These are lean times for government in Florida. Government revenue continues to plunge as the recession and real estate bust drag on with no end in sight. So there is a premium these days on getting value for our public dollars. With that in mind, it was interesting to see a list of the salaries of ranking public officials on the Suncoast The Tampa Tribune has compiled. ...more

February 25, 2009

Faced with a grand jury investigation, embattled House Speaker Ray Sansom stepped down from his leadership role Friday. ...more

January 31, 2009

Customers of Aloha Utilities Inc. could see some relief in the coming months from the smelly, black water that has fouled their sinks and stained their bathtubs. ...more

October 8, 2008

water that has fouled their sinks and stained their bath tubs. Pasco County commissioners Tuesday approved the sale of Aloha – a private water supplier whose customers say its water and customer service both stink – to the Florida Government Utility Authority, a public group created to buy private utilities across the state. "This was a banner day," said Commissioner Ann Hildebrand, who represents southwest Pasco. Aloha has about 20,000 customers in the Seven Springs and Aloha Gardens sections of Hildebrand's district. Under the deal now pending with Aloha, FGUA will spend $90.5 million to buy the company – a $45 million reduction from Aloha's original asking price. The sale will become final Dec. 17. New rates will take effect the same day, said FGUA attorney Brian Armstrong. ...more

October 7, 2008

Family members portray Diane Reichard as an upbeat, energetic woman who is extremely capable of overseeing a municipality's finance department, as well as handling the responsibilities of running a home. They also say she is dedicated to her other role as a pastor's wife. ...more

July 30, 2008

Many people find Barack Obama's meteoric campaign and Democratic nomination amazing. ...more

June 27, 2008

Many people find Barack Obama's meteoric campaign and Democratic nomination amazing. This scenario could be one explanation. President Bill Clinton's escapades are one major factor. His administration's record is almost the opposite of President Bush II's record. Yet, his personal failings resulted in V.P. Al Gore's defeat in 2000, with the Florida government's assistance. The following horrendous eight years were the price the American people paid. Barack Obama's amazing nomination did not just happen, it was planned, and Hillary Clinton was the sacrifice. Sen. Obama's ability to raise an unheard of $270 million for a primary campaign was initiated long before he announced he was running. That factor paved the way for him. These backers knew it was risky to challenge President Clinton, but they reasoned since the economy was so bad and the Iraq War was still a quagmire, Obama could still win the presidential election. Their stealth campaign was brilliant. Now the real campaign begins. ...more

June 26, 2008

Ric Ridgway, chief assistant state attorney, said he should know by the end of the week if there is enough evidence to begin an inquiry into whether a Spring Hill Fire Rescue District commissioner violated the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. ...more

February 12, 2008

Attorney General's office issues opinion. ...more

February 11, 2008

Fans of the three local government and public access channels will have to look elsewhere - and maybe even pay a little more - starting today. ...more

December 11, 2007