Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL) articles from February 2006

Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL) archives from February 2006

Giving crowds a lift.
February 28, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 28--KISSIMMEE -- Expedition Everest, Walt Disney World's newest mega-ride, lasts only four minutes, but if you believe the marketing buzz, it's plenty of time for Disney officials to make you think you've made...

Security review doesn't surprise port officials.
February 28, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 28--TAMPA -- Port of Tampa officials said Monday they were not surprised that the Bush administration will launch a second review of issues involving a Dubai company at the center of a national debate on port...

Decision due on utilities' storm plans.
February 28, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 28--State regulators want Florida's electric utilities to inspect lines, poles and other equipment and report on readiness for the hurricane season. The Florida Public Service Commission will decide April 4...

Sip & Surf.
February 27, 2006... Byline: Richard Mullins Feb. 27--TAMPA -- J.J. Higgins drove around Tampa for an hour looking for one thing -- a coffee shop with something more than coffee. Not muffins, not scones, not exotic chai tea. He wanted Wi-Fi Internet access,...

The Sunshine State's potential for power.
February 26, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 26--PLANT CITY -- Jon Butts knows the array of solar panels on the roof of his barn won't pay for itself anytime soon. He's content knowing the less power he buys from Tampa Electric Co. the more greenhouse...

Tampa firm's medication has enormous potential as Hepatitis treatment.
February 25, 2006... Byline: Carol Gentry Feb. 25--TAMPA -- Digestive disease specialist David Heiman has dozens of chronic hepatitis C patients who do not respond to the drugs now available. Their only hope is a transplant before their liver gives out. ...

Mideast Group offers to segregate U.S. ports.
February 25, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 25--TAMPA -- The Middle Eastern group that has raised security concerns with plans to buy a company that operates at several worldwide ports says it is willing to segregate the deal's U.S. ports while working...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 25, 2006... Feb. 25--CRIST SUES TAMPA FIRM: Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist filed suit Friday against Tampa-based Global Information Group and its owners, alleging GIG illegally obtained and sold confidential cell phone records of private...

New Port Leaders Defer To White House On P&O Sale.
February 24, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 24--TAMPA Three Tampa area business executives took oaths Tuesday morning as first-time commissioners with the Tampa Port Authority. By noon, they had made their marks on a segment of a controversial...

Syniverse profit up as sales decline.
February 24, 2006... Byline: Richard Mullins Feb. 24--Telecommunications systems company Syniverse Holdings Inc. said Thursday that revenue fell, but profit rose in the fourth quarter, ended Dec. 31. Syniverse, based in Tampa, provides systems that track...

Virgin America airline seeks approval to fly.
February 23, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 23--TAMPA -- Virgin America, the start-up, low-cost airline that drew its name and a minority investment share from billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, has Tampa and five other Florida cities in mind as...

RayJay Splits Stock.
February 23, 2006... Feb. 23--Raymond James Financial, the St. Petersburg-based brokerage company, is splitting its shares 3-for-2 to make the stock more affordable, Bloomberg News reported. Shareholders as of March 8 will receive one additional share for...

Pharmacists protest drug plan cash flow.
February 23, 2006... Byline: Carol Gentry Feb. 23--TAMPA -- A Florida-led protest group for independent druggists says they are being crippled by slow cash flow under the new Medicare drug plan. In a release issued Wednesday, the group, GrassRootsRx.org...

The Sears shuffle.
February 23, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 23--TAMPA -- Shoppers may be scratching their heads lately at the changes taking place at their local Sears and Kmart stores. First, Kmart Corp. merged with Sears Roebuck & Co. to form Sears Holdings Corp....

Medical code breakers in demand.
February 22, 2006... Byline: Mary Shedden Feb. 22--TAMPA -- When it comes to finding the right job, some people are naturals. Clergy say it's a calling. Actors can't imagine life away from the stage. Doris Lynne and Charlene Funk, veteran health...

Controversial port contract advances.
February 22, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 22--TAMPA -- A national controversy over a Middle Eastern company running certain operations at U.S. ports reached Tampa on Tuesday, setting off some intense debate before the Tampa Port Authority moved toward...

Rays put market plan on the road.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 21--TAMPA -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are retiring the "Under Construction" marketing campaign that marked the first four months of the Stuart Sternberg ownership era and are launching a beefed-up 2006 advertising...

