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Fred Thompson on the Economy---Check it out!!

Florida Consumer E-Alerts - New Phishing Scam

City of Miami 2009 Elections - Information about who is running for City of Miami Mayor and Commissioners.

Another lawsuit in attempt to halt new Marlins stadium - February 26. 2009 - Contending leaders made decisions secretly, a pair of activists has urged a judge to stop votes on a Florida Marlins stadium.

Miami-Dade reschedules Marlins stadium vote - February 20. 2009 - Miami-Dade commissioners postponed a vote on a new Marlins baseball stadium for a few days, citing schedule conflicts.

Miami, county commissioners seek pay freeze at the top - February 19. 2009 - City and county commissioners are asking for salary cuts to top-tier positions as local governments tighten their belts with budget cuts on the way.

Hopes for Hollo Park on Brickell's bayfront are out with the tide - February 19. 2009 -  Plans to build a temporary park on Brickell's last prime bayfront parcel are all but dead.

State of Real Estate: Home values likely won't rebound until mid-2010 - February 19. 2009 -  Despite a spike in sales in South Florida, the area probably won't see a bottoming out of single-family home prices until mid-2010, says Brad Hunter, chief economist with West Palm Beach-based Metrostudy.

Coconut Grove hotels catch big break on business improvement district assessment dues - February 19. 2009 -  Coconut Grove's hotels got a big break on their assessment dues at the approval hearing for the long-awaited Coconut Grove.

Marlins Stadium bid rules posing new hurdle - February 19. 2009 - A stadium deal for the Florida Marlins could return to square one if two city commissioners keep a pledge to reject waiving competitive bidding for infrastructure work for the ballpark.

Marlins keep hope alive with March return to city hall - February 19. 2009 - The Marlins are getting another turn at bat in their bid to gain several hundred million dollars in public funding for a new stadium.

Latest 'phishing' scam lures you with tax return - February 19. 2009 - Cyber-thieves' e-mail looks like it's from the IRS, but it's a rip-off

Beware Of Latest Scheme Targeting Social Networking Sites - February 4. 2009 - Friends of Bryan Rutberg were alarmed to hear Bryan was in trouble overseas recently, and one sent money to help out

Fewer new homes in Miami-Dade, Broward - February 4, 2009 - New home construction plunged in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in the fourth quarter, according to numbers from Metrostudy, a real estate consultancy.

Macy's eliminates all 600 jobs at Miami office - February 3, 2009 - Macy's is eliminating all 600 jobs at its regional headquarters in downtown Miami, part of a major corporate reorganization that includes cutting 7,000 jobs nationwide.

Entrepreneurs' conference coming Feb. 26 - February 2. 2009 - About this time last year, economic troubles were on the wind. But few imagined the ferociousness of the financial tsunami that hit world markets last fall.

Tax revenue for Florida Marlins stadium falling short? - February 1, 2009 - Miami-Dade counts on future boom tourism years to pay for a $609 million stadium. Declining hotel-tax revenue will test that optimism.

Miami, county could clash over ethics code updates - January 29, 2009 - While the City of Miami is working to loosen up its code of ethics, Miami-Dade County has plans to adopt stricter standards, which could create an unanticipated conflict.

Adrienne Arsht Center set to make broad reach for donors - January 29, 2009 - The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is taking a page out of President Obama's playbook and reaching out to every member of the community for support

Marlins stadium agreements include escape clauses for all parties - January 29, 2009 - Miami-Dade County, Miami and the Florida Marlins are ready to play ball, with overdue baseball stadium agreements ready for commissions' votes next month. Still, until June 30 all players could pull out essentially penalty free.

At town hall meeting, Wasserman Shultz fields questions about stimulus plan - January 29, 2009 - U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, fielded questions about the $819 billion economic stimulus plan at a Miami Beach meeting.

Florida International Business Expo offers a global platform - January 29, 2009 - The Florida International Business Expo has attracted dozens of smaller businesses with networking possibilities and minimal booth fees.

Sanchez launches his campaign for mayor - January 28, 2009 - City Commissioner Joe Sanchez declared his candidacy for Miami mayor.

Joe Sanchez for Mayor – I think “NOT” - December 15, 2008 - I was reading an article stating that City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez was thinking about running for Mayor  for the City of Miami replacing Mayor Manny Diaz at the end of his term in 2009.  The question is, “Is Joe Sanchez ready to become Mayor?”, and I think not.  I will explain.

New rules raise the bar for condo mortgages in Florida - January 24, 2009 - In a move that will make it even more difficult to qualify for a condo loan, Fannie Mae is putting a host of new conditions on mortgages for condominiums in Florida.

