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Five Big Stories of the Week

By Times Staff
Published September 2, 2007

1. Bush administration unveils housing plan

The president outlines plans to help some creditworthy homeowners who have fallen behind on payments.

WHAT IT MEANS: The program is the Bush administration's most aggressive effort to date to address a rising credit crunch, growing foreclosures and the worst housing slump in 16 years.

2. Putting the international into TIA

Businesses clamor for more international flights out of Tampa International Airport during a town hall meeting.

WHAT IT MEANS: The big push is for Latin American flights. TIA has gone backward in the past seven years, now offering fewer international destinations. Its sole overseas flight left: British Airways to London.

3. Florida on cruise control

A report underscores that the state dominates the cruise industry, accounting for 56 percent of all passengers from U.S. ports.

WHAT IT MEANS: Not only are four of the top seven cruise ports in Florida, including Tampa, Floridians accounted for 25 percent of all U.S. cruise customers.

4. Parimutuels lobby for help

Owners of Florida parimutuels, like horse and dog racing, fear an expansion of Indian gaming will hurt them.

WHAT IT MEANS: The state is negotiating an exclusive contract with the Seminole Tribe that could allow Vegas-style slot machines plus table games like roulette. For parimutuels already suffering from the casino competition, it could be devastating.

5. Energy savings pilot expands

Regulators allow Tampa Electric to offer customers a tiered-pricing program to save energy and money.

WHAT IT MEANS: Power to the people. Alerted by Tampa Electric during the more expensive energy times during the day, customers can cut back their usage.

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 22:33:59]