As more storms loom, state seeks insurance solution.
February 21, 2006... Feb. 21--The Tampa Tribune Scientists say Florida is in the throes of a two-decade cycle of increased hurricane activity. Building and rebuilding along the state's shores continue despite two destructive hurricane seasons. Florida has...

Rays Put Market Plan On The Road.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 21--TAMPA--The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are retiring the "Under Construction" marketing campaign that marked the first four months of the Stuart Sternberg ownership era and are launching a beefed-up 2006 advertising...

Group Says Use Tax To Improve System.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Mark Holan Feb. 21--TAMPA -- A panel is recommending that tax revenue generated by increased property values in unincorporated Hillsborough County be earmarked for improvements to bus service in those areas. The...

University of South Florida discovers $185,000 in unsent bills.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Adam Emerson Feb. 21--TAMPA -- University of South Florida auditors found $185,000 in bills that were never sent to students of the English Language Institute, officials said Monday. The discovery came during an investigation...

$18 Million Proposed For Desal Settlement.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Neil Johnson Feb. 21--CLEARWATER -- Tampa Bay Water on Monday agreed to offer an $18 million settlement in a lawsuit the utility filed to recover costs associated with fixing its faulty desalination plant. The offer amounts...

Stadium Security Plan OK'd.
February 21, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 21--TAMPA -- The Tampa Sports Authority board on Monday endorsed a plan to split the extra security costs at Raymond James Stadium with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pending the team's request to check the security...

Some Developers Exceed Standards.
February 20, 2006... Byline: John W. Allman Feb. 20--APOLLO BEACH -- Ask new home buyers what they would prefer to spend an extra $50,000 on: a swimming pool or enhanced hurricane safety features. Aaron Schmidt, vice president of sales for Schmidt...

Former cattle ranch hopes eco-tours will rope in more tourists.
February 20, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 20--ODESSA -- It seemed like a perfect business idea to J.B. Starkey Jr., a way to honor his father's legacy of land conservation and preserve the natural beauty of the family's Pasco County cattle ranch. ...

Made In The U.S.A.
February 20, 2006... Byline: Carol Gentry Feb. 20--ST. PETERSBURG -- Akshay Desai was just a toddler in Gujarat when U.S. families were pasting S&H Green Stamps in books to win a toaster. As a native of India, however, he can relate to Americans who grew...

Online Stores Are Caught In Jihad Web.
February 20, 2006... Byline: Howard Altman Feb. 20--When Stacey Turmel placed an order online with Davida, an English motorcycle accessory company, she was looking for protective gear with style and comfort. But after plunking down $255 for a two-tone...

Hillsborough officials warn hurricane 'damage is going to be horrendous'.
February 20, 2006... Byline: John W. Allman Feb. 20--RUSKIN -- In the rural southern end of Hillsborough County, along a stretch of U.S. 41 between Ruskin and Apollo Beach, the future is being built on Tampa Bay. New luxury subdivisions constructed on...

Utilities draft plans to inspect poles more frequently.
February 20, 2006... Byline: Neil Johnson Feb. 20--TAMPA -- In 2004, Hurricane Charley ripped across Florida, toppling more than 1,200 TECO power poles. Then hurricanes Frances and Jeanne downed nearly 1,500 more TECO power poles. The same storms...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 18, 2006... Feb. 18--HABERMEYER TO RETIRE: Bill Habermeyer, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida Inc., will retire in May, the company said in a news release Friday. Habermeyer, 63, took over as head of the St....

Pirates Invade Busch Gardens.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 18--TAMPA -- Actor Leslie Nielsen doesn't normally have a nine-year wait between the completion of his film and opening night, but Busch Gardens in Tampa operates on a different schedule from Hollywood. ...

Pirates invade Busch Gardens.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 18--TAMPA -- Actor Leslie Nielsen doesn't normally have a nine-year wait between the completion of his film and opening night, but Busch Gardens in Tampa operates on a different schedule from Hollywood. ...

Abberger Sets Sights On Housing, Wages, Education.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Dave Simanoff Feb. 18--TAMPA -- Bob Abberger, the newly installed chairman of Tampa's Committee of One Hundred, is calling upon his fellow business leaders to address a number of growing concerns -- low wages, education and the...

