Stockpiles of oil are increasing as demand is on the decline. That is what caused a slow and steady decline in pump prices throughout Florida last month, according to AAA Auto Club South. ...more

August 2, 2009

Buyers eager to snatch up deals on Florida condos may have to fork over bigger down payments and face more intense reviews of their potential purchases. ...more

February 6, 2009

Despite all the grim housing news these days, there are flashes of silver among all the dark clouds hanging over Pasco County. ...more

February 6, 2009

Buyers anxious to snatch up deals on Florida condos may have to plunk down higher down payments and have the condominium complex scrutinized. Fannie Mae, one of the largest providers of U.S. mortgages, is requiring more cash upfront and taking over the condo review process from its lenders. Amy Bonitatibus, Fannie Mae spokeswoman, said that's because condos are at a higher risk of failure in this economy. ...more

February 5, 2009

The good news, economist Mark Vitner told Pasco County business leaders Friday, is the recession should bottom out at the end of this year. ...more

January 31, 2009

The weakening economy hit area builders extra hard at the end of 2008, when new home starts hit a record low. ...more

January 23, 2009

After the hurricanes of 2004, citrus growers were philosophical. Sure, 175 million boxes of citrus were just 58 percent of what they had produced seven years ago, but if the supply went down, and demand remained the same, prices would go up. Profits would even out. ...more

January 14, 2009

Battered housing developers are a getting a bit more optimistic about their prospects for the next six months, an index of the sector's confidence showed Tuesday. ...more

September 17, 2008

Smithfield Foods swung to a loss in its fiscal first quarter as high commodity costs hurt the nation's largest pork producer and processor. The commodities market is so volatile, its chief executive said, the company doesn't even want to try to predict its future earnings. ...more

August 27, 2008

Dr. Jack Jawitz's article "Florida's Coming Medical Disaster" (Commentary, Aug. 11) points out a serious issue that we should all be aware of. But by diverting our attention from the real cause of the problem, Jawitz only hampers productive debate and our ability to create viable solutions. ...more

August 16, 2008