'Burn Notice' to resume shooting in Coconut Grove Convention Center - January 24, 2009 - 'Burn Notice' returns to television, and Miami, but it will cost more to continue shooting in the Coconut Grove Convention Center.

Mayor Manny Diaz says farewell -- but it's not what you think - January 23, 2009 - Miami Mayor Manny Diaz Friday told a crowd gathered for the annual ING Miami Marathon that this would be his last time addressing them as mayor -- something some in attendence took to mean Diaz would soon be taking a post with the Obama administration.

Florida job offices feel the squeeze, too - January 23, 2009 - Applying for unemployment benefits in Florida can't be done in person. Either go online, or do it by phone and wait.

President Obama makes his way to new office - January 20, 2009 - Inaugural parade heads to White House, celebrating first black U.S. leader

Manny Diaz leads nation's mayors pushing for aid to cities - January 17, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Led by Miami's Manny Diaz, mayors past and present from Boston to Seattle on Saturday hailed a proposed national economic stimulus package -- but said it should include direct aid to cities.

Luis Morse Runs For Miami Commission Seat - January 14, 2009 - Former State Representative Luis Morse has filed to run in this November's election for the District 3 seat in the City of Miami Commission.

Local leaders hope 'New Deal' public works projects can stimulate growth - January 11, 2009 - The overheated real-estate boom that brought a row of new high-rises to Biscayne Boulevard has ended in a crash. Economic calamity follows, leading to rising joblessness, collapsing public budgets and unmet needs for schools, transportation and affordable housing.

Bad Economic News May Ease S. Florida Gas Prices - January 10, 2009 - A Friday drop in the price of a barrel of crude oil caused some South Florida gasoline dealers to back down on price increases which hit as much as 20 cents in the past week, with some prices rising as much as 10 cents in a day.

Miami-Dade applies new state law aimed at cutting taxes inflated by mortgage fraud - January 1, 2009 - In compliance with a new Florida law, the Miami-Dade property appraiser's office is reexamining tax assessments that may have been inflated by fraudulent home sales.

Taxpayers say fire-fee refunds `should be more' - January 1, 2009 - Miami taxpayers have started receiving their fire-fee refunds. But many residents are grumbling about the amount of the payout.

Senate bill could set new deadline for final Marlins stadium deal - December 30, 2008 -   Miami-Dade voters could get a chance to weigh in on a planned Marlins stadium if local governments and the team don't ink final deals before summer.

Miami fire fee settlement checks are out, but only for 25 percent - December 30, 2008 -   Miami fire fee payers are getting back 25 cents of each dollar the City of Miami illegally charged them — and a little more may follow.

Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.

Miami's plans to sell Knight Center north side assets stall again - December 23, 2008 - Plans to sell a portion of the Knight Center are once again stalled.

Back pay: Miami wants FEMA to cut check for 2005 hurricane damage - December 23, 2008 - What Miami wants this holiday season — among many things — is a refund check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Miami technology upgrades will boost services to residents - December 23, 2008 - Miami businesses and residents will soon have a host of city services at their fingertips thanks to a $20 million technology upgrade for which city commissioners last week approved a loan.

Miami Worldcenter partners with Centurion in Park West revitalization project - December 18, 2008 - Miami Worldcenter developers have inked a partnership with California-based Centurion Partners for the planned nine-block, mixed-use project that seeks to revitalize downtown's Park West.

Miami agrees to let strapped Bayside Marketplace pay only half of unpaid rent - December 18, 2008 - With Bayside Marketplace's owners financially strapped by distressed real estate holdings across the country, the City of Miami is letting the company pay only half of what it owes in unpaid rent.

Miami 21 urban redevelopment plan gets airing - December 18, 2008 - A public hearing on Miami 21, a major rezoning plan, drew scores of complaints, indicating tough issues ahead for the city leaders.

Revival sought for tunnel plan - December 16, 2008 - Backers of a proposed Port of Miami tunnel are fighting to resurrect the project.

Battle Continues Over Miami-Dade Teachers' Raises - December 15, 2008 - Teachers, School Board Members Attend Mediation

Joe Sanchez for Mayor – I think “NOT” - December 15, 2008 - I was reading an article stating that City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez was thinking about running for Mayor  for the City of Miami replacing Mayor Manny Diaz at the end of his term in 2009.  The question is, “Is Joe Sanchez ready to become Mayor?”, and I think not.  I will explain.

Number of foreclosure filings in Florida among nation's highest - December 13, 2008 - In November, Florida again had the nation's second-highest number of properties with foreclosure filings, RealtyTrac said in a report.

Miami shows off its help for the homeless - December 12, 2008 - Many big cities are reporting a rising homeless population, but Miami isn't one of them.

Miami's Diaz offers mayors' wish list to Obama - December 11, 2008 - From his post atop the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has offered President-elect Barack Obama a Christmas wish list for the ages.

