The 20 largest banks that received government rescue funds slightly reduced their lending to consumers and businesses in the last three months of 2008, the government said Tuesday. ...more

February 18, 2009

The president and chief executive of the fourth largest steel company in North America, Tampa-based Gerdau Ameristeel, said this morning the Obama administration must manage the psychology of the economic recovery for the government's stimulus package to become effective. ...more

February 17, 2009

PLANT CITY Hillsborough County is closing down its local Building Services Division office on March 16. The elimination of the office at 307 Michigan Ave. is due to "significant reductions in revenue and the continued downturn in construction activity," the county said. ...more

February 16, 2009

The Humane Society of Highlands County is launching a monthly low-cost spay-neuter clinic for feral cats. ...more

February 13, 2009

Wal-Mart won approval Thursday afternoon to change its plans for a proposed supercenter off State Road 54 at the northern end of Wiregrass Ranch. ...more

February 13, 2009

Hank Fishkind, traditionally one of the more optimistic Florida economists, has changed his tune. ...more

February 12, 2009

Steve Moran, who joined Keller Williams Realty in Valrico as an agent and partner during the downturn, said there is enough business out there to go around, but agents have to work harder to get it. ...more

February 11, 2009

Cell phone sales are falling, manufacturers have announced thousands of layoffs, and wireless carriers are finding it harder to acquire and keep customers. ...more

February 7, 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

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