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Today’s headlines
Permit for exploitation?
Employers say the H-1B program lets them recruit foreign workers for specialized jobs they can't otherwise fill. Critics argue that the program is vulnerable to abuse by giving employers unfair leverage and keeping wages low.

An uncertain number
Debate over H-1B visas for foreign workers has often turned on how many to permit into the country each year.

Lincare's low-price locales, high-price executives
It's a good thing the folks who run Lincare Holdings Inc. aren't in the tour guide business. Their choice of destinations leaves a lot to be desired.

Media ownership debate draws FCC visitors
Two Federal Communications Commissioners took field trips to check out local media outlets during a low-key visit to the Tampa Bay area last week. Commissioners Kathleen Abernathy and Kevin Martin toured the Tampa Tribune and WFLA News Channel 8's News Center operation. Martin also visited Time Warner Cable's Bay News 9 facilities.

The nine lives of an executive resume
When publicly traded companies announce the hiring of a key executive, it's convenient to engage in a bit of resume polishing. Minor accomplishments are painted as epic. Failures are whited out.

Was it featured on HSN's 'Plug It In'?
Tampa Bay area TV viewers may not have noticed, but WFTT-Ch. 50 stopped airing Home Shopping Network on Jan. 14.

Raising the bar on restaurant drinks
Grouper Piccata and other creative dishes may be drawing enthusiastic crowds to Bonefish Grill, a Tampa Bay area restaurant chain recently acquired by Outback Steakhouse Inc.

Profile: Mary Rocereto
NEW POSITION: Director of sales and marketing, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa.

Climbing the ladder

Companies in the news

Business calendar
"Business Counseling" sessions, by the St. Petersburg Business Development Center, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Friday at the center, 1045 16th St. S. For an appointment or information, call (727) 893-7146.

The week ahead