In a time when family-owned businesses are dying off, a handful of citrus growers have found a way to thrive doing things the old fashioned way. ...more

December 17, 2007

She's one of the best-known CEOs in the Tampa Bay area. She heads an organization with a $43 million budget and 120 full-time employees. Her organization's always in the spotlight, and a half- million people walk through the doors every year. ...more

December 9, 2007

SEBRING — It was a relatively close vote, but the school district's educational support workers approved their employment contract. "It really represents so little money to people who had so little that we are not surprised that there was a substantial 'no' vote," said Michael Bernier, the chief negotiator for the Highlands County Educational Support Personnel Association. Almost 200 people attended Sunday afternoon's update and vote on the contract at the Sebring High School Smith Center. "This is the first time I've ever brought a contract back that almost had 40 percent voting against it," Bernier said. "These things usually pass by 90 percent or more." The contract likely passed because it was just before the holidays and the district promised to provide the retroactive pay increase before the holidays. ...more

December 4, 2007

LAKE PLACID — Local builder Chuck Oakes is poised to capitalize on the steady graying of county residents. On Tuesday, Oakes threw open the doors during a grand opening of a $6.5 million, 50,000 square foot, assisted living facility, located just north of town on U.S. 27. Oakes said he expected to open immediately after gaining state approval within 15 to 30 days for the Southern Lifestyle Assisted Living Facility. Oakes is not alone in an effort to capitalize locally on demographics that point to a large senior population in the county. Statistics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau show that 35 percent of Highlands County's residents are 65 and older, with a state average of 16.8 percent. George Hougthon, Inc., broke ground this year on Windsor Lakeside Village, a 70,000 square foot retirement community, with 129 independent living suites and 26 townhomes. Windsor Lakeside Village is located on County Road 621, on the shores of Lake Huntley. Sandy Foster, executive director of NU-HOPE, cited a large number of area seniors who should keep the new centers busy. ...more

December 2, 2007

SEBRING — Fried green bean sticks are described by Keith Schroeder as "awesome and addictive." Although not available yet at Hungry Howie's Pizza and Sub Buffet in Sebring, they will be soon. Schroeder, who owns the eatery with his wife, Donna, and father, Mike, is expanding the menu. They are also putting a bar in the restaurant located in the Sebring Plaza shopping center. A January opening is planned for the bar, called Skeeters Sports Bar. ...more

November 25, 2007

SEBRING — A dollar certainly doesn't go as far as it used to. Miles Baker built a septic tank, delivered it and set it for $75 in 1947. His son Bob, who is the owner and president of Baker Septic Installations, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, puts in tanks for about $3,000. There are other things – besides the cost – that have changed over the years with septic tanks. Bob believes the process is not as labor intensive now compared to when he started in the business more than 30 years ago. "The equipment, the technology, the research that has gone into making a better concrete mixture and product – it's amazing where we've come from and where we are now," said Anne Baker, Bob's wife who is the vice president of the company. ...more

November 4, 2007

People who tend to the elderly, change diapers and serve up food and drinks have the highest rates of depression among U.S. workers. ...more

October 14, 2007

Two churches that merged in 2003 are nearly ready to open an $8 million worship center under their new name, South Tampa Fellowship. ...more

October 9, 2007

Two churches that merged in 2003 are nearly ready to open an $8 million worship center under their new name, South Tampa Fellowship. ...more

October 4, 2007

There weren't enough cheerleaders Wednesday for Championship Park. Hillsborough County commissioners resoundingly rejected plans for the $40 million sports complex that would have been built in northeastern Hillsborough County. ...more

October 4, 2007