Union officials don't want Miami mayor in Obama Cabinet - December 4, 2008 - Miami Mayor Manny Diaz is facing criticism he doesn't care about the common worker -- criticism he disputes, but that could hurt his chances for a Cabinet post.

A month without a homicide is unusual - November 29, 2008 - MIAMI: Homicide-free days are a dramatic turnaround from the early 1980s. JACKSONVILLE: Its longest homicide-free period was 27 days in 2003.

Miamians Weigh In On City's Positives, Negatives - November 27, 2008 - MIAMI -- How closely connected do Miami residents feel to the soul of their community?

City of Miami Government at it's Worst

More Than 1,000 Families to Receive Thanksgiving Meals November 21, 2008 - Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez to Host 10th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway-

Mayor Manny Diaz and City Commissioners to Commemorate World AIDS Day - November 21, 2008 - A Candlelight Memorial and Tree Lighting Ceremony
marks 20th Anniversary

Judge Issues Final Ruling In Marlins Ballpark Case - November 21, 2008 - MIAMI -- The Florida Marlins are a big step closer to getting their new downtown Miami ballpark after a judge rejected the last piece of a lawsuit challenging the project.

Miami argues Braman's motion essentially requests a new trial, that estimates on parking facility costs would not change ruling - November 20, 2008 - Civic leader Norman Braman's motion to seek new evidence from the City of Miami in his fight against a publicly funded Marlins ballpark essentially requests a new trial and should be denied, says a response city attorneys sent to the Braman team Tuesday.

Heated exchange in City Hall over Miami River development - November 16, 2008 - Miami City Hall is still feuding with Miami River businesses over the city's planned future development guidelines -- guidelines the marine industry argues will turn Miami's ''working river'' into a high-rise condo haven.

Federal grants to be used to buy up South Florida foreclosures - November 14, 2008 - South Florida governments are gearing up to spend more than $161 million in federal grant money to stimulate the housing market.

Miami City Commission approves homeowner loans - November 14, 2008 - Miami commissioners launched a foreclosure prevention program, while also speeding up capital improvement projects to increase jobs.

Miami City Commission Approves Economic Stimulus Initiatives - November 13, 2008 - Includes Foreclosure Prevention, Neighborhood Stabilization And Job Creation Projects-

City of Miami is #3 Digital City in the Nation, #1 in the State - November 14, 2008 - (Miami, FL)—The City of Miami has been ranked the number three digital city in the nation by the Center for Digital Government, topping several big cities in America including Tucson, Arizona, and Houston, Texas.

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz 'in the mix' for Obama post - November 12, 2008 - Miami Mayor Manny Diaz could be appointed to a high-level position in the new president's administration.

Norman Braman motion asks for full disclosure on Marlins' stadium garage cost November 6, 2008 Attorneys for Norman Braman have filed a court motion seeking financial details on a garage at a Marlins ballpark site and to question City of Miami officials based on "newly discovered evidence."

Judge to determine whether Braman's legal team will get information about parking garage financials - November 6, 2008 - Financial projections for parking at a planned new Marlins ballpark should have come into play when a judge ruled this summer that stadium plans serve a public purpose, says auto dealer Norman Braman, who vows to continue his ongoing legal battle against local governments' plans for a stadium and other large-scale public works projects.

Onslaught of dirty tricks as election day nears
In the final hours of the campaign, bogus fliers, e-mails and calls increase

Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks
If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.

Judge OK's Miami fire-fee refund Posted on Thursday, October.30, 2008 - After a decade of legal wrangling -- and much controversy -- a judge has approved a settlement of Miami's fire-fee litigation.

City of Miami Invites Residents to Celebrate Halloween Activities October 29, 2008 - (Miami, Florida)- The City of Miami invites its residents to enjoy Halloween festivities being held at several locations throughout the City.  Young and grown ups can walk through haunted houses, participate in costume contests and more.

Mark Your Calendars, Bike Miami is Coming! October 28, 2008 - (Miami, FL) – Join Mayor of the City of Miami Manny Diaz for Bike Miami, a free and family friendly event for cyclists, skaters and walkers to explore the city in a whole new way on Sunday, November 9 from 10 am to 3 pm.

The City of Miami Urges Seniors and Low-income Seniors to Claim Their Economic Stimulus Payments Thursday, October 9, 2008 - (Miami, FL) City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Commissioner Angel González and Commissioner Joe Sánchez joined representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today at the Allapattah Community Center, 2257 NW North River Drive, Miami, to remind low-income seniors to claim their Economic Stimulus Payments.

The American Express Root for Our City Challenge Enlists City of Miami Community and Merchants to Help Bring More Trees to City Streets

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park puts Call Out to All Drummers