Checkers board serves up sale.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 18--TAMPA -- The board of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., known for its "You Gotta Eat" slogan, wants to sell the company to an investment firm. But it may find itself in a debate about how much the burger...

Checkers Board Serves Up Sale.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 18--TAMPA -- The board of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., known for its "You Gotta Eat" slogan, wants to sell the company to an investment firm. But it may find itself in a debate about how much the burger...

Name of new publication sparks suit against Times.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Elaine Silvestrini Feb. 18--TAMPA -- The owners of The Tampa Tribune filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in federal court Friday trying to prevent the St. Petersburg Times from using the name Tampa Bay Times on a new...

Utek reports $5.89 million in earnings.
February 18, 2006... Byline: Rich Mullins Feb. 18--Utek Corp., a Plant City company that helps develop university inventions into commercial products, earned $5.89 million on revenue of $22.74 million for the year that ended Dec. 31. That's more than six...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 17, 2006... Feb. 17--MCCARTY APOLOGIZES FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER: Kevin McCarty apologized Thursday for failing to notify the public that his office had approved a rate increase for Allstate homeowner insurance customers, reversing his original...

Roof Collapse In TECO Mine Kills Worker.
February 17, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 17--A Kentucky man died Thursday morning inside a mine owned by a subsidiary of TECO Energy Inc. when a section of the mine roof collapsed, causing rock and debris to strike the man. Tim Caudill, 33, of...

Hurricanes Leave Shells In The Red.
February 17, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 17--Losses mounted at Tampa-based Shells Seafood Restaurants during its 2005 fiscal year because of lost sales during the hurricane season and higher labor and restaurant remodeling costs. Shells on...

Port chief backs new terminal operator.
February 17, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 17--TAMPA -- The Port of Tampa should move forward to secure P&O Ports North America Inc. as its terminal operator despite an emerging political issue over the sale of P&O's parent company to one in the United...

Florida unit drags down Progress Energy's profit.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 16--A slump in earnings at Progress Energy's utility based in St. Petersburg contributed to a 20 percent slide in the parent company's fourth-quarter net income from a year ago. Progress Energy, based in...

Steakhouse's revenue fizzled rather than sizzled in 2005.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Dave Simanoff Feb. 16--TAMPA -- Stagnant sales at Outback Steakhouse restaurants and hurricane-related losses took a bite out of Outback Steakhouse Inc.'s earnings last year. The Tampa-based restaurant chain said Wednesday...

Museum of art plan gains support.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Ellen Gedalius Feb. 16--TAMPA -- The plan to put the new Tampa Museum of Art in the cube buildings at 400 N. Ashley Drive passed its first hurdle Wednesday when the museum board overwhelmingly approved the deal. Only Jan...

Riverside building might go condo.
February 16, 2006... Feb. 16--TAMPA -- A developer is considering building a residential high-rise condominium along the Hillsborough River at Kennedy Boulevard and Ashley Drive in downtown, an architect for the project confirmed Wednesday. Albert Alfonso,...

Tampa to lose call center, 400 jobs by year's end.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 16--TAMPA -- The operator of a General Motors call center that employs about 400 people said Wednesday that it plans to close the center by the end of this year. Convergys Corp., a contractor based in...

Steakhouse's revenues fizzled rather than sizzled in 2005.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Dave Simanoff Feb. 16--TAMPA -- Stagnant sales at Outback Steakhouse restaurants and hurricane-related losses took a bite out of Outback Steakhouse Inc.'s earnings last year. The Tampa-based restaurant chain said Wednesday...

There's a push afoot to control truckers' gas pedal.
February 16, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 16--TAMPA -- A trade group representing the nation's largest trucking companies wants manufacturers to limit the maximum speed of large trucks to 68 mph to reduce speed-related crashes. The American...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 15, 2006... Feb. 15--NEW LAKE WALES PLANT MonierLifetile said Tuesday that it would invest $69 million to build two concrete roof tile plants, including adding to its existing Lake Wales facility. Its other new plant will be built in Las Vegas....

Boat dealership giant purchases Marina in Pinellas.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 15--On the surface, the news out of MarineMax Inc. on Tuesday wasn't that compelling. It announced it has bought the Great American Marine boatyard and marina, a dilapidated facility in South Pasadena in...

