Business events
Tuesday

Summer Bummer?
Blake Oguin spends a lot of time these days sitting by the telephone.

Students cutting back on study abroad programs
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Amanda Smay, an English major at a Pennsylvania college, longed to go to London next month with a study abroad program.

What's/Who's new
WHAT'S NEW

The vacation-home buyer
If Daytona's complicated real estate market could be reduced to a round of "Jeopardy!," one answer recited by Alex Trebek might be this: the beach, Disney, deep discounts and a droopy dollar.

Mother's Day spending may be down
Some moms may not be getting both chocolates and a bouquet for Mother's Day this year as consumers watch their spending. Even businesses that traditionally benefit from the holiday, such as florists and restaurants, are offering special offers and products.

Gas surpasses $3.67 average
NEW YORK -- Oil rose above $126 a barrel for the first time Friday, bringing its advance this week to nearly $10, as investors questioned whether a possible confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela could cut exports from the OPEC member. Gas prices, meanwhile, rose above an average $3.67 a gallon at the pump, following oil's recent path higher.

Citigroup stands by plans, will shed $500B in assets
NEW YORK -- Citigroup Inc.'s new chief executive, Vikram Pandit, plans to stick with a global banking model after months of intense review -- but only after shrinking the company by about one-fifth first.

Business briefs
Real estate investor buys Panera plaza

Publix: Out with the old
PORT ORANGE -- With all the people coming and going, and the scanners beeping, it's hard to imagine the Publix at Dunlawton Square could be coming down in the near future.

Marina Point II project under more scrutiny
DAYTONA BEACH -- A controversial hotel and marina project must now go before the planning board and City Commission as a planned development, though it had been considered a straight industrial zoning until now.

Volusia tax-certificate sale begins Monday
Online bidding begins Monday for Volusia County's more than $54.2 million in delinquent tax certificates this year. The sale at bidvolusia.com closes May 30.

Business briefs
Rossmeyer customizing NASCAR bikes

Despite lack of hurricanes, don't forget flood coverage
After making it scot-free through the past three hurricane seasons, most Volusia-Flagler residents are playing the odds they can survive yet another storm period without any flood damage.

Building permits up, but fewer folks around
DAYTONA BEACH -- It's too soon to say Volusia County's economy is on the mend, but a recent uptick in building permits offers a glimmer of hope, the county's lead business recruiter said Wednesday.

Sprint, Clearwire form new wireless company
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Clearwire and Sprint Nextel said Wednesday they will combine their wireless broadband units to create a $14.55 billion communications company.

Business briefs
Construction starts on Port Orange projects

Foreclosures foiling future?
DELAND -- The struggling developer of Carriage Homes, a planned luxury town-house project with just 11 units built -- and only two sold -- sought bankruptcy protection from creditors Tuesday, averting a foreclosure sale scheduled for hours later.

Copyright© Sunday, May 11, 2008 Technology: Daytona Beach Portal.

Current Weather For Daytona Beach, Florida:

View Live Webcam

Winds are Southwest at 20 Gusting to 32 MPH. The pressure is 29.74" (1006.9 mb) and the humidity is 67%. The heat index is 84. Last Updated on May 11, 9:53 pm EDT.

Copyright© Sunday, May 11, 2008 Technology: DBP.