Many Florida visionaries see this recession as an opportunity to bring Florida out of the Third World and into the 21st century. With the nation facing major challenges in jobs, energy, environment and health, Florida's old formula of growth, agriculture and tourism simply don't make the grade - especially with growth and tourism sounding increasingly like bad jokes. ...more

March 8, 2009

The unemployment rate in Highlands County in January was 9.2 percent, according to the Agency for Workforce Innovation. ...more

March 8, 2009

A new report shows Florida ranks third in the nation in the number of people losing their health coverage. ...more

March 7, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that more people need to take advantage of the Cover Florida health care access plan that provides low-cost coverage for Floridians who don't have insurance. ...more

March 6, 2009

Buy a pair of prescription glasses or contacts in Florida, and there's no tax, but lawmakers are taking a closer look at that tax exemption and others. ...more

March 5, 2009

A day after Gov. Charlie Crist urged state lawmakers to quickly approve a gaming compact he negotiated with the Seminole tribe, key lawmakers said they might not seal the deal before their 60-day session ends. ...more

March 5, 2009

All public officials should be held accountable to their oaths of office, from the President of the United States and to state and county offices. ...more

March 5, 2009

A world of saber-toothed cats, giant wolves, sharks and prehistoric Indians comes to life this weekend, when FossilFest 2009 opens at the Florida State Fairgrounds. ...more

March 4, 2009

From the moment he slid into the booth until the waiter received his order, Will Weatherford never cracked the menu that accompanied him to the table. He'd arrived determined to practice light eating, and he wasn't going to let images of burgers smothered in cheese and zesty sauces lure him off-track. ...more

March 1, 2009

Starting Tuesday, Florida lawmakers will have 60 days to stave off a deficit that could exceed $700 million this fiscal year - and that's just the beginning. ...more

March 1, 2009