The Florida tourist industry, backed by almost all state, county and municipal government leaders, has for decades opposed exploring for oil and natural gas off the state's coast. The risk of damage to the tourism industry from, for instance, a drilling rig blowout that fouls Florida beaches, was too great, industry leaders have said. ...more

November 29, 2008

The pirate attacks off Somalia are infuriating for many reasons. ...more

November 22, 2008

Many people still dream of relocating to Florida and starting a totally new career, wearing shorts, T-shirts and sandals for the rest of their life. ...more

October 4, 2008

Tropical Storm Fay is expected to skirt Tampa as it rolls through the center of the state this afternoon, but officials warn that it will bring lots of wind and rain, and residents should remain alert. ...more

August 18, 2008

The letter from David Mica of the Florida Petroleum Council was, shall we say, carefully worded. ...more

July 5, 2008

Environmental Stewardship, Offshore Drilling Can Coexist In "Oiling The Opposition Machine," Hernando Today reporter Tony Marrero questioned the environmental impact of resource exploration near the Florida coast. However, thanks to improved technologies and updated safety exercises, environmental stewardship and offshore energy development can co-exist. ...more

July 3, 2008

We have taken Charlie Crist to task for successfully campaigning for the governor's mansion on a pledge to continue the policies of his predecessor, Jeb Bush, and then breaking that promise more than once. We have no problem with Crist having his own ideas on how to address the state's problems. We just thought he should have been a bit more forthcoming when he was running for governor about the various ways he was planning to tack away from the course Bush followed. ...more

June 21, 2008

Thanks to a teacher's discount we managed to spend two nights last week at a resort on St. Pete Beach. The room had a spectacular view of the gravel roof, but the price was right and the beach was just beyond the back door. ...more

June 20, 2008

"Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices..." ...more

May 28, 2008

Perhaps some of the economic stimulus local folks are looking for will come from Amendment One, which passed in January. Everyone knew it would double the homestead exemption, but it's the portability factor that might give our area an economic boost. Portability gives homeowners with the Save Our Homes property tax cap the opportunity to take that protection with them to the next home they buy. That wasn't possible before Amendment One. All of a sudden, homeowners on either Florida coast can sell their $750,000 home, move here and buy the same house for $250,000, and with portability, pay little property tax. We won't claim that hundreds of people are lining up to do this, but the numbers are growing. Residents already living here also are moving within the county due to portability. We hope all of this bodes well for the real estate market. Getting some movement – any movement – will make a big difference. ...more

February 22, 2008