The Gulf oil spill hasn't ruined Florida's economic recovery and the modest growth will continue this year, according to a new report. <p/> While the oil crisis dealt a blow to the Panhandle tourism industry, it won't be enough to stop the Sunshine State's economy from growing 2.9 percent this year, a University of Central Florida forecast said. Even so, the report predicts recovery at snail's pace both statewide and in South Florida as employers resist hiring and real estate values remain depressed.

Addressing concerns over cruise ship safety and transparency, President Barack Obama this week signed into law new measures that mandate crime reporting, require aid for rape victims and force all ships to have cabin peep holes and guard rails of a certain height.

Introduced a year ago with great fanfare as affordable health insurance for the masses of uninsured, Miami-Dade Blue has signed up 3,600 customers.

Even though The Betsy was denied a second bid for a rooftop lounge, there is little to stop the hotel's ownership from quickly making a third attempt.

In a sign of the economic times, consumers' biggest gripes were about car sales and credit and debt grievances, according to a survey of complaints made to consumer agencies last year. The fastest-growing gripe was about bogus offers to save consumers from foreclosure.

Foreclosures were rampant throughout Florida's metropolitan areas in the first six months of the year, with nine of the nation's 20 highest foreclosure rates in the Sunshine State, according to a report released Thursday by RealtyTrac.

South Florida's wealthy residents worry most about the cost of healthcare, rating as slightly more anxious about that expense than people their age across the country.

Mercantil Commercebank, based in Coral Gables, on Wednesday reported a second-quarter profit of $2.3 million, compared with $1.3 million in the first quarter of this year and a $14.9 million loss in the second quarter of 2009.

More people traveled through Miami International Airport in the first six months of this year compared with 2009, putting the airport well on track to beat expectations for the year.

Imagine a plant that pumps out flowers almost nonstop — a plant that practically stops foot or car traffic because it shouts “look at me.” Even better, this is a plant that doesn’t demand a lot of extraordinary care.

There are roses covering every part of Ruth Tiffany’s yard, even climbing up a utility pole.

Wind chill isn’t something we normally think about in July. And it’s certainly not something we’d believe could occur in our living room. But when a properly functioning ceiling fan is spinning overhead, wind chill is exactly what we experience.

Varnish or similar coatings would probably peel and flake off in a short time. The best bet is to use a cleaner-polish intended for laminate floors.

Kalevi Kiviniemi will perform at the Organ Festival.

An exhibition of the original costume design drawings by the late Oscar-winning costume designer Mary Wills will be complemented by a free showing of “The Virgin Queen.”

A task force for the city of San Diego has recommended that an independent nonprofit conservancy should be established to manage Balboa Park and raise money for projects to restore the 142-year-old park. Do you favor such a change?

The visual proof is horrifying. That simple can of Arizona Rx Energy drink sports a whopping 345 calories with 83 grams of sugar, equivalent to six — count ’em, six — cinnamon Pop-Tarts.

The San Diego County Orchid Society will host its Summer Show and Sale in the Park noon to 5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Ellen DeGeneres is dancing off "American Idol" after one season, leaving Fox's hit show with two vacancies on its judging panel.

Judging "didn't feel like the right fit for me," she told Fox.

John R. Branca, brother of famed Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca and father of John Branca, the co-administrator of Michael Jackson's estate, has died.

Rapper-turned-underwear model-turned-Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg has been enshrined in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Flaming Lips' Sept. 17 concert at the Pageant is sold out.

Imagine spending $250,000 on flowers. Or $20,000 on a cake. How does $15,000 to $20,000 for toilets sound?

It isn't much of a stretch for Jill Biden when she takes an acting turn in an episode of Lifetime network's "Army Wives."

New series with Jim Belushi, Jerry O'Connell tisn't a remake of the vintage drama.

Key: F-Fiction; NF-Nonfiction; H-Hardcover; P-Paperback