Top 10 Automotive Stories of 2010: Toyota’s Nightmare Year is #1
The trouble at Toyota was chosen as the top news story of 2010 in the annual Automotive News staff poll. Here’s a recap of the staff’s choices for the year’s top 10 stories:
Miami, Tampa Home Prices Hit New Lows
Miami and Tampa housing prices hit their lowest levels in October since home prices started their downward tumble in 2006, a major housing market gauge reported Tuesday, adding to already bad economic news in a state struggling to find its footing in a recovery that lags the rest of the nation.
Examine Internet Sales Tax says Scott Team
Advisers to incoming Governor Rick Scott said Wednesday that the state needs to develop a comprehensive strategy in dealing with Internet sales tax issues.
Florida’s Condo Sales Rise in November
Sales of existing condominiums in Florida rose 11 percent in November, with a total of 5,411 condos sold statewide compared to 4,860 units sold in November 2009, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
Darden Reports Increase in Sales, Earnings
Darden Restaurants reported on Monday an increase of 26% in second quarter earnings per share to 54 cents, versus 43 cents in the prior year. Second quarter sales from continuing operations were $1.73 billion, compared to $1.64 billion in the prior year, a 5.2% increase.
Florida Foreclosures Drop Dramatically: RealtyTrac
Foreclosures in Florida dropped by a whopping 42 percent in November compared to the previous month, RealtyTrac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties reported on Thursday.
AAA: Holiday Travel Expected to Increase by 3.1 Percent
AAA said on Wednesday that 92.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, an increase of 3.1 percent from the 89.5 million who traveled one year ago.
Unemployment Comp Tax Hike Could be Jobs Killer for Biz
Employers are again facing a larger-than-expected jump in what they pay to the state for jobless benefits which could impact negatively an already dismal jobs situation. After dodging a massive unemployment tax increase a year ago when lawmakers earlier this year passed emergency legislation that delayed a hike in the minimum rate from about $8 per worker to $100 per worker, the issue is now back on the table.
Lawmaker Wants Sales Tax from Cyber Sales
A Florida lawmaker would like to see sales taxes collected from online out-of-state and mail-order retailers, particularly in light of the $2.5 billion budget gap which the state faces and the growing trend in Internet sales. Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, believes that Florida is losing out on millions in online sales taxes receipts.
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