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Slow Saturday News for August 2, 2008
“Florida’s proposal to acquire 300 square miles of Everglades land from U.S. Sugar Corp. was illegally brokered in closed-door meetings, a lawyer claimed in a lawsuit filed Friday.” - ‘Glades Sugar Buyout Contested
Speaking of deals brokered in closed-door meetings: “A CSX railroad subsidiary can build a rail freight terminal in Winter Haven as long as it takes care of traffic and environmental issues, according to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council staff report.” — Planners Set CSX Rail Project Conditions
A Sentinel editorial: “Remember, the Bush administration is leaving behind a record budget deficit for the next president.” — Barack Obama’s ambitious plan for urban centers needs some editing
Tax Bills, Fish Kills, Millionaires, and More for August 1, 2008
Check out the headline and sub-head for this article. Growing Deltona bills $83M to owners then Growing Deltona may bill Owners $83 Million. Well, the truth is the city hasn’t finalized the vote.
Careful at the beach again this summer. Fish Kill Zone Widens; Algal Bloom Suspected
What have your neighbors done for you lately? For millionaire, $100k small price to pay for less-cluttered neighborhood
Bonus:
Economists have realized Florida is in a recession. “Analysts predict that the state will lose momentum through 2008, then bottom out late this year or in early 2009.” There’s not much else to the story here.
School Times, Parking Spaces, and Iorio Jumps the Tracks for July 31, 2008
Starting high school later to save money: After a long and bumpy ride, Orange School Board signs off on schedule swap
Who ever accused drivers of gas guzzlers as being courteous? Drivers show little respect for hybrid-only parking spaces
Orlando jumps the gun and wants a project that isn’t regional. Tampa’s response? Try to do the same thing. Iorio Wants Tampa’s Train Plans To Move Forward
Want to make sure your money actually helps people? Charitable Bang Per Buck Biggest Here
Bonus:
If you want to see Obama tomorrow, get your tickets tonight.
Newspaper Changes, Shorter Workweek, and More for July 29, 2008
If this bleeding doesn’t stop your local newspaper will be a weekly. And that might be a bad idea. Sentinel eliminates 52 newsroom jobs
Meanwhile, the Ledger is going hourly. Ledger News Now
An author the Sentinel fails to name believes a Shorter workweek can pay huge dividends. (By the way, his name is Timothy Ferriss.)
Bonus:
The Sentinel: We think: State Farm’s rate hike request for homeowners seems unreasonable. You think? 47%. Who wouldn’t think?
Cheap Eats, Storm Preparation, Shielding the Press and More for July 28, 2008
A sign of the times: Cheap eats: Food bargains can hide in unlikely places
A sign of the season: Can your home weather storms? If not, listen up
A sign of how far we’re gone since 2000: Shielding Press Empowers The Public
Bonus:
If you still can’t recount them do they exist? New voting machines: Paper trail to nowhere?
Is the News Chief next? Cypress Gardens to Test Weekends-Only
Presented without any comment whatsoever: Amtgard! Battles Begin With Swords Of Foam
Tourism, Bedroom Communities, Online Classes and More for July 27, 2008
If Orlando is truly built on a base of tourism, then what happens if the tourists start staying home? Will tourists keep coming? Industry fears future
The dream was to live in a quiet suburb and commute to work. Is that dream turning into a nightmare? Bedroom Community Affected by Gas Costs
Students are finding that they don’t have to drive to class. What will that do to the give-and-take many students need to learn? Online-Class Enrollment Accelerates Into Fall
Bonus:
The Ledger asks Can a Black Man Win Florida?
The Sentinal thinks State leaders need to get their commuter-rail act together now
If you’re near Valencia Community College on Tuesday you can attend a public forum hosted by Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic to Learn about proposal to drop Florida school tax
Burglaries, Thefts, Vacations and More for July 26, 2008
Another reminder not to leave packages in your unlocked car: Are AP Car Burglaries Organized?
Of course, there is little you can do about someone ripping the gutters off your house: Thieves Target Metal Items For Cash
When I was a kid these were called “You Can’t Afford to Take a Vacation”: Less money, all of the fun: Families try ’stay-cations’
Bonus:
A pair of Editorials from the Sentinel: We think: City, counties can’t leave businesses on hook to fund homeless cause and We think: Orlando’s use of red-light cameras is progress, but state law is what’s needed
Where are the Ledger stories?
Well, as is too often the case…I couldn’t get TheLedger.com to load. I’ll try again later.
