One year ago sage reporter George Packer, writing for the New Yorker magazine, captured the essence of the economic collapse in Florida with a seminal work, "The Ponzi State: Florida's Foreclosure Disaster." ...more

January 1, 2010

The news story regarding the school district financial rating was interesting. I really liked the statement made by the Asst. Superintendent of Business Operations Mike Averyt, "What hurts the most was the legislature when they took our millage away." I have news for you Mr. Averyt, the legislature didn't take your money, that money belongs to the taxpayers. As a taxpayer, I don't feel overly compelled to ever see that money restored until some of the fat is cut out of the Highlands County School District. ...more

December 27, 2009

The start of 2010 brings with it the enactment of new state rules and regulations relating to sinkhole insurance and property taxes. ...more

December 27, 2009

A furlough is a furlough, regardless of whether a county department derives revenue from property taxes or user fees. ...more

December 20, 2009

Unlike other counties in the region, Highlands County doesn't offer tax abatement as an incentive to attract businesses here. ...more

December 13, 2009

A new group has formed dedicated to getting Palm Harbor its fair share of attention and support from government officials. ...more

December 12, 2009

The House voted Wednesday to extend $31 billion in popular tax breaks, including an income tax deduction for sales and property taxes, to be financed with a tax increase on investment fund managers and a crackdown on international tax cheats. ...more

December 10, 2009

It won't come soon enough for Joe Eck, but next year, the Highlands County commissioners plan to vote on an ordinance that could change the way Sun 'n Lake elects its board of supervisors. ...more

December 8, 2009

With President Barack Obama's recent announcement to deploy more troops to Afghanistan, Hillsborough County wants to remind local soldiers and their families about a grant that could ease their financial burdens. ...more

December 7, 2009

In Monday's editorial section, Linda Farnes is quoted as saying: "Allow states to extend health care to every one of their citizens." All I get from this message is "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme." ...more

December 5, 2009