Every winter, the chilled masses of New England flee to Florida as though drawn by a magnetic force. Vermont is hoping to spark a reverse-migration this year, enticing residents of the Sunshine State with one thing they do not have — a cool summer. ...more

May 6, 2008

State legislatures have for years had a habit of increasing "sin taxes" - mostly on liquor and tobacco - to raise revenue. This year will be no different. ...more

February 13, 2008

DADE CITY - Property Appraiser Mike Wells predicted Tuesday that Pasco County's taxable property value will decrease by 8 percent – or $2.5 billion – in the coming year, after several years of record growth.. ...more

February 12, 2008

Full-time homeowners wondering how to take advantage of a new $50,000 homestead exemption may want to tune in to or attend Tuesday's county commission meeting. ...more

February 11, 2008

Florida residents who want to voice their opinions about proposed new science standards for public schools will get one last chance Monday when the state Department of Education holds a public hearing in Orlando. ...more

February 9, 2008

Florida voters got so caught up in the excitement of Super Tuesday that many tried to cast ballots for the presidential primaries - again. ...more

February 6, 2008

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida voters got so caught up in the excitement of Super Tuesday many tried to cast ballots for the presidential primaries — again. ...more

February 5, 2008

For fun in retirement, former car dealer Ed Mansfield plays golf, roots for the Rays and loses himself in prose, poetry and William Shakespeare. ...more

February 1, 2008

She'll Take The Savings Your letters page has carried many complaints about the average savings of $240 on property taxes being insignificant and not worth the effort to vote on the proposed amendment. ...more

January 28, 2008

On Jan. 29 the voters of Highlands County will be deciding on an amendment to the Florida Constitution which, if passed, will result in some property tax relief. Is it everything we need in tax reform? No! However it does provide much needed relief to Florida residents who are "stranded" in their homesteads, unable to move to either a larger or smaller home because they would lose the protection they have accrued over the years through the Save Our Homes exemption. Amendment 1 will, if approved, make Save Our Homes portable. If the amendment passes, a young family will be able to take their lower tax rate with them when they outgrow their residence and purchase a larger home. A retired couple will be able to "downsize" without running the risk of doubling or tripling (or worse!) their current property tax bills. ...more

January 27, 2008