more

November 3, 2009

For the last two years, the economic downturn held up the expansion of U.S. 27 from Lake Isis Avenue to the Polk County line. But stimulus money going to the Department of Transportation has brought it back, and the city of Avon Park is looking at an unexpected $190,000 tab. ...more

October 29, 2009

Bad idea Editor: As one of only two people who spoke out against the proposed renewal of New Port Richey's "alcoholic beverages in the park" ordinance at the Oct. 20 City Council meeting, I was dismayed, but not surprised, that council is moving forward with extending, and perhaps expanding, this controversial ordinance. I have been an active and vocal opponent of this issue for many years and am saddened that the vast majority of residents, 69 percent, who voted against this idea several years ago, have been totally forgotten. ...more

October 28, 2009

The Tampa Tribune will resume seven-day home delivery in Pinellas County beginning Monday, the company announced today. ...more

September 29, 2009