The economic recession for Pinellas County's mainstay tourism industry should show signs of turning around in the next six to eight months, the county's tourism consultant said Wednesday. ...more

January 15, 2009

The economic recession for Pinellas County's mainstay tourism industry should show signs of turning around in the next six to eight months, the county's tourism consultant said today. "This is the one industry that is going to lead us out of this mess," said Walter Klages, an economist and head of Research Data Services Inc. of Tampa. "It won't be a robust turnaround, but you will see little things change." ...more

January 14, 2009

Florida residents generally become pretty good at determining the better times to visit the state's theme parks, based on their understanding of when the attraction lines are shorter and when hotels offer the lowest rates. Because of the bad economy, however, 2009 is shaping up to be a year when it might be wise to check out pricing opportunities year-round. ...more

January 14, 2009

High supply and weak demand led to a drop in crude oil prices. Unexpectedly, retail gas prices have risen by more than 20 cents since Jan. 1. ...more

January 12, 2009

Gasoline prices that last week thumbed their nose at the basics of supply and demand, may start following the rules this week and edge down. ...more

January 11, 2009

War is what it took to stop the slide in gas prices. The ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza caused crude oil to increase by $9 per barrel for fear it could disrupt the flow of oil from the Middle East, according to AAA Auto Club South. ...more

January 5, 2009

Prius drivers are not suffering any buyer's remorse, despite a plunge in gasoline prices that has for the moment made the cars less economical, said some owners of the popular hybrid. ...more

January 5, 2009

The price of gas is what led Scott Stevens of Arcadia to begin riding his motorcycle instead of the family SUV to and from work at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. ...more

January 4, 2009

Consumer confidence hit an all-time low in December, dropping in the face of layoffs and deteriorating markets for housing, stocks and other investments. ...more

December 31, 2008

It's Cold Up Here We were checking the temperature at Ruskin, near Kings Point where we spent some winters, and noted that on Dec. 20 at 12:50 pm, the temperature was 65 degrees F. The temperature in North York, Ontario, was just under 7 degrees. Oh lucky you! ...more

December 24, 2008