Patti Constantino-Martin of Spring Hill wants an end to bailouts and the government to seize the assets of the executives of failed financial institutions. ...more

February 25, 2009

Law enforcement agencies suspended today the liquor license of a Bradenton bar where two slayings, 29 assaults and 25 drug complaints have occurred over the past 3 1/2 years. ...more

February 22, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House on Friday insisted it's not trying to take over two ailing financial institutions, even as stocks tumbled again. ...more

February 22, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist wants more property tax cuts. ...more

February 20, 2009

Failure to coddle prisoners does not constitute mistreatment. Our prison system should be and can be completely self-supporting. All prisoners should work 48 hours per week in constructive production with their eventual release contingent upon their production. ...more

February 12, 2009

Re: THE Bus opinions, of which I have one that should be considered. ...more

February 11, 2009

Wish you could have gone to the Super Bowl? Technically, you could have. Bank of America, a recipient of part of the $700 billion bailout funded by taxpayers like you and me, spent an estimated $20 million sending its corporate executives to the big game. It included a $3.5 million pre-game festivity, tickets to the game (in a private corporation box. complete with food and wet bar) and an estimated $10 million post game party. They would not release the names of any of the employees who attended, and said that they were not required to do so because they are a sponsor of the NFL. Meanwhile, G.M., another NFL sponsor, said that none of their employees attended the game. Maybe that's why they only asked for $35 billion! ...more

February 6, 2009

Anyone can trip up when filing tax returns, from seniors on fixed incomes to former senators. ...more

February 4, 2009

With development rapidly encroaching upon rural parts of Florida, the need to maintain green space has resulted in unprecedented purchases of land by governmental agencies and environmental advocacy groups. The resulting costs to taxpayers for acquisitions and management were onerous in good economic times, but, given today's financial environment, have become cost prohibitive. During the past several years there has been increasing pressure to find creative, innovative and cost effective ways to protect and preserve Florida's natural habitats. The most popular and widely accepted method is the use of conservation easements. ...more

January 27, 2009

The fire district's millage cap will remain at 2.50 after all. Robert Schenck made waves when he decided last month to reduce it from 2.75. ...more

January 24, 2009