While Florida's governor eagerly touts the benefits that a stimulus of federal money would have on public education, area school leaders are saying, not so fast. ...more

February 25, 2009

State Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, is backing Habitat for Humanity of Highlands County's drive to save a $2.5 million housing grant threatened by state budget cuts. ...more

February 23, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist released a proposal this afternoon that relies on billions of federal stimulus dollars to boost state spending by $1 billion next fiscal year. ...more

February 20, 2009

Despite the economic downturn and state budget cuts, South Florida Community College is moving forward with its major auditorium renovation/expansion project. ...more

February 20, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist appeared today in St. Petersburg with Mayor Rick Baker and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio to continue his public relations push for the federal stimulus package, despite taking increasing criticism from members of his own party who oppose the bill. ...more

February 13, 2009

Medicaid An additional $4.3 billion in funding over two years for the insurance program that, in Florida, serves about 2.2 million low-income families and individuals - half of them children - as well as people with disabilities. The $4.3 billion would reflect a boost from 55.4 percent to 67.8 percent in the rate at which the federal government matches what Florida spends on Medicaid. ...more

February 13, 2009

Even as many details for Florida have yet to be announced, GOP Gov. Charlie Crist and Tampa Democrat Rep. Kathy Castor today applauded the $789 billion economic stimulus bill agreed upon by the U.S. House and Senate. ...more

February 12, 2009

Less than a month ago, state House and Senate leaders were talking about more property tax relief for homeowners. ...more

February 11, 2009

The Seminole tribe is offering an instant $288 million and the promise of thousands of new jobs to state lawmakers reviewing the tribe's gambling compact. ...more

February 3, 2009

The Seminole tribe is dangling the promise of 45,000 jobs and the instant access to $288 million in front of lawmakers studying the gambling agreement Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the tribe. ...more

February 2, 2009