Citrus growers push plan for canker control.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 15--TAMPA -- A loosely formed group of citrus growers headed by Kahn Grove Service Co. said Tuesday that the state's citrus industry moves closer to its death every day that Florida lives with canker. The...

Maritrans finishes year with record earnings.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 15--TAMPA -- Maritrans Inc. concluded a record year for earnings in 2005 with a strong fourth-quarter performance aided in part by rate increases on renewed contracts for its fleet of tankers and tug-barge...

Life vests save Southwest Airlines fuel.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 15--TAMPA -- Southwest Airlines has equipped its 447 aircraft with life vests for its passengers and crews, enabling the airline to fly over water on more direct and quicker routes to save fuel costs. ...

Bucs, stadium panel reach deal.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 15--TAMPA -- The Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the verge of breaking a longtime stalemate over who should shoulder the cost for extra security at Raymond James Stadium. The...

Surgeon accused of Internet piracy.
February 15, 2006... Feb. 15--TAMPA -- One of the world's largest private eye-care clinics, St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, has sued one of its former surgeons, accusing him of Internet piracy. The surgeon, James C. Sanderson, said through his...

Sheets of ice blanket crops.
February 15, 2006... Byline: Dave Nicholson Feb. 15--PLANT CITY -- Temperatures dropped into the 20s across the heart of strawberry country early Tuesday, forcing growers to use irrigation to protect the tender fruit and blooms. Damage was minor,...

Bright House adds speed.
February 14, 2006... Feb. 14--Bright House Networks will boost the speed of its budget and midlevel Internet service by next week, while keeping prices stable. The Road Runner Lite access service, which is targeted at dial-up Internet access customers and costs...

First Advantage reports gains in quarterly earnings.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Rich Mullins Feb. 14--First Advantage, a background check and employment screening company based in St. Petersburg, on Monday reported higher profits and sales from expansion and acquiring similar companies. First Advantage,...

Despite Strong Sales, Bolts Expect Losses.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 14--TAMPA -- Despite record-setting team ticket sales of $32.5 million this season, the owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning are projected to lose $8.8 million during 2005-06, according to financial information...

Lincare's net income dropped 22 percent.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Carol Gentry Feb. 14--In 2005 Clearwater-based Lincare Holdings Inc. reported Monday that its net income fell 22 percent last year compared with 2004. The oxygen-supply company reported virtually no difference in revenue for...

Agencies' dispute may cost workers' breath.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Carol Gentry Feb. 14--TAMPA -- Kevin Koehnke, the owner of a Line-X franchise in Brandon, provides his truck sprayers with breathing masks approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The National Institute...

'CSI,' 'Law & Order' Popularize Forensics, Criminology.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Dave Simanoff Feb. 14--TAMPA -- Tonya Woytek owes her career to basic cable. As a chemistry student at the University of Florida, Woytek didn't know what she wanted to do after graduation until she stumbled across "The New...

WellCare reports earnings decline in 4th quarter.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 14--WellCare Health Plan Inc. reported earnings of $10.8 million, or 27 cents a share, for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with $17.7 million, or 46 cents a share, for the same three months in 2004....

Crops survive cold weather.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Dave Nicholson Feb. 14--PLANT CITY -- Temperatures dropped into the 20s across the heart of strawberry growing country overnight, forcing growers to use irrigation to protect tender fruit and blooms. Tentative reports say...

Campaign donations rile rezoning foes.
February 14, 2006... Byline: Liz Bleau Feb. 14--RUSKIN -- Ruskin residents who oppose a package of rezoning requests scheduled to come before the county commission in March are angry about recent contributions the developer made to Commissioner Jim Norman's...

Local Scientist Has Alternative Fuel.
February 11, 2006... Byline: Steven Isbitts Feb. 11--TARPON SPRINGS -- As a Harvard University scientist and mathematician in the late 1970s, Ruggero Santilli was awarded five grants by the U.S. Department of Energy to research the development of a...

Rays' New Marketing Chief Got Start In Laundry Room.
February 11, 2006... Byline: Alan Snel Feb. 11--ST. PETERSBURG -- You think getting moms to buy Downy fabric softener and Swiffer sweepers is tough? That's nothing compared to Darcy Raymond's newest job. How about persuading a soccer mom in Valrico...

