Melbourne-based Mercedes Homes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week and plans reorganize and stay in business. The builder, which was popular in Tampa Bay subdivisions during the housing boom, listed between 5,001 and 10,000 creditors and said it has assets between $100,001 and $500,000. Fifth Third Bank, which is owed $7.1 million, is listed as the largest creditor, according to the bankruptcy filing. 84 Lumber is owed about $615,000, and Deal Air Electrical Services is owed about $563,000. ...more

February 3, 2009

BANKRUPTCIES Middle District of Florida Tampa Division CHAPTER 7 ...more

January 31, 2009

If you're not in deep debt, I'm sure you have one friend or family member - if not more - who is. ...more

January 18, 2009

BANKRUPTCIES Middle District of Florida Tampa Division CHAPTER 7 ...more

January 3, 2009

With losses reaching $5 million a month, Bill Heard Chevrolet filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early today in a federal court in Alabama. ...more

September 29, 2008

BANKRUPTCIES Middle District of Florida Tampa Division CHAPTER 7 ...more

September 4, 2008

Shares of National City Corp. plunged Monday amid broad fears about the health of the nation's regional banks, and the company was forced to issue a statement reassuring investors of its soundness. ...more

July 15, 2008

Middle District of Florida Tampa Division CHAPTER 7 ...more

May 6, 2008

This is one of our big fears. More than 80 percent of Americans believe there are too many lawsuits, according to a 2006 survey undertaken for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. An earlier survey, conducted for insurer Fireman's Fund, found that 67 percent of homeowners were concerned they might personally be sued. ...more

October 21, 2007

SEBRING — Lynn Mison's heartbreaking story of domestic abuse, which eventually led to the murder of her children by her ex-husband, captivated an audience at a domestic violence seminar Friday morning at South Florida Community College. "I wish I didn't have to tell my story, I wish it didn't happen, but it did," Mison, of Sarasota, told the crowd of more than 40 people. "I was abused during my marriage, which led to the abuse of my children after my divorce." Avi Kostner, Mison's ex-husband, was spared the death penalty by jurors after he pleaded guilty to killing his children Geri, 12, and Ryan, 10, in June 1994. ...more

October 8, 2007