Home Sales, Recalls, Retirees, and More for July 25, 2008
Existing-home sales inch ahead in Orlando area, but Bay Area Foreclosures Skyrocket
Florida seniors tap jobs for extra cash, to relieve boredom — Wait until the Boomers start retiring. There are going to be a lot of grumpy “friendly greeters” at Wal-Mart.
It’s time the USA drop tips and simply pay servers a decent wage. LongHorn Tips Part Of Economic Strain Onto Servers’ Plates
Bonus:
Publix recalls some no-sugar-added cherry pies
Want to vote? Register by Monday night or the Polk County Voter Services FAQ
Red Light Cameras, Microbursts, Mosquitos and More for July 24, 2008
They’re coming to Central Florida. Next up, Lakeland: Gotcha! Orlando reveals 7 red-light-camera locations
These aren’t your grandfather’s summer rains: Microbursts: Small summer storms can hit hard
Guess what those summer storms bring? Not May flowers: Heavy Rains Lead to a Mosquito Baby Boom
heaven knows we shouldn’t help our city buses. The price of gas is so low: No penny gas tax to help Lynx, Orange leaders decide
It’s that time of year. Be careful! Thrill rides can be dangerous! stories. Thrills And Spills - Caution Key To Theme Park Safety
Bonus:
A pair of Tribune editorials: 401(k) Rule Finally Reveals Hidden Fees and Erase Political Favoritism From Legislative Redistricting
Gas Tax, Jobless Benefits, Government Housing, and More for July 23, 2008
Lowering taxes is like heading cats. Stop one and another scoots by: Is Orange County en route to new gas tax?
There is a call for florida’s top mortgage regulator to resign: Demand Is Intensifying For Mortgage Chief To Resign (Didn’t I just write that?)
If he does, will he qualify for unemployment, and how long will it take to get benefits? Jobless benefits now last longer - so will your wait
The housing market is in the slumps. So who should buy a house? The government: A golden opportunity’ for government-subsidized housing
Bonus:
Is the Lakeland Outpouring poured out? Revival Evangelist to Fold His Lakeland Tent
Nudists, Drivers, Mortgage Lenders and More for July 22, 2008
I’m actually surprised the Sentinel didn’t go for more cheesecake in the photo that accompanies: International crowd boosts ‘nakations’ to Orlando area
Speaking of tourists: A whole suitcase of challenges selling tourists on Florida visits
They call them Lexus Lanes. And you thought America was a classless society. Pay-as-you-go express lanes could be headed to Orlando area
Remember: If you cut property taxes, your officials will find the money somewhere else, or cut important important services: Property-tax rate headed for increase and Polk’s Schools Brace for Cuts
Bonus:
Rail, Health, FCAT, Butterflies, and More for July 20, 2008
You know that commuter rail project that failed? Orlando still wants to buy the cars. Railcar Deal Missing Key Component: The Tracks
Bring the doctor to your employees. A money-saving idea. A smart Rx for employee health
A trio of stories about money and Florida government. Act now! Florida may have money waiting for you, Will Powerball multistate lottery pay off for Florida? It’s anyone’s bet, Two Counties to Cut Night Court; Statewide Elimination Looms
Bonus:
Health, Taxes, and Your Neighbors for July 19, 2008
How the economy is affecting your neighbors:
Amid rising costs, sick employees may be left out in the cold
These homeless are not transients — they were your neighbors
Polk Offering Free Prescription-Discount Card
Drop taxes, get less services. That’s how it works.
‘Tax Swap’ Opponent Plans Tour Of Florida
Orange crush: Hold line on taxes, maintain services
TECO Seeks 22% Bump In Fuel Charges
Let’s Stop Kidding Ourselves: Fannie And Freddie Should Be Fully Public
Bonus:
Seminole to stop putting fluoride in water — My old neighbor would be thrilled to hear this. I think’s he in Arizona right now looking for the place they filmed the Apollo Moon landings.
Builders, Smaller Homes, and CSX for July 18, 2008
We always welcome another show to look at gadgets: Florida builders open Orlando trade show to public - a first
Speaking of homes: Building in a Niche: Smaller Houses Sell
This may shock some but there is Proof there were tourists before there were theme parks
CSX looks to lobby and public relations to argue case: Kassab: Railroad carries new message, but how lean is lean, and how green is green? And is it worth the money taxpayers must invest in the billion-dollar a year company?
Banks, Taxes, Cameras, and Cell Phones for July 17, 2008
Keep your cash safe amid bank collapses
Go for it, Orlando: Property tax is a stake in the future
Looking for money from somewhere cities are increasing the use of red-light cameras except in Cassellberry: Red-light cameras’ use to be limited
Polk Schools Plan Digital Crackdown — That’s cell phones, not World of Warcraft.
