Metro I-4 News

Sentinel:

Front page - Recipe for Trouble: Weak economy, high food prices take the sizzle out of high-end steakhouses

When high-end steak chains — known for their high-rolling clientele — are mailing $25-discount cards, advertising happy-hour specials and promoting value deals, it can only mean one thing: Hard times in the restaurant industry have gone much deeper than was expected even a year ago.

Local News - Puerto Rico’s politics hit home:

Experts say ties between the island and Central Florida are growing, which helps boost both regions.

Opinion - It’s disappointing to see the presidential contenders adding to deficit:

After falling for a few years, the federal budget deficit is back up and expected to top $400 billion this year and next. If the next president doesn’t chart a more fiscally responsible course, benefits for retired baby boomers and rising health-care costs will push deficits into the stratosphere.

Ledger:

Front page online - MONDAY PROFILE | OTIS RONNIE ANTHONY - Diversity Director Frank, Yet Diplomatic

Otis Anthony is the Polk County School District’s director of diversity management, and the host of a Sunday morning talk show on WMNF-FM, a Tampa radio station known for alternative, liberal-leaning programming.

Local News - Small-City Leaders Arrange a Summit:

Haines City Mayor Roy Tyler said he thinks there is strength in numbers, and that was the reason behind his setting up a joint meeting with the elected officials from several surrounding cities. Tyler said he wants city leaders from Davenport, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Dundee and Lake Wales to meet and discuss ways they could band together to benefit everyone.

“Especially in these economic times, we really need to cooperate,” Tyler said. “I think there are things that are common ground for all the cities in this area.

Opinion - Danger On the Ground:

Something is seriously wrong with U.S. aviation when the greatest danger occurs not in the air but on the ground. Runway collisions and near misses are far too common, despite decades of warnings and calls for safety improvements - and despite the belief that current technology could significantly reduce the risk.

Tribune:

Front page print - i TO THE FUTURE: The Future Of Music Is Now, And It’s Digital

If the MP3 was a shot across the music industry’s bow, Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” may have been the torpedo that sank the ship.

Local News - Plans To Ease Gridlock In North Tampa Stalled

Thousands of commuters from northern Hillsborough and southern Pasco hop into their cars each morning only to get stuck in traffic.

Opinion - Filling Coastal Zones With People Complicates Hurricane Evacuation:

Signs of increasing risk along the shore are apparent from space. Satellite photos released by NOAA show steady development of coastal lands between Texas and North Carolina.

The space and weather agency lists Hillsborough County among the top 10 areas in the South in the amount of visible new development.

… area residents must understand that actual evacuation times for big storms could be longer than the time it takes a storm to get here. If you dawdle, you’ll get a great view of the storm through your windshield.