Argosy University staff members arrived recently at University Mall with a truckload of children's gifts. Bicycles, games, shoes and socks were quickly unloaded, and 72 names were marked off a list of more than 6,500 children whose families have asked for assistance with gifts this year. Priscilla Charite of The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Project is thrilled, hugging the delivery group of school staff members. "Where other people are cutting back, your group bumped it up," Charite told them. ...more

December 12, 2009

Despite the economic downturn, Pasco County and the state's Department of Transportation continue to move ahead on a variety of road projects. ...more

December 12, 2009

The need is greater than ever, Salvation Army officials say as they plead for last-minute donations to fill holiday food boxes and to place toys under the Christmas tree for needy children. ...more

December 12, 2009

President Barack Obama is wrong to overly politicize the nation's economic downturn, even though his critics are doing the same to him. ...more

December 9, 2009

Some early economic indicators show that job losses are slowing and even turning around. That's great news and it can't happen fast enough. With the exception of national security, job creation is our country's top priority. ...more

December 6, 2009

The 35th edition of one of the area's oldest and most prestigious outdoor art exhibitions takes place this weekend along Florida Avenue, in Palm Harbor's historic downtown district. ...more

December 5, 2009

Here's a look at what holiday tips people were handing out last year when the economic downturn was in full swing. Consumer Reports, which conducted the study, expects giving to hold steady or decline this year. ...more

November 20, 2009

Highlands County's unemployment rate in September was 11.6 percent, up significantly from the 8.4 percent in September 2008. ...more

November 13, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is taking its first step toward trying to fix the ailing airline industry, mired in a severe economic slump and facing safety worries. ...more

November 11, 2009

The National Hurricane Center dropped all tropical storm warnings for the northern Gulf Coast. Winds in a weakening Tropical Storm Ida dropped enough this morning for the storm to be declared a tropical depression. Forecasters expect Ida to be swallowed by an approaching front on Wednesday. As Ida fizzles, its remains will influence weather in the Tampa Bay area. ...more

November 10, 2009