Utilities seek rate hikesProgress Energy and Tampa Electric have both asked the Florida Public Service Commission for permission to raise electricity rates in January to cover the rising cost of coal, oil and natural gas.Brownfield grants redevelopThe Pinellas County Commission this week accepted a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding three brownfield cleanup grants totaling $600,000.Ritz-Carlton seeks expansionThe Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota already the go-to spot for luxury hotels in Greater Sarasota, could be adding another title to its mantle within the next two years: Biggest hotel in Greater Sarasota.Project receives green lightA mix-used project for Englewood, in the southern reaches of Sarasota County, has been given the preliminarily go-ahead by Sarasota County commissioners. Lee permits stay lowLee County issued permits for 37 single-family homes in August compared with 55 issued in August 2007, a 33% decline. The numbers are evidence that builders of new homes continue to face a tough market.nti-growthers win in LeeThree Republican incumbents on the Lee County commission who ran on anti-growth platforms won their primaries, paving the way for their reelection in November in the heavily Republican area.Tax on road buildersA consultant hired by Lee County commissioners is recommending the county tax businesses that mine rock used in road building. The new so-called "imp