Carnival Operators Not In Festive Mood.
February 11, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 11--TAMPA -- The Florida State Fair, with its dozens of rides and countless food stands, might seem to be the center of the carnival universe this week, but the real action is taking place 12 miles south. ...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 11, 2006... Feb. 11--CHECKERS' NASCAR BURGERS: Tampa-based Checkers Drive-In Restaurants plan to sell frozen hamburgers in grocery stores. The company said Friday that the burgers will carry the logos of Checkers and NASCAR, under a licensing...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 10, 2006... Feb. 10--BROKER NETS $150 MILLION: Brown & Brown , an insurance broker with both Tampa and Daytona Beach as headquarters, said Thursday it earned $150.5 million, or $1.08 a share, in 2005 on $785.8 million in revenue. In 2004, the company...

USDA to use $100 million to compensate growers.
February 10, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 10--TAMPA The U.S. Department of Agriculture released $100 million Thursday to compensate Florida citrus growers whose trees were destroyed under a canker eradication program that ended last month after it was...

Restaurants have done well at International Plaza.
February 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Sasso Feb. 10--TAMPA--On a recent Friday evening, scoring a table at The Cheesecake Factory at International Plaza was a substantial feat. A dozen 20- and 30-somethings huddled outside The Cheesecake Factory's doors,...

Canker program gets cash infusion.
February 10, 2006... Byline: Will Rodgers Feb. 10--TAMPA -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture released $100 million Thursday to compensate Florida citrus growers whose trees were destroyed under a canker eradication program that ended last month after it...

University of Southern Florida plans innovative medical training site.
February 10, 2006... Byline: Dam Emerson Feb. 10--TAMPA -- The University of South Florida and a Chicago developer will open a $70 million medical center and hotel aimed at training physicians and surgeons. In about two years, the university plans to...

Tampa Tribune, Fla., business briefs column.
February 9, 2006... Feb. 9--ITS INVESTIGATES TOYOTA: The U.S. International Trade Commission said Wednesday that it is investigating a claim by Solomon Technologies in Tarpon Springs that the gasoline-electric hybrid engine in the Toyota Prius and Highlander...

Regulators Void Denial Of Allstate Rate Boost.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 9--TAMPA -- In a turnaround, state regulators have approved a rate increase for Allstate homeowner insurance customers, reversing the officials' rejection last fall of a premium increase. The approval...

Port Authority Has 3 New Members.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 9--TAMPA -- Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday named three commissioners to the Tampa Port Authority, including two with maritime industry backgrounds, for new positions that expand the board from five to seven...

Rental Cars Roll South For Winter.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Ted Jackovics Feb. 9--TAMPA -- There shouldn't be a problem renting a car at Tampa International Airport as the peak visitors season gets under way -- although that could become dicey in a few weeks for those who fail to make...

Condo Craze Swallows A Landmark: Leverock's To Serve Last Plate In April.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Angela Delgado Feb. 9--ST. PETE BEACH -- Fans of the Johnny Leverock's Seafood House restaurants, make haste: The last one standing is closing its doors April 24. After 22 years at 10 Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach, the...

Pinellas loss of hotels may hurt tourism.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Randy Diamond Feb. 9--The continued loss of hotel and motel rooms to condominium conversions may hurt the ability of Pinellas County to keep attracting growing numbers of visitors each year, tourism officials said Wednesday. ...

County to establish ordinances covering sex-oriented industry.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Mark Holan Feb. 9--TAMPA -- Hillsborough County commissioners took aim at sexually oriented businesses on Wednesday, voting to create laws and licenses that regulate where and how such businesses can operate. They also agreed...

Tree ordinance would hold off developers.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Ellen Gedalius Feb. 9--TAMPA -- If the city council today approves a two-year moratorium on demolishing structures near which a grand tree was removed, Tampa would be one of the few -- if not the only -- cities to take such a...

Health officials air work force concerns.
February 9, 2006... Byline: Jerome R. Stockfisch Feb. 9--TALLAHASSEE -- While Florida's population ages, its doctors and nurses are inching toward retirement -- a scenario that has state officials concerned about meeting future health care needs. A...

Nielsen, Comcast join to track TV viewing.
February 9, 2006... Feb. 9--TAMPA -- The next time you watch a movie on demand, there may be more people watching than just you. Nielsen Entertainment, one of the nation's top movie and TV research firms, and the nation's largest cable company, Comcast...