Melbourne-based Mercedes Homes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week and plans reorganize and stay in business. The builder, which was popular in Tampa Bay subdivisions during the housing boom, listed between 5,001 and 10,000 creditors and said it has assets between $100,001 and $500,000. Fifth Third Bank, which is owed $7.1 million, is listed as the largest creditor, according to the bankruptcy filing. 84 Lumber is owed about $615,000, and Deal Air Electrical Services is owed about $563,000. ...more

February 3, 2009

The FBI is investigating financial affairs involving 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge Thomas E. Stringer Sr. and Las Vegas stripper Christy Yamanaka, say three sources with direct knowledge of the investigation. ...more

January 23, 2009

An alleged Ponzi scheme by an insurance agency in Grand Island that recently filed bankruptcy listing more than $100 million in debt is being investigated. ...more

January 22, 2009

Retailers beware - don't wait until you're broke to file for bankruptcy. ...more

January 21, 2009

If you're not in deep debt, I'm sure you have one friend or family member - if not more - who is. ...more

January 18, 2009

A pioneering judge's career is on the line after the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission on Tuesday filed formal charges against him regarding his financial relationship with an exotic dancer. ...more

January 14, 2009

A pioneering judge's career is on the line today after the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission filed formal charges against him regarding his financial relationship with an exotic dancer. ...more

January 13, 2009

Two Bay area youth soccer organizations are feeling a money pinch because a company they use to process registrations has run into financial problems. ...more

January 8, 2009

Two bay area youth soccer organizations are feeling a money pinch because a company they use to process registrations has run into financial problems. The problem centers on a firm called "Count Me In," or CMI, in Bellevue, Wash. The firm handles administration duties for all kinds of athletic teams, including soccer, baseball and ski clubs. Parents use the company's Web site to register players and pay club dues. ...more

January 2, 2009

Rick E. Rockwell plopped his large frame down in front of his laptop, next to a foot-wide sheaf of unpaid bills still in their envelopes, lined up like an accordion on his desk. He logged into his bank account to see if his unemployment check had been deposited yet. ...more

December 29, 2008