Melbourne-based Mercedes Homes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week and plans reorganize and stay in business. The builder, which was popular in Tampa Bay subdivisions during the housing boom, listed between 5,001 and 10,000 creditors and said it has assets between $100,001 and $500,000. Fifth Third Bank, which is owed $7.1 million, is listed as the largest creditor, according to the bankruptcy filing. 84 Lumber is owed about $615,000, and Deal Air Electrical Services is owed about $563,000. ...more

February 3, 2009

Macy's announced Monday it will cut 7,000 jobs, almost 4 percent of its work force, reduce its contributions to its employees' retirement funds and slash its dividend to preserve cash amid a severe pullback in consumer spending. ...more

February 3, 2009

An alleged Ponzi scheme by an insurance agency in Grand Island that recently filed bankruptcy listing more than $100 million in debt is being investigated. ...more

January 22, 2009

Another Coastal Way store has bitten the dust. Circuit City began liquidating its merchandise Saturday after the electronics chain was unable to find a buyer after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November. ...more

January 18, 2009

BANKRUPT RETAILERS Experts expect even more retailers to file for bankruptcy or just liquidate in coming months as consumers keep tight control of their spending because of job worries and dwindling retirement accounts. ...more

January 17, 2009

Red yard signs in front of the Circuit City store at Shelby Crossing say, "Ask Me About 36 Month Financing." ...more

January 17, 2009

Red yard signs in front of the Circuit City store at Shelby Crossing say, "Ask Me About 36 Month Financing." No one is sure how long that offer will stand. Circuit City Stores Inc., the nation's second-biggest consumer electronics retailer, said Friday it failed to find a buyer and will liquidate its 567 U.S. stores. ...more

January 16, 2009

Hernando County Commissioners recently approved a $12 million increase in our 2009 budget. ...more

January 14, 2009

Circuit City Stores Inc. said Friday it is in talks with two parties that could buy the company or provide additional financing for it to stay in business. ...more

January 10, 2009

Best Buy Co., the nation's largest consumer electronics chain, narrowed its fiscal 2009 adjusted earnings forecast Friday and said it will take an approximately $60 million fourth-quarter charge related to some employee buyouts. ...more

January 10, 2009