Tampa Electric Co. performed an energy audit last week at Hillsborough County's jails, which in recent months have sought ways to save money on energy bills. The audit yielded positive results, although some ideas generated by the audit had been in the works, Col. Jim Previtera said. ...more

December 23, 2008 |

While other builders are pulling back and even closing shop as a result of the tough economic times, Ashton Woods Homes is reporting an increase in the number of sales and is in a growth mode. ...more

November 26, 2008 |

For years, the Housing and Education Alliance has helped prepare low-income residents to buy their first home, teaching a mandatory class for anyone seeking down-payment assistance. ...more

November 16, 2008 |

TAMPA State regulators are expected to decide today whether Tampa Electric Co. and Progress Energy can raise electric bills next year to cover higher costs for oil, natural gas and other fuels used to generate electricity. Under TECO's proposal, bills would increase about 12 percent beginning in January. The cost of 1,000 kilowatt-hours would rise from $114.38 to $128.44. ...more

November 12, 2008 |

Congress expended a lot of energy debating how to solve the energy crisis before running off for summer recess for five weeks. It ended up accomplishing nothing. Now Congress is back and seemingly ready for more of the same. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will present an energy bill next week that would expand offshore drilling. But Republicans rejected the legislation on the basis of the outlines Pelosi released Tuesday. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., will hold hearings today with an eye to bringing energy bills to a vote sometime next week. But don't expect anything to happen. ...more

September 15, 2008 |

Not many strategies are available at the local level to fight back fast against the rising price of gasoline. One change that could be done right away, with immediate impact, is to switch to a four-day week. ...more

June 15, 2008 |

The stimulus checks are working. A big increase in retail sales signaled that people are spending their rebate payments, helping to ward off a serious economic slump, at least for now. ...more

June 13, 2008 |

SEBRING — Stewart Construction in Sebring is launching a new handyman division. The goal is to make simple repairs and improvements easier for the homeowner. This new service is designed for the everyday repairs and improvements that make your home more functional and comfortable, such as replacing doors and lock sets, installing new bathroom faucets, wall repairs and painting. ...more

June 7, 2008 |

Pat and Shirley Miketinac don't live off the land. They live in it. ...more

June 4, 2008 |

SEBRING — Free was the key word of the day Tuesday as Progress Energy kicked off its Neighborhood Energy Saver program. "Free is a great four-letter word that we love to use," Mayor George Hensley said. "We are very pleased Progress Energy is starting this free program in Sebring." Sebring is the sixth city in the state where Progress Energy has implemented the program, which targets the low-income area near the Washington Heights neighborhood. The project will make improvements at no cost to participants, including compact fluorescent lighting, water-heater wraps and insulation for water pipes, water conservation shower heads and faucets, refrigerator-coil cleaning and brush, a year's supply of air filters and additional weatherization measures. ...more

May 27